We will focus on the fundamentals of tap dance. You'll learn basic techniques and short dance sequences in a fun and relaxed environment. Our intensive course is suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
You will learn, practise and be able to perform all the basic steps of American tap dance. You will gain a basic understanding of rhythm and syncopation. You will also learn a fun routine which will feature the steps and moves you have learned.
What will we cover?
We will concentrate on learning and mastering the three basic steps - shuffle, tap-step and ball-change. We will learn a basic timestep and the basic American paddle-and-roll. We will look at tap styles and gain inspiration from watching videos of classic tap performances.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Perform basic double and treble steps. Perform a simple time-step. Differentiate between different tempos and rhythms. Appreciate differences between English and American styles. Dance a simple tap routine.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for complete beginners. Some experience of dance is useful but not essential.
A beginners' dance class isn’t just for newcomers. In any beginners' dance class there will be students from all types of backgrounds. We all have different learning techniques and paces. If your first class seems overwhelming and you can’t get it the first time, don’t worry: dance is heavily reliant on repetition so it will happen. We want you to learn and to have fun so just give it your best and keep coming back!
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to: • Follow spoken instructions • Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance. • Work within groups and pairs safely.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will learn through practical class work individually, in pairs and as a group. Teaching will include practical exercises, discussion, observation and supportive feedback to both individuals and the group. You may be required to practice your learning in pairs as well as a whole group. The class will take place in a well equipped, modern studio with music accompaniment. It is essential to be ready to start on time.
HEALTH CHECK You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
It is essential to have good shoes and Tap shoes are necessary for this class. Having the correct shoes can really improve your technique and give you a much better feeling for the style of dance. The Tap shoes should be fitted with tap plates using screw fittings (no rivets). There are specialist stockists in and around Covent Garden which can provide appropriate footwear. Clothing should be comfortable and loose.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You will be encouraged to enrol in to one of our beginners or improvers courses or try try one of our many other dance styles
Benjamin Bailey trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in Barbican, London and has since worked on numerous dance/ theatre shows around the world as a ‘triple threat’ performer. Prior to professional training Benjamin was a national tap dance champion with his brother AJ performing as The Bailey Brothers. Career highlights include dancing and singing at the V&A museum, The Royal Albert Hall, Museu Nacional de Catalunya, Kensington Olympia, and many more. Benjamin works as a dance teacher, choreographer and producer across the UK and abroad. He is passionate about passing on the knowledge of tap dancing dating back to the 1800’s. Benjamin was fortunate enough to form a friendship with the late Steve Clark (The Clark Brothers) before he passed away. Benjamin honours the work of great tap dancers such as Sammy Davis Junior, Eleanor Powell, Gregory Hines and Fred Astaire in his classes and builds on this knowledge to keep coming up with endless new steps for his students. Benjamin is passionate about all levels of tap dancing and would recommend class to anyone who wants to develop their coordination and musicality!
