Tap & Acro Gymnastics
Rhythm, movement, strength and plenty of fun
Tap and Acro Gymnastics give children two very different – but equally rewarding – ways to develop as dancers.
In Tap, children learn to create rhythm and sound with their feet, developing timing, coordination and musicality.
In Acro Gymnastics, they build strength, flexibility, control and confidence while learning acrobatic movements progressively and at an appropriate pace.
Both have been part of the children’s programme at Lisa Mason School of Dance for many years.
Classes are taught by Lisa Mason, Associate Teacher of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD), with an emphasis on proper technique, progression and enjoying the experience of learning.
Tap – making music with your feet
Tap is one of the few dance styles where the dancer becomes part of the music.
Children learn how different movements create different sounds and how those sounds can be combined into rhythms, sequences and complete dances.
Classes develop:
- tap technique
• rhythm and timing
• coordination
• musicality
• control and precision
• confidence in performance
At first, children may be concentrating simply on getting their feet to make the right sound.
As they progress, those individual steps begin to flow together into more challenging combinations and routines.
There is a real sense of achievement when a sequence that once seemed difficult suddenly clicks.
Working towards Tap examinations
Children can work towards Tap examinations with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD).
Examination work gives dancers a structured way to develop their technique and something positive to work towards.
They learn to practise, listen to corrections, remember combinations and perform independently.
Alongside their examination work, children also learn routines for LMSD shows and other performances.
Acro Gymnastics
Acro Gymnastics combines dance with acrobatic movement.
Children develop the physical foundations needed to perform skills with control, including:
- strength
• flexibility
• balance
• coordination
• body control
• confidence
The aim is not simply to learn impressive tricks.
Good Acro starts with the basics.
Children develop the strength, flexibility and technique needed for each stage before progressing to more challenging movements.
This progressive approach helps them understand how their body moves and gives them the confidence to build new skills step by step.
As their ability develops, Acro skills can also be incorporated into dances and stage routines.
Two different skills – one more versatile dancer
Tap and Acro develop very different qualities.
- Tap teaches precision, rhythm, timing and musicality.
- Acro develops strength, flexibility and control.
Together, they give children a broader range of movement and performance skills and complement the other dance styles they may learn at LMSD.
They also bring something completely different to the stage.
From the studio to the stage
Performing is an important part of life at LMSD. Children have opportunities to take what they learn in class and perform Tap and Acro routines in front of an audience.
Over the years, LMSD dancers have taken part in:
- LMSD stage shows
• Haverhill Show
• local fêtes and community events
• Christmas productions and pantomime
• Haverhill Arts Centre performances
• other special performance opportunities
Performing gives children something exciting to work towards and helps develop confidence, teamwork and stage presence. For many children, it is also one of the most enjoyable parts of learning to dance.
Learning with Lisa
Lisa has taught Tap, Acro and other dance styles to generations of children.
Her approach is to teach properly without taking away the enjoyment of dancing.
Some skills come quickly. Others need patience and practice.
Children are encouraged to keep trying, celebrate their progress and enjoy the satisfaction that comes when something they have been working on finally falls into place.
A studio designed for dance
Classes take place at LMSD Studios in Haverhill, with:
- sprung dance floors
• full-length mirrors
• ballet barres
• air conditioning
• accessible facilities
• easy parking
Children learn in a proper dance environment with the space and equipment needed to develop their skills.
Can my child give it a try?
Absolutely. Children do not need to arrive already knowing how to Tap or able to perform acrobatic skills.
They come to class to learn.
Lisa can advise which class is most suitable and what clothing or footwear your child will need.
There is no need to buy everything before speaking to her.
Come and give it a try
Whether your child is drawn to the rhythm and sound of Tap, the challenge of Acro Gymnastics – or simply wants to try something new – we would love to welcome them to Lisa Mason School of Dance.
Children’s Tap & Acro Gymnastics
Lisa Mason School of Dance
LMSD Studios
Unit 1, 4 Hollands Road
Haverhill
CB9 8PP
Contact Lisa
07958 788292
lisa.lmsd@gmail.com