Ballet is the foundation of technical dance training, and is the root of most dance styles studied today. Ballet develops strength and consistency through exercises that incorporate a meticulous level of detail (i.e. alignment/core control, turnout of the legs, clarity in the feet, grace of the arms, poise of the head and neck, etc.) Ballet trains the dancer’s body lines and control from head to toe. A strong foundation in ballet allows a dancer to successfully train in all other dance styles.
Tap is a historical dance form that emphasizes rhythm, syncopation and musicality of the feet in tap shoes. Combinations can be performed to music with the feet following the beats provided, or without music (a cappella) where the feet generate the musicality on their own. Tap dancing highly trains a dancer’s musicality, coordination and stamina, and is widely used in many commercial and professional dance arenas.