Jacqueline PertSee moreSee less
Jacqueline Pert has been teaching Rhythm Tap for over 30 years. She trained and subsequently taught at the National Tap Dance Company of Canada before returning to England where she continued teaching at the major dance and drama schools in London. She taught at the Actors Centre for over 20 years before coming to City Lit in 2014. She also sings and taps in various jazz clubs around London.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/tap-intensive-beginners158592Tap intensive (beginners)https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/t/a/tap_intensive_beginners_-ds024_-1080.jpg6969GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Dance/Courses/Performing arts/Dance/Tap dance/Courses/vm/World culture/Courses/Courses for beginners/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Courses/vm/Summer courses/Summer courses in performing arts22851314133013461340818391361413457135661228513141330165313457<p>We will focus on the fundamentals of tap dance. You'll learn basic techniques and short dance sequences in a fun and relaxed environment. Our intensive course is suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.</p><p> </p> <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">You will learn, practise and be able to perform all the basic steps of American tap dance. You will gain a basic understanding of rhythm and syncopation. You will also learn a fun routine which will feature the steps and moves<br />
you have learned.</div>34.73004405Tap intensive (beginners)7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/t/a/tap_intensive_beginners_-ds024_-1080_1.jpgInStockEveningMon-ThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-27T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJul 2026Performing artsDS0247979Tap intensive (beginners)795579Jacqueline Perttap-intensive-beginners/ds024-2526<p>We will focus on the fundamentals of tap dance. You'll learn basic techniques and short dance sequences in a fun and relaxed environment. Our intensive course is suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-07-27 00:00:00<p>You will learn, practise and be able to perform all the basic steps of American tap dance. You will gain a basic understanding of rhythm and syncopation. You will also learn a fun routine which will feature the steps and moves you have learned.</p><p>We will focus on the fundamentals of tap dance. You'll learn basic techniques and short dance sequences in a fun and relaxed environment. Our intensive course is suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.</p><p> </p><p>We will concentrate on learning and mastering the three basic steps - shuffle, tap-step and ball-change. We will learn a basic timestep and the basic American paddle-and-roll. We will look at tap styles and gain inspiration from watching videos of classic tap performances.</p><p>Perform basic double and treble steps.<br/>Perform a simple time-step.<br/>Differentiate between different tempos and rhythms.<br/>Appreciate differences between English and American styles.<br/>Dance a simple tap routine.</p><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners. Some experience of dance is useful but not essential.<br/><br/>A beginners' dance class isn’t just for newcomers. In any beginners' dance class there will be students from all types of backgrounds. We all have different learning techniques and paces. If your first class seems overwhelming and you can’t get it the first time, don’t worry: dance is heavily reliant on repetition so it will happen. We want you to learn and to have fun so just give it your best and keep coming back!<br/><br/>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:<br/>• Follow spoken instructions<br/>• Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance.<br/>• Work within groups and pairs safely.</p><p>You will learn through practical class work individually, in pairs and as a group. Teaching will include practical exercises, discussion, observation and supportive feedback to both individuals and the group. You may be required to practice your learning in pairs as well as a whole group. The class will take place in a well equipped, modern studio with music accompaniment. It is essential to be ready to start on time.</p><p>HEALTH CHECK<br/>You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.</p><p>It is essential to have good shoes and Tap shoes are necessary for this class. Having the correct shoes can really improve your technique and give you a much better feeling for the style of dance. The Tap shoes should be fitted with tap plates using screw fittings (no rivets). There are specialist stockists in and around Covent Garden which can provide appropriate footwear. Clothing should be comfortable and loose.</p><p>You will be encouraged to enrol in to one of our beginners or improvers courses or try try one of our many other <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/dance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dance styles</a></p>DanceTap dancevirtual3004408Tap intensive (beginners)6969https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/t/a/tap_intensive_beginners_-ds024_-1080_2.jpgInStockDaytimeTue-ThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-07-14T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersJul 2026Performing artsDS0346969Tap intensive (beginners)696969Benjamin Baileytap-intensive-beginners/ds034-2526<p>We will focus on the fundamentals of tap dance. You'll learn basic techniques and short dance sequences in a fun and relaxed environment. Our intensive course is suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-07-14 00:00:00<p>You will learn, practise and be able to perform all the basic steps of American tap dance. You will gain a basic understanding of rhythm and syncopation. You will also learn a fun routine which will feature the steps and moves you have learned.</p><p>We will focus on the fundamentals of tap dance. You'll learn basic techniques and short dance sequences in a fun and relaxed environment. Our intensive course is suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.