Extract from The Sunday Telegraph

Here is an extract from the article, "In tip-top shape with tap", that appeared on 18 September 2005 in The Sunday Telegraph, written by Angela Huth:

...My daughter, to balance her studies, had found Dance Rhythms, a dance school in Oxford, where she did Break Dancing and Street. Did they also do Tap? They did.
   I was off. A return to the stuff of dreams — which, incidentally, would do far more for my well-being than yet another stomp round the park or run up the stairs.
   My worry was my age. Would I be the only pensioner in the class? The teacher was a little vague. There was one other "rather older" woman, she said, who turned out to be many years my junior, and was one of the best dancers in the class. That give me hope.
   And I have struck lucky with Karen Moss, an extraordinarily patient and inspired teacher. A former nurse, she sometimes treats us to a demonstration of what we might achieve one day: a little froth of such incredible steps that our determination soars and we swear to practise ever harder so as to be able to tap like her...
   ...Recently, more for fun than exercise, Karen and I danced a bespoke rendering of We're a Couple of Swells, from Easter Parade, at a charity show in Cowley. Forty years on, back in my top hat, for one fleeting, thrilling moment I was Judy Garland.

  Also, as part of the same article, Karen Moss contributed the following advice:

   Step out with Karen Moss

1.      Tap dancing is good for all ages — my oldest pupil is 77. The constant movement helps bone density and is excellent cardiovascular exercise. It is much safer than running.

2.      Tap exercises the whole body, although the most important joint is the ankle — tap makes it more flexible and improves your balance. It is also very good for arms and shoulders — there is plenty of stretching in the set arm lines. The thighs are also worked during the hops and springs.

3.      It is easy to practise at home — all you need is a pair of shoes and a patio or piece of chipboard. Don't do it on your mega-posh flooring though.

4.      Tap is great for the performer — you have to imagine that you are dancing in front of your favourite star. I always think of Meatloaf or Brad Pitt.

5.      It's a very good way of losing weight — I lost three stones by doing it. It burns a similar amount of calories as jogging.

6.      Many people combine ballet with tap — ballet is great for balance and suppleness, whereas tap is good for exercising the whole body and is aerobic.

7.      You can do it at every level — I went from beginner to teacher in one year. It is good for all shapes and sizes, too.

8.      Tap increases body awareness. When you have four pieces of metal strapped to your foot, you have to start thinking about your posture.

9.      You will never get bored. There are hundred of different moves and little repetition. You can dance alone or with a partner. It's also a great way of meeting people, a very sociable form of exercise. Both men and women come to the classes.

10.  There is no typical tap dancer. I have support teachers, writers and actors. I even have an undertaker who comes to classes regularly.

Back to About Us   Top of page