Where to take a last-minute tap class in the Denver Metro area

Most people have found themselves on a loud floor with hard-soled shoes, eagerly tapping out a beat with their toes. It’s natural after all. But for some, tap dancing has become an art form. This is especially true in the movies and on stage for stars like Barbra Streisand, James Stewart, Eleanor Powell, Bob Fosse, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rodgers, and Gene Kelly.

Tap dancing remains a pastime for many, and not just little kids doing their best Shirley Temple impersonation. Plenty of drop-in adult classes can be found in and near Denver. That way dancers can give it a try and see if they too want to shine like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson or the “Father of Rhythm Tap,” John Bubbles. You just need to take the first step, then another, until you’re tapping in rhythm. 

Photo courtesy Tappy Feet

TAPPY FEET

2245 Kearney St., Denver

Located inside the Park Hill Dance Academy, Molly Dyer’s Tappy Feet celebrates the joy and health benefits found through tap dance. Dyer started tap dancing in college, and used the art form to help relieve stress while studying Eastern medicine and acupuncture. The idea, she said, was to get out of her head and into her feet therapy.

As Dyer learned more about alternative healthcare and medicine, she realized tap not only was fun, but it actually helped with overall brain health. She opened Tappy Feet over five years ago, developing the theory of “tapzilleration.” This concept pinpoints that moment when someone puts on tap shoes for the first time, discovering a new kind of delight.

The classes are geared toward adults of any level, with tap shoes you can borrow. Depending on the level, classes take place Mondays and Wednesdays. Rates run $18 for a drop in, $150 for a 10-hole punch card, or $280 for a 20-hole card.

DANCE ART STUDIO

555 Burbank St., Broomfield

Over the last six decades the Dance Art Studio in Broomfield has served the community, especially through children’s classes. As far as tap goes, the school offers a variety of choices based on skill and age. All tap classes take place in Studio B, and include a ballet-tap combo on Tuesday from 4:45pm to 5:45pm (5-6 year olds) and an intermediate tap from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. On Wednesdays from 5 to 5:45pm, there’s Tap II for ages seven and up. Finally, on Thursdays from 6:15pm to 7pm, Tap III takes place. Prices vary on the length of the class and rates are paid monthly. There is a $50 registration fee for each family too.

CLEO PARKER ROBINSON DANCE

119 W. Park Ave., Denver

Photo courtesy Tap Dance Denver

At the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance studio in Five Points, an array of dance classes for children and adults are taught. Tap is just one of them, featuring Mr. Tap, or John Williams, as the main teacher. On Tuesdays from 5pm to 6pm, the school has open-level tap for any and all who want to give it a go. Then each Saturday is children’s tap for ages 6 and up, including a beginner class from 8:30am to 9:30am and advanced from 9:30 to 10:30am. There are drop in classes, though many courses are sold as week-long endeavors.

Founded by Cleo Parker Robinson in 1970, the dance studio has been a pinnacle in the neighborhood. According to the mission statement, the institution is meant to be, “An oasis where a varied population, by gender, race, age and ethnicity, gather to study and appreciate a modern, cross-cultural approach to creative community development.” The studio also does seasonal performances.

TAP DANCE DENVER

1934 South Broadway, Denver

For over 35 years, Dennis Severson has been prevalent in the Denver dance scene. Stints include Denver Art Museum’s Dance On The Plaza in 2016, 1940’s Ball in Boulder in 2016, Colorado Ballet’s annual gala in 2013, and more. He was inspired to tap dance because of old school movies where dancing and tapping were key components during musical numbers. Now, he teaches others the art of tap dancing.

For beginners, Severson said you don’t need to have tap shoes to try it out, any hard-soled shoe will work. But, he added, if you love it like he does, you will want to invest in a pair. All classes are for adults, and Severson runs them out of Flamenco Denver on Wednesday nights. There’s a beginner class from 6:15pm to 7:15pm and an intermediate/advanced lesson from 7:15pm to 8:15pm. A single class runs $20, or you can get a 10-class punch card for $150.

DENVER DANCE

The studio is located near Montview Boulevard & Oneida Street. The address is disclosed upon class registration.

Situated in a modern studio, adult students can learn all about tap dancing from professional dancer Marguerite Endsley. Tuesday’s 6pm to 7pm classes focus on advanced dancers who have experience with tap and want to work on technique and choreography. The style ranges from traditional to more of a hip hop or funk style.

The later class from 7:15pm to 8:15pm is for beginners. In this session Endsley shows students how to properly tap, throwing in some modern steps as well. She recommends it for those wanting to brush up on their skills and/or learn the basics. Classes start at $20 for a drop in lesson. There’s also a handful of class packs you can purchase, ranging from $75 to $110.