TDC Syllabus Training

A message from the creator,  Kim Chalovich:

The definition of a SYLLABUS: is an academic document that communicates course information and defines expectations and responsibilities to learn a specific curriculum. The noun syllabus comes from the Late Latin word syllabus, meaning “list.” Another definition of the word SYLLABUS is: (a plan showing) the subjects or information to be studied in a particular course.   

With the vast amount of accessible knowledge through information technology, there are infinite ways to learn and excel at Tap Dancing, and I encourage tap enthusiasts to constantly reach for as much exposure as they can from various artists and outlets.   I have been blessed to learn from and work with so many incredible tap dancers over the years, and I have been directly influenced by both the formal aspect of learning (through countless syllabi) as well as through informal training (passed down by the ‘Masters’).   For some, the formality of lists, curriculum, repetition, and exams are what they need or require, while for others it may be finding more ‘jams’ to master improvisation and the complexity of jazz music.   My intent with creating this syllabus was to help students and teachers reach a fundamental level with a diverse knowledge of terminology, history, musicality, and some of the legendary steps & combinations.  There is a heavy emphasis on musical theory through out the entire syllabus, something that has been missing from most formal Tap Syllabi.   Much of the curriculum is based on my own experience as a tap dancer and what was passed down to me, as well as techniques that I have experienced to work successfully on students, through my 35+ years of teaching.  The TDC Tap Syllabus is a living, breathing, changing document that I hope will help add to the ‘pool’ of knowledge for the dance community to access.