Celebrating Tap! An American Art Form

Christie Kerr
Thursdays 1 PM - 3 PM (AZ Time)
January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 18, 25, April 1 and 8, 2021
Watch the video to learn more about this course

Celebrating Tap! An American Art Form

Spring 2021
In Session
Thursdays
1 PM - 3 PM (AZ Time)
January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 18, 25, April 1 and 8, 2021

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 Professor

Assistant Professor
School of Theater Film and Television

CHRISTIE KERR is an Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre in the School of Theatre, Film, and Television. She has worked as a choreographer, teacher, performer, and director throughout the United States. A graduate of The University of Michigan, Christie holds a BFA Degree in Musical Theater Performance and is a proud member of SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society).

 

  • Ted and Shirley Taubeneck Superior Teaching Award

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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