Celebrating Tap! An American Art Form

Christie Kerr
Spring 2021
Thursdays |  
1 PM - 3 PM (AZ Time)
January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 18, 25, April 1 and 8, 2021
Course Format: Hybrid
Location: Online
Tuition: $210

Since it first appeared in the dance world, tap dancing immediately enchanted the public in North America, becoming a vital part of jazz music culture and broader mainstream musical culture. Its staccato and style are homegrown. Come explore the history and significance of the American art form of tap dance. Tap has evolved through the years thanks to many significant tap dancers and choreographers. Each week we will discuss different tappers and their contributions to the dance world. Examples and video footage of these dancers will be shown and discussed. Readings will enhance learning as we explore the evolution of this American art form. The course will celebrate tappers including: Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell, Ann Miller, Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, and many, many others.

Registration will open online on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 8 AM (AZ Time)

  • Classes will be delivered online via the Zoom video conferencing platform. Course will be password protected and only available to enrolled students.
  • All class sessions will be recorded and made available to enrolled students for a limited time to assist those who may not be able to attend the live class times.
  • Enrolled students may withdraw from a course and receive a tuition refund if the request is received before the second class session.

Required Reading
  • Seibert, Brian, What the Eye Hears: A History of Tap Dancing. ISBN: 978-0-374-53651-0
  • Frank, Rusty, TAP! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and their Stories. ISBN: 978-0306806353
  • Additional materials will be provided as digital downloads to enrolled students.
Recommended Reading
  • Cramer, Lyn. Creating Musical Theatre: Conversations with Broadway Directors and Choreographers
  • Kislan, Richard. Hoofing on Broadway, A History of Show Dancing

Meet Your Instructor

Associate Professor

CHRISTIE KERR is an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Arizona. She has worked as Director and/or Choreographer on the following Arizona Repertory Theatre productions: Jesus Christ Superstar, Legally Blonde, Pippin, Sister Act, The Pajama Game, and Evita, among others. She has also worked throughout the country as a Director, Choreographer, and Performer. A graduate of The University of Michigan, Christie holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and is a proud member of SDC.

Location

THIS COURSE WILL BE OFFERED ONLINE ONLY

Classes will be live streamed during the time and dates specified in the course details section above. Instructions about how to access the course online will be sent to all enrolled students before the course begins.

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