American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

 Issue: September 2005

Introducing Improvisational Skills Through Rhythm Tap
Colleen West

Abstract:
Rhythm tap has become widely used in classroom settings as an outlet for self-expression. Rhythm tap’s most important element is the rhythm that is seen, not that is heard. It is important that professors set boundaries with students and explain to them that improvisation is not about out-performing one another, but rather expressing oneself. In order to release youths of the peer pressure often present in performance situations, students should be encouraged to improvise rhythm movements in group environments to begin with, with a goal of eventually performing alone.

Article category: Dance