Every form of dancing is an electrifying art form but is tap dancing the way to go?

 

I had the pleasure of interviewing Isobel Turnbull who has been tap dancing consistently since the age of 9 and on and off from ages 2-6. She currently dances with “Dance Education Centre” which is based in Weybridge, at an advanced level 1, having surpassed grades 1-8 and was enthusiastic to encourage others to try the very thing she’s loved almost her whole life. 

I asked Issy what she believed the benefits were to taking up tap dancing, both mentally and physically. She explained how tap dancing is very de-stressing for her and can be for others if you are with a good school and have a really good teacher. She also described it as being a very rewarding thing to be a part of, something you can be proud of as you progress further up the levels. 

“Tap is something that people admire as soon as they see it and a good thing to take further in life if you are passionate about it.” She said. 

Issy herself started doing tap as an enjoyable hobby but has now decided that she may take tap forwards into a career in musical theatre that her experience in dance will be incredibly beneficial for.

Furthermore, some schools even provide you with the opportunity to perform in front of an audience which not only allows you to show off all the hard work you’ve put into learning tap but also brings everyone from the school together and is a good way to boost confidence. 

She added, “These shows, for me, are something i know i will never forget and will always be able to take pride in.” 

Additional physical benefits to doing tap were that it is a good form of exercise and can make your core,legs, feet and back stronger. 

You can also start tap at any age. Issy herself has taught students ranging from young children to adults so there are no boundaries to learning. If you are really ambitious, its even possible to self-teach tap providing you have the necessary equipment. 

Like any dance, tap isn’t always easy and there’s always room to be challenged further so learning is never a bore. Issy explained that for exams, at any level, teachers have to make up there own tap routine and students are able to give their own input into this, making it completely unique. Also, from grade 6 onwards there’s a section called rhythmic response where a piece of music is played and students are instructed to create that music by tapping. 

There’s always something new and exciting to look forward to. 

She highly encourages anyone who might be interested in pursuing tap as its so rewarding and fun. It takes a lot of patience to learn but it’s so easy to get started and, if you can dedicate the time, you could find your new favourite hobby.