THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS

COURSE TITLE: Intermediate Tap

COURSE NUMBER: DAPF 201_01 OS (15/FA) / DAPF 201_02 OS (15/FA)
CLASS TIME: Wed. 8:30-9:50/Wed. 10:00-11:20
LOCATION: TERRA 403
INSTRUCTOR: Rochelle Haynes
SEMESTER/YEAR: FALL 2015
EMAIL: rhaynes@uarts.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will combine basic tap technique, musical structure and traditional tap history with new, innovative
styles being created in the tap world today. The student will understand the knowledge of tap education at a basic
level along with basic musical structure, traditional and vintage tap choruses and an overview of American tap
history. (DRESS) Comfortable, loose fitting clothing is suggested for freedom within movement. Flat tap
shoes are recommended for best sound and clarity. The screws in your tap shoes MUST be tightly attached to
the soles of your shoes to protect the floor & to allow for the quality of sound. YOU WILL NOT BE
PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE WITHOUT TAP SHOES.
FORMAT:
~ Tap warm-up
~ Technique review
~ Muscle memory exercise
~ Combo/Choreography
ASSIGNMENTS:
The quality of participation in class directly affects your grade. You must challenge yourself daily to go beyond
what is comfortable and safe. The quality and consistency of your participation will determine the path and
speed of your progress. Videos may be shown throughout the semester for your information and growth as a tap
dancer. Supplemental reading and video viewing are recommended according to individual needs and interests.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM:
As you take this class, you will gain a clearer understanding of weight distribution through tap, basic and
syncopated rhythms as well as musical structure.
COURSE GOALS/OUTCOMES:
At the completion of the course, the student should be able:
~ To execute the seven basic tap steps that help create combinations as well as full length
traditional dances. The dancers will also know terminology of said steps.
~ To preserve the history, knowledge and choreography of tap dance pioneers while learning the
proper ways to communicate the language of tap through education and performance.
~ To come away with an understanding of tap dance as a music and educational art form and to
form an appreciation of American tap history.
MAJOR LEARNING OBJECTIVES/COMPETENCIES:
There will be a choreography assignment within the course. Students will have ample class time to learn,
rehearse & present the choreographed material. At the end of the semester, a showing of the choreography is
REQUIRED for the completion of the course. The showing will be during your class time on the last day of
class.

CLASS ASSESMENT/GRADING:
~ Attendance 25%
~ Class Participation 25%
~ Required Choreography Showing (Exam): 50%
ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES:
Classes have clear beginnings and endings, Lateness and leaving early are inexcusable. Once class begins, you
WILL NOT be permitted to enter the room and it will count as an unexcused absence. More than ONE
UNEXCUSED absences will adversely affect your grade. If you need to sit out you will be required to take
notes. Two times sitting will equal 1 absence. After more than FOUR ABSENCES or non physical participation
within the class, you must withdraw or fail the class. You are ONLY allowed TWO MAKE-UPS. NO CELL
PHONES IN CLASS!! If you are found with a cell phone, you will be dismissed from class and it will count as
an unexcused absence. NO FOOD OR GUM IN CLASS!! You will be dismissed from class and it will count as
an unexcused absence.
LEARNING DISABILITIES:
Students with documented disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss these needs with
their professors during the first two weeks of class. Students with disabilities who wish to request
accommodations should contact your advisor. If you are having a hard time picking up the
material/choreography, I highly recommend that you get help from a tutor by contacting Student Services in the
Pine Hall building.
GRADING POLICY:
A/A- Consistently demonstrated mastery of course material as exhibited through exercises in class. Exceptional
effort put forth. 1 ABSENCE.
B+/B Consistently demonstrated competency with the course material as exhibited through exercises in class.
Strong effort put forth; A B grade might also be assigned for a student of A level aptitude, but who
demonstrates less than a professional and disciplined effort. 2 ABSENCES.
B-/C+/C Minimally acceptable knowledge of course material or inconsistency in demonstrating growth through
exercises in class. The C+/C grades may also be issued for a student who demonstrates little aptitude for the
work but who has made a maximum effort in attempting to learn. 3 ABSENCES.
C-/D+/D Inability to demonstrate sufficient understanding of material as exhibited through exercises in class;
poor execution of same; minimal effort put forth; minimal growth. 4 ABSENCES.
F Inability to demonstrate sufficient understanding of material as exhibited through exercises in class; minimal
effort put forth; exceeding allowed absences, or a combination of the above. If a student is in danger of receiving
a failing grade for a course, a written warning will be issued no later than mid-term. A warning on the basis of
absenteeism may be issued at any time.
CONTACTING ME
If you need to speak with me regarding any issues you may have, you may email me at the posted email on this
form or you may speak with me before or after class.