IDTA. Featbeat Dance is now a well-established dance school in Hereford, offering tap dance classes to people of all ages and abilities.
The atmosphere at Featbeat Dance is warm and friendly, with the emphasis on having fun while learning a new skill. The classes are designed to be enjoyable and engaging, allowing students to explore the diverse variety of tap dance styles. From traditional rhythm tap to musical theatre jazz tap and modern tap styles like Tap Dogs, there is something for everyone.
Tap dance is not only a great way to keep fit, but it also offers numerous health benefits. It is a weight-bearing exercise that helps develop bone density and increases cardiovascular conditioning. The dance form builds strength in the whole body, particularly in the legs and feet, and improves flexibility in the hips, knees, and ankles. In addition, tap dance improves balance, posture, and coordination, leading to an overall sense of well-being.
Tap dance also introduces students to a wide range of music styles, including jazz, blues, rock, ragtime, disco, and hip hop. This makes it a great social activity, especially for adults. Not only can they learn new skills and keep fit, but they can also make friends and have fun together.
At Featbeat Dance, students wear tap shoes with small metal plates attached to the heel and ball. When these plates touch a hard floor, they produce tapping sounds. This interesting combination of rhythmical sequences and patterns not only makes the dancer a performer but also a percussive musician.
Featbeat Dance has been involved in various tap dancing events and initiatives. They participated in Tapathon 2015 and raised funds for BBC Children in Need. The dance school also organises events like the Tappers Christmas Meal at Frankie & Benny's and attends the monthly London Tap Jam, where improvised tap dance is performed with live jazz music.
In addition, Featbeat Dance keeps their students updated about upcoming events like Move It – London, the UK's biggest dance event. The event features dance exhibitions, dancewear, dance classes, and opportunities to spot favourite dance celebrities.
Tracy Dawson, the founder of Featbeat Dance, has a passion for tap dance that dates back to the early 1980s. She has undergone training and qualifications through the ISTD and IDTA dance organisations. With her expertise and love for dance, she is dedicated to providing quality tap dance education to the community of Hereford.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, Featbeat Dance welcomes you to join their tap dance classes, discover your rhythm, and enjoy the benefits of this vibrant dance form.