Service Description

Discover the joy of making music with your feet in this all-levels tap class with Broadway veteran Mara Davi Gaines. From your first shuffle to complex syncopations, this class welcomes tappers at every stage—complete beginners learning fundamental sounds alongside experienced dancers refining their rhythm and speed. Mara has tapped her way through Broadway productions including *A Chorus Line*, *The Drowsy Chaperone* (replacing Sutton Foster), *Irving Berlin’s White Christmas*, *Dames at Sea*, and *The Play That Goes Wrong*. She brings professional Broadway tap technique to adult students in a supportive environment where the goal is progress, not perfection. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Tap Fundamentals & Rudiments - Master essential vocabulary including shuffles, flaps, cramp rolls, pullbacks, time steps, and paddle-and-rolls. Build clear, precise sounds with proper technique. Develop timing, syncopation, and phrasing. Learn to listen like a percussionist and respond with your feet through varied tempos and dynamics. Create clean, articulate sounds. Understand proper mechanics to prevent injury and maximize sound production. Each class includes warm-up with basic tap sounds and technique drills, combinations building in complexity, and modifications for beginners with progressions for advanced dancers. Mara teaches in layers, ensuring everyone participates at their appropriate level while being challenged to grow. PRE-REQUISITES: None! Never tapped before? Perfect. Tapped as a kid? Your muscle memory will surprise you. Currently tapping? Mara will challenge you with complex rhythms and performance-quality combinations. PERFECT FOR: Adults who love rhythm and music, dancers adding tap to their skill set, musical theatre performers, former tappers returning after years away, complete beginners, or anyone who wants to make loud, percussive, joyful music with their feet. WHAT TO WEAR: Tap shoes (we can recommend where to purchase), comfortable clothes you can move in. Bring water and get ready to make some noise!