The first of its kind, this book focuses on the value of inclusivity in the tap dance studio, instructing on how to bring the rhythmic world of tap dance into the lives of individuals living with disabilities or mobility issues. No longer should those with mobility challenges be denied the opportunity to enjoy the unique delight, challenge and excitement of tap dancing.

Based on the author’s inclusive program called Tap for All, this book is part inspirational memoir and part instructional manual, detailing how tap dance’s enormous cognitive benefits can benefit those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, cerebral palsy, arthritis, traumatic brain injuries and more. The author outlines her experience opening the hearts and minds of other dance instructors and studio owners, showing that shifting their perspective about dance is beneficial to both client and studio. Chapters also instruct on the physiological effects of music and dance, guide the development of dance routines, and outline the author’s tap programs for various student skill levels and experiences. Practicing ability inclusion can ensure that everyone, not just those fortunate enough to have a fully functioning physique, can learn and enjoy tap dance.

Los Angeles based Victoria Moore is a master tap instructor, choreographer, dance competition judge, writer, and producer, with over 40 years of experience being a national expert in the field of tap dance. Her training and professional career are extensive; performing in the Broadway shows 42nd Street and Sugar Babies. She is co-owner of Triple Threat Dolls Productions, Inc., a production company focusing on developing and producing projects in a variety of theatrical formats.

The late Joan Gerrard’s professional dance career spanned more than three decades as a performer, tap dance specialist, prolific choreographer, and one of tap dances greatest tap masters of all time. She was the tap director for dance studios and park districts throughout Chicago, and was founder and executive director of Dance-Plus Productions, Inc., a unique company that provided a staff of highly qualified instructors to teach a wide variety of performing and cultural arts programs.

Victoria Moore and Joan Gerrard

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 249
Bibliographic Info: 25 photos, glossary, appendix, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2022
pISBN: 978-1-4766-8808-4
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4730-2
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments by Victoria Moore viii
Preface 1
Introduction 5
1. Tap: Exclusive to Inclusive 7
2. Dance: Mind, Body, and Soul Benefits 21
3. Diseases, Conditions, and Age Groups 29
4. The Power of Music 47
5. Tap Styles: Rhythmic vs. Broadway 52
6. Choreography vs. Improvisation 56
7. Beginning and Beginning II Levels 65
8. Extra Combinations: (Beginning / Beginning II Levels) 77
9. Beginning III / Intermediate / Advanced Levels 94
10. Extra Combinations: (Beginning III / Intermediate /   Advanced Levels) 113
11. Intermediate / Advanced, Advanced Levels 131
12. Time Steps / Time Step Breaks: (Beginning III /   Intermediate / Advanced Levels) 145
13. Professional Physically Integrated Dancers Spotlight 157
14. The Evolution of Tap 209
Appendix: Tap Glove / Mitten and Tap Board Instructions 221
Glossary 230
Bibliography 235
Index 237

• “Incredibly well researched…inspiring…highly recommend…The readers will not only learn ways and methods to teach tap dance to anyone interested in learning, but they will also be made aware of how the disabled see and think about themselves, how they wish to be treated, and what still needs to be done to provide them with more accessibility to the world.”—L.A. Dance Chronicle

• “A seminal, ground-breaking work…extraordinary, unique, and unreservedly recommended.”—Midwest Book Review