Thelma's Tap Notes: A Step-By-Step Guide to Teaching Tap: Children's Edition - Paperback

by Thelma L. Goldberg (Author)

A step-by-step guide to teaching tap to children ages 6-12 in an easy-to-read format. Information about what to teach, when to teach it and how to teach it is included. Class Outlines, Music Recommendations, Combos, Choreography Ideas, Musical Rhythms, Improvisation Activities as well as Tap History provide material and guidance for both the experienced and new tap educator. Included are exercises and drills based on a series of progressively challenging rhythms to promote sequential progress in the major areas of tap education. Inspiring photos of tap students in action reinforce the passion and joy of sharing rhythms for both students and teachers.

Author Biography

Thelma Larkin Goldberg grew up in Cambridge, MA, where she studied dance at Bates School of Dance in Central Square. After earning her B.S. in Special Education from Lesley College in 1974, she taught in the Boston Public School system, earning her Masters in Special Education from Regis College while starting a family and relocating to Lexington, MA. After founding the Dance Inn in 1983, in the dining room of her home, Thelma eventually found her way to the rich tap scene in the Boston area, studying at the Leon Collins Studio in Brookline and meeting many of the friends and associates that have continued to inspire her since then. In 1997 she started Dance Inn Productions, a nonprofit organization, and served as its Executive Director, producing annual International Tap Day Festivals that honored master tappers with the Tapestry Award for Teaching. Among the dancers she has celebrated are Dianne Walker, Brenda Bufalino, Sarah Petronio, Buster Brown, Jimmy Slyde and Billy Siegenfeld. Thelma has taught at several festivals around the country and was on the faculty of the Boston Conservatory for many years. She founded and directed the Pre-Professional Program of Tap City: The New York City Tap Festival and is artistic director of the Legacy Dance Company, the pre-professional program of the Dance Inn. Her studio has now grown to two locations, and she continues to teach full time while mentoring a passionate, young faculty. Her goal is to dance forever!