Intro to Soft Shoe Tap Dance!
Did you know that you don't need tap shoes to learn how to tap? Jovon will do a short performance showing you what's capable at a master's level using everyday footwear followed by a beginner class. In this class, no tap shoes are allowed!
Jovon Miller
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(1)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Beginner Level
"Hi, I'm Jovon Miller, and honestly, I am sick of people telling new dancers that they have to buy shoes to learn to tap. As a result, many don't even try. Because of this, I've designed a course that not only shows you that anybody can learn to tap dance but also that you don't even need taps! Join me for an introductory adventure into the world of tap dance using shoes you probably already have! All of my classes are interactive, allowing students to ask questions freely. Typically, classes will start with a warm-up session before we move on to learning a new move or step. Because this is an intro class, the structure will be as follows: 1. A brief LIVE performance by me in my regular shoes with a talk explaining various aspects of tap and its history. 2. A warm-up session along with learning the name(s) of the steps and how to execute them in great detail. 3. A short combination utilizing the skills you've learned and maybe more! 4. Question answer session at the end to help educate and inform you in any way I can. I'm down-to-earth, and my approach focuses on building up students with practical skills. I utilize a variety of methods (such as deliberate practicing methods, and learning the names of bones and muscles) to propel my students to the next level. I'm proficient in creating small, achievable goals to bridge the gap to bigger and more ambitious dance goals. Most importantly, I'm here for you, guiding and coaching you toward your dream. So, if you're ready to learn how to tap with what you've already got, sign up today!
Learning Goals
By the conclusion of this class students will have achieved:
1. A brief historical understanding of the beginnings of tap which started during slavery.
2. An understanding that tap can be done anywhere.
3. How to properly execute and tap basic movements in everyday shoes.
4. Tap dancers are musicians, percussionists to be specific.
5. A tiny bit of a world they never knew existed or thought it was something completely different!
Other Details
Learning Needs
Dance SHOULD be accessible. Please communicate any needs and I will facilitate! I have a family of special needs and neuro-diverse individuals, so I INVITE the opportunity to work with people just like them! I'm here for YOU!
Parental Guidance
Dance, as an art form, not only nurtures the soul but also challenges the body. To ensure that each student's journey is both fun and safe, we kindly ask parents and guardians to take note of the following recommendations and potential hazards associated with the dance movements and routines involved in our classes:
Preparing for Class:
♫ Open Workout Space: Ensure there is a clear and open area for students to move freely without the risk of bumping into furniture or other objects. A space of at least 6x6 feet is recommended for each dancer. For quality of sound try to use a hard surface floor.
♫ Hydration: Please provide your child with a water bottle to keep nearby during class. I typically allow students to get water whenever they need to. Since we are online, it’s totally fine for them to have their water bottle near them, so they can just grab it when they need to and still watch and participate in class.
♫ Adequate Stretching: Each class will begin with guided warm-up exercises to prepare the body for dance. I also educate your child on what we are doing and why, so they can embrace these practices and help prevent injuries.
♫ Please have your student wear shoes that are...
1. Secure on their feet
2. Closed toed
3. Hard sole
4. Sneakers, basketball shoes, walking shoes, and dress shoes (might scuff the floor but just clean with soap and water) are examples of shoes that are great options
5. Refer to the student video on what shoes to wear for examples and additional information
Potential Hazards and Injuries:
♫ While dance is a celebratory expression of movement, it is not without its risks. Common injuries in dance can include sprains, strains, and bruises. More serious injuries can be avoided by adhering to the preparation guidelines above and by ensuring that students do not push their bodies beyond their limits.
Supervision and Support:
♫ Supervision: For our younger dancers, or those new to dance, parental supervision during online classes is recommended to assist with technical difficulties and to provide immediate support if needed.
♫ Emotional Support: Learning dance can be challenging. Providing positive reinforcement and emotional support can greatly enhance your child's learning experience and resilience.
By sharing this information, we aim to collaborate with parents and guardians to create a safe, supportive, and empowering learning environment for every student. Your understanding, preparation, and support are integral to the success and safety of our dance class.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to ask. Together, let's make this dance journey a memorable and safe experience for your child.
Supply List
1) Favorite shoes that are secure to your foot (Please review the class description video for more information). 2) Hard surface to dance on with plenty of space to move safely. 3) Notebook and writing utensil (optional) 4) Ready to move, learn, and gain knowledge!
Joined February, 2024
5.0
1reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have over 25 years of teaching experience working with children on various subjects!
Some of my Accomplishments:
1. Dance Education and Choreography:
♫ Received a BA in dance from Western Washington University with a focus on modern interpretive dance.
♫ Founder and owner of Jovon Miller Productions, dedicated to creating artists and providing performance opportunities while teaching life lessons through dance.
♫ Creates choreography for various forms of dance including tap, contemporary, and jazz, producing award-winning solos, duos, trios, and group dances for competitions and his dance company.
♫ Master educator in Tap dance, soft shoe, solo jazz, and Vernacular Jazz dances
♫ Created and developed a unique curriculum to teach Tap and created his own class series, “Anybody Can Tap!”
♫ Designed the class to show that anyone can learn to tap! Including soft shoe tap!
♫ Mentored by Chester Whitmore (protege of Fayard Nicholas, choreographer for Boys II Men, Sugar Ray, Teena Marie as well as working with artists such as Savion Glover, MC Hammer, Prince and many more). Together they are working to preserve the oral history of Vernacular Jazz Dances
♫ Instructor, Emcee, Producer, and co-creative director, Camp Jitterbug and The Jump Session Show, Seattle WA
2. Music Background:
♫ Former professional musician: Saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Classical and Jazz music.
♫ Utilizes his music background, having performed with notable musicians such as Gerald Turner, Kevin Gardner, and Greg Adams, to teach music theories, musicality, and rhythm in dance.
3. Recognition and Awards:
♫ Recognized with awards in both regional and national competitions for innovative choreography and technical training.
♫ Nominated for outstanding spoken word or storytelling in the 2015 Voice Arts Awards for his piece "Elemental War."
♫ Owns a show in Western Washington University’s Student Education Matinee Series, inspiring children with engaging choreography and personality.
4. Commissioned Work and Collaborations:
♫ Commissioned to choreograph for various organizations including Evoke Productions and the Seattle International Dance Festival.
♫ Choreographer and dancer in a Greg’s Japanese Auto commercial.
5. Performances and Accolades:
♫ Performed for notable individuals and organizations including Sam Gilliam, Tyler Perry, members of the United States Congress, Disney, and Coca-Cola executives.
♫ Notable mention in the book "The Less Subdued Excitement, A Century of Jazz in Bellingham and Whatcom County, Washington."
♫ Started tap dancing in 2006 and became Winner of the 2009–2010 Congressional Black Caucus Spouses Performing Arts Scholarship for his work in tap dance.
♫ Concept co-creator, choreographer, and leading performer for The Jump Session Show, featuring artists from across the globe.
♫ Privileged to perform alongside renowned artists such as Chester Whitmore and Greta Matassa.
♫ Commissioned to co-direct and perform in a show “Torino Royal” in Torino, Italy, alongside Ryan Francois, for the Torino Swing Festival, including teaching master classes in tap, jazz, and improvisation.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$22
per classMeets once
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
10-18 learners per class
