Firstly, the T-shirts at Taps Rhythm Factory, Adults-Only Tap Dance Studio are super cute! Mine says, “Why yes, I am a tap dancer” and features a graphic drawing of sexy tap shoes, similar to the pretty patent leather ones I am trying on.
Wendy Campbell, the dance studio owner has just fitted me and within seconds, I am happily tapping my toes like Shirley Temple only a little more awkwardly. Clickety clackity clickity clackity.
It’s my first time tap dancing and my inner klutz is rather nervous. But there’s no need to be. At this studio, absolute beginners like me are put at ease.
And even before the other dancers arrive, Campbell’s effervescent energy fills the studio with her delightful joie de vivre. The space is welcoming, complete with lounge area, wooden floors and a ballet barre. She just wants people to have fun and experience the joys of learning to tap dance — as adults — especially if they missed the opportunity as kids.
“Our youngest dancer is 27 and our oldest is over 80,” said Campbell. “Our studio is a place where adults can come and chat, dance and relax.”
And you’ll get fit in the process. Ten minutes into the one-hour cardio tap class and I am breaking a serious sweat. The time flies by, the steps are easy to follow and the music is fun and up-tempo, ranging from disco to rock, country to pop — “I’m a tapper, not a rapper” said Wendy, with a laugh. It’s a great workout, leaving me feeling energetic, refreshed and happy. Just try to tap dance without a smile, especially to lyrics like, “Save a horse, ride a cowboy!”
Campbell started tap dancing when she was four years old, winning her first competition at age six at which point she became, “completely hooked.”
Today, her unique style of teaching breaks each step down into the absolute basic movements.
As I discovered, tap dancing is a fusion of British Isles clog and step dancing with the rhythms of West African drumming. The combination of movement and noise is both primal and satisfying.
“There are different ways of intensifying the steps, so it’s a fun workout, but you don’t need to have ever tapped before,” explains Campbell.
She’s proud of her ongoing dancers too, who have performances scheduled at a show at the Gibsons Heritage Playhouse May 30 and 31.
Classes are offered in Gibsons and Sechelt and include dance and fitness ranging from absolute beginners to advanced, gentlemen’s club, choreography, 50-plus, and step-sweat/cardio tap. Private lessons are also available. A taps rhythm party is a group session arranged for folks celebrating a birthday, anniversary or simply wanting a fun activity with friends.
Anyone curious can get a taste of tap dancing by attending the open house at the new Taps Rhythm Factory in Sechelt this Saturday, April 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. at 5648 Dolphin Street or find out more at tapsrhythmfactory.com.