</p><p> </p><p>We will concentrate on learning and mastering the three basic steps - shuffle, tap-step and ball-change. We will learn a basic timestep and the basic American paddle-and-roll. We will look at tap styles and gain inspiration from watching videos of classic tap performances.</p><p>Perform basic double and treble steps.<br/>Perform a simple time-step.<br/>Differentiate between different tempos and rhythms.<br/>Appreciate differences between English and American styles.<br/>Dance a simple tap routine.</p><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners. Some experience of dance is useful but not essential.<br/><br/>A beginners' dance class isn’t just for newcomers. In any beginners' dance class there will be students from all types of backgrounds. We all have different learning techniques and paces. If your first class seems overwhelming and you can’t get it the first time, don’t worry: dance is heavily reliant on repetition so it will happen. We want you to learn and to have fun so just give it your best and keep coming back!<br/><br/>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:<br/>• Follow spoken instructions<br/>• Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance.<br/>• Work within groups and pairs safely.</p><p>You will learn through practical class work individually, in pairs and as a group. Teaching will include practical exercises, discussion, observation and supportive feedback to both individuals and the group. You may be required to practice your learning in pairs as well as a whole group. The class will take place in a well equipped, modern studio with music accompaniment. It is essential to be ready to start on time.</p><p>HEALTH CHECK<br/>You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.</p><p>It is essential to have good shoes and Tap shoes are necessary for this class. Having the correct shoes can really improve your technique and give you a much better feeling for the style of dance. The Tap shoes should be fitted with tap plates using screw fittings (no rivets). There are specialist stockists in and around Covent Garden which can provide appropriate footwear. Clothing should be comfortable and loose.</p><p>You will be encouraged to enrol in to one of our beginners or improvers courses or try try one of our many other <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/dance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dance styles</a></p>DanceTap dancevirtual79,6979,6955,69DS024,DS034NONEMon-Thu,Tue-Thu14/07/26 - 16/07/2613:00 - 14:3013:0014:303 sessions31 to 4 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetJacqueline Pert,Benjamin BaileyBeginnersAvailable courses2026-07-27T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-14T00:00:00+00:00Evening,DaytimeJul 2026Performing arts6979,69Tap intensive (beginners)tap-intensive-beginners/ds024-2526,tap-intensive-beginners/ds034-2526<p>We will focus on the fundamentals of tap dance. You'll learn basic techniques and short dance sequences in a fun and relaxed environment. Our intensive course is suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.</p><p> </p>0000-Available|2026-07-14 00:00:00<p>You will learn, practise and be able to perform all the basic steps of American tap dance. You will gain a basic understanding of rhythm and syncopation. You will also learn a fun routine which will feature the steps and moves you have learned.</p><p>We will focus on the fundamentals of tap dance. You'll learn basic techniques and short dance sequences in a fun and relaxed environment. Our intensive course is suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.</p><p> </p><p>We will concentrate on learning and mastering the three basic steps - shuffle, tap-step and ball-change. We will learn a basic timestep and the basic American paddle-and-roll. We will look at tap styles and gain inspiration from watching videos of classic tap performances.</p><p>Perform basic double and treble steps.<br/>Perform a simple time-step.<br/>Differentiate between different tempos and rhythms.<br/>Appreciate differences between English and American styles.<br/>Dance a simple tap routine.</p><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners. Some experience of dance is useful but not essential.<br/><br/>A beginners' dance class isn’t just for newcomers. In any beginners' dance class there will be students from all types of backgrounds. We all have different learning techniques and paces. If your first class seems overwhelming and you can’t get it the first time, don’t worry: dance is heavily reliant on repetition so it will happen. We want you to learn and to have fun so just give it your best and keep coming back!<br/><br/>In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:<br/>• Follow spoken instructions<br/>• Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance.<br/>• Work within groups and pairs safely.</p><p>You will learn through practical class work individually, in pairs and as a group. Teaching will include practical exercises, discussion, observation and supportive feedback to both individuals and the group. You may be required to practice your learning in pairs as well as a whole group. The class will take place in a well equipped, modern studio with music accompaniment. It is essential to be ready to start on time.</p><p>HEALTH CHECK<br/>You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.</p><p>It is essential to have good shoes and Tap shoes are necessary for this class. Having the correct shoes can really improve your technique and give you a much better feeling for the style of dance. The Tap shoes should be fitted with tap plates using screw fittings (no rivets). There are specialist stockists in and around Covent Garden which can provide appropriate footwear. Clothing should be comfortable and loose.</p><p>You will be encouraged to enrol in to one of our beginners or improvers courses or try try one of our many other <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/performing-arts/dance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dance styles</a></p>DanceTap danceconfigurable
