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Note:
Rod uses Spank as his term for a back brush. He doesn't
show the Front Essence, just the Back Essence. There are
other mostly minor differences. I'm including his videos
here because they can be a big help in learning and practicing
tap steps, simple to complex. Rod Howell has ingeniously
put together his website www.unitedtaps.com
that has a tap
video dictionary - free! - and all sorts of other
information and links. Rod is into sharing and that's my
philosophy--"Pay It Forward" and "Daily Celebration
of Life" Rod's site has a great forum. Ask a
question, you'll get an answer. It's really a community.
It's wonderful. I say, take advantage of it.
Thank you, Rod!
Note: This
Practice Sheet shows how most steps we use in Basics are
just combinations of the 4 elements--step, brush, shuffle,
and hop.
Also, I use the term Step three ways: 1) step = the
element 2) Step = a combination
of elements that repeat, . 3) STEP= A combination
repeated, once or several times, sometimes with an ending
Break (a different ending combination) to form one
"STEP" of a dance. Here's another video clip of
flap
combinations. (There's an ad first.)
How
To Practice
Here
are some tips on how to practice efficiently:
1. Go over the new Step several times on your own till you
"get" it and know you have it. Get the Step and
the rhythm of it. Practice it slow till you get it, then
speed up gradually until you can do it pretty fast.
2.
The best time to practice is right after class or right
in class on your own. A few repetitions will do it if you
do it right away. Ask for that time to practice it. If you
want me to go over it again, ask. Keep asking until you
learn it. Learning the step is the most important thing,
because you will not have difficulty over and over again
with it, if you do this, and you can be present for learning
what's next.
3.
Review the Step before coming to class. Just go over it
a few times to make sure you've got it.
How
to Learn the Transitions
To
learn the sequence of the STEPS, that is, the dance--learn
the transitions. Practice the end of one
Step and the beginning of the next a few times until you
"get" it. Once you have the transitions, you
have the sequence. When you get this far,
review the sequence a few times. Once you have the sequence,
you have the dance.
Once you have the dance, you can really relax and enjoy
it!
General
Tips for Fun and Enjoyment
1. Come
to class a few minutes early to have time to put on your
tap shoes and say hello.
2. Take a personal break if you need one. Take care of yourself.
3. Be sure you can see and hear me. Ask to revolve the rows
if you want. Ask me to speak louder. Ask to be shown the
step again. In other words, be responsive and take part
in the learning process.
(Of course this can get out of hand if everyone does it
a lot, so be sensitive to this.)
4. Stay hydrated.
5. As much as possible try to visit with others before or
after class, not during class. - (Thanks!)
6. See making mistakes as fine-- as opportunities. That's
how you learn.
Don't worry about anything. The bottom line - is FUN!
www.youngatheart-tapdance.com
| lynallen4chg@yahoo.com | 714-9305 |
June 12, 2009
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