Tristan tears apart the Capezio Tapster for an in-depth review of the this beginner shoe for boys. What’s inside might surprise you!
15 Tap-Happy Treatise By Tristan
December 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Catch up on or revisit these essential TAPography articles by Tristan Bruns. Famous tap steps and their history, buying and customizing tap shoes, the relationship of tap dance to music, and teaching tap skills.
Tap Classics: In-The-Trenches and Over-The-Tops
January 23, 2012 by 2 Comments
These popular flash steps were the innovations and contributions of Toots Davis. Learn more about Davis and the history behind classic tap steps, in-the-trenches and over-the-tops.
Tap Classics: Paddle and Roll Heroes, Lon Chaney & Bunny Briggs
December 6, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Many contenders could claim to be “the king” of paddle and roll (also called paradiddles) but no other dancer is identified more with the tap step than tap icon, Lon Chaney. Bunny Briggs has also made his mark with the step, as have others. Learn more about paddle and roll and its origins.
Tap Classics: Frank Condos and 5-Count Wings
November 17, 2011 by 2 Comments
In the 1920s, wings were all the rage, and many variations existed. The Pump, the Pendulum, the Saw, the Double Back… like time steps, most dancers had a signature wing variation. But there was one variation in particular that caught the public’s attention, and it was the 5-count wing, created by Frank Condos.
Chloe Arnold’s ‘My Life, My Diary, My Dance’
April 5, 2011 by 1 Comment
Chloe Arnold is confident in her life’s journey, as is evident in her one woman show, “My Life, My Diary, My Dance”. Through entries of Chloe’s ‘diary’ we come to understand the relationships and circumstances that developed her into the powerhouse performer that she is today. While the style and flow of the evening was uniquely Chloe Arnold, she makes it very clear that this show is not just about her. In this article Chloe Arnold speaks with columnist Tristan Bruns on tap, her influences, and new directions in this review and interview.
Tools for Tap Improvisation: The Time Step
March 1, 2011 by 2 Comments
Improvisation is an absolutely essential part of dance education and perhaps more so in tap than in other styles. Tap dance is a very virtuosic art form and the ability to ‘think on your feet’ is absolutely necessary in order to experience everything that tap has to offer. Learn how to use a time step structure as a starting point to hone improvisational skills and express individuality.
Giving Thanks Giveaway: PortableTapFloor.com
November 11, 2010 by
Terrence “Taps” wants to giveaway one of his Portable Tap Floors to a Dance Advantage reader. Leave a comment at this post, answering the question: Why would YOU like to own a tap floor from PortableTapFloors.com?
Teaching Tap Improvisation: Exercises for Beginners
September 10, 2010 by 3 Comments
Begin with a very structured 4/4 song that does not have any strange segues or extra measures. Have all students beat their hands on their legs, clap or snap to the beat. Continue their time keeping, but have them now count out loud – “1..2..3..4″. Be sure you do not have them count “5..6..7..8″. This is a cardinal sin in the music world, as you’ll find out if you dance with live musicians! Explain to your students that each set of four counts is a measure, or a bar. I often use this with my elementary students who are learning addition and/or multiplication.
DanceStage.com Creator, Colby’s Long And Winding Road
June 5, 2010 by 1 Comment
His path in dance and (I hope he won’t mind my saying) in life has been somewhat indirect. While it’s awesome to see a driven and focused career materialize, the truth is, most dancers I know have traveled a long and winding road. So, I thought it would be interesting to represent that and talk with Colby on the blog.
Sunday Snapshot: Curly Top
May 16, 2010 by 4 Comments
The white background really makes this colorful photo pop. I loved this series of images of this precious tap dancer – the oversized hat, and those curls reminding me of Shirley Temple. Just cute! I hope your recitals are all going well this year. Do you have photos taken before or after your performance?
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Spring Fever Giveaway 2011: Dance Dot
Today’s giveaway comes from Dance Dot. Dance Dot is an individually handcrafted, portable practice floor featuring a fun, lightweight, personalized design, perfect for tap dance students of all ages that want to Keep Dancing! Dance Dot owners, Jackie and Codey would like to give away a Medium Dance Dot to TWO Dance Advantage readers.