Adult Tap Basics Details: 

Tap dance class for ages 16+, this class is beginner-focused and senior-friendly, and will move at a slower pace to ensure you can learn in an non-stressful environment. First time taking tap dance or putting your shoes back on after years? Wanting to brush up the basics for a musical theater audition? Looking for an activity that is musical, creative, analytical, and physical all in one? This class is for you! Drop in or enroll for a session to grow, learn, have fun, and exercise both mind and body! This class is taught by Chicago Tap Theatre Apprentice Kelsey Nickens, who has years of teaching experience and loves helping dancers and movers reach their goals and enjoy being in a rhythm community together. Students will learn tap dance basic steps and vocabulary as well as musical terms, and class will blend technique, combinations, and tap history.

Adult Advanced Beginner Details: 

Tap dance class for ages 16+, this class is for tap dancers who are already comfortable with the basics to expand their skills and knowledge in a slightly more challenging, yet noncompetitive environment. Drop in or enroll for a session to grow, learn, have fun, and exercise both mind and body! This class is taught by Chicago Tap Theatre Apprentice Kelsey Nickens, who has years of teaching experience and loves helping dancers and movers reach their goals and enjoy being in a rhythm community together. Students will learn tap dance steps and vocabulary as well as musical terms, and class will blend technique, combinations, and tap history.

7-week session (including free class 7/14) runs Tuesdays July 14-August 25, 2026. Classes will continue in the fall with a new session. Registration and more info will be out soon!

Chicago Tap Theatre's teaching philosophy:

Chicago Tap Theatre believes that every student is an individual and celebrates growth and commitment to the Black art form of tap dance no matter the level, ability, gender, race, sexual orientation, or age of the student. The objectives of Chicago Tap Theatre’s educational programming are:

*Student will leave with a better understanding of tap dance and its technique, theory & history

*Student will have an expanded view of what it means to be a tap dancer: what do we need to understand to truly get it: music literacy, improvisation, technique, theory, history, culture

*Student will have an understanding of music and specifically jazz music structure and terminology

*Student will develop an understanding of where tap dance is going and the state of the current industry standards and culture

FAQ: 

1. I don't have tap shoes. Can I still come to class? Yes! If you're trying class for the first time, wear sneakers or hard-soled shoes you can move in. If you're planning to sign up for weekly classes, tap shoes are required  to ensure you get the best, safest experience! We are happy to give recommendations and have limited shoes to borrow available. These are held in the dancewear library in the east stairwell on the 1st floor of the park fieldhouse.
2. What are the payment options? You can either register for the full 7-week session ($72) to guarantee your spot or pay per-class ($12) up until the start time of each class pending availability.  The maximum number of students for each class is 15.
3. Are these classes accessible if I am currently experiencing economic challenges? Yes!  Chicago Tap Theatre believes that all people should have access to the joy of tap dance, regardless of financial limitations.  Email Jen, [email protected] to set up a pay-what-you-can price structure.
4. Is there a dress code? Students should wear comfortable clothes they can easily move in. Things to avoid wearing are any clothing that will be distracting or restrictive to the dancer.
5. Do you have classes for kids and/or more advanced dancers? Yes! CTT offers tap Tuesdays at Loyola Park 5:00-5:45pm ages 4-7, 6-7pm ages 8-12, 6-7pm Adult Tap Basics, and 7-8pm Adult Advanced Beginner. We also offer adult advanced/pro, intermediate, improvisation, and beginner classes at Visceral Dance Center on Wednesdays and Sundays https://chicagotaptheatre.com/take-a-class/.
6. What COVID-19 measures are in place? Masks are recommended but optional. CTT reserves the right to change our masking and safety policies based on CDC guidance. If students are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, they will be asked to stay home and rejoin class when they are recovered.
7. I'm at Loyola Park. Where do I go? Classes take place in the Dance Studio on the 2nd floor of the fieldhouse. Full accessibility and location information here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x0T9HSJ_gNFMuFKvKGAwa1_P5Ux_uv4MmpVKcj6cCIk/edit?usp=sharing. Please note if you are taking class in the summer that the Fieldhouse does not have air conditioning.
8. Do you offer makeup classes? You are able to make up in the other level of adult class (ie if you're enrolled in Basics, you can make up in Adv Beginner). We are not able to offer make ups at the Visceral classes.
9. What kind of floor do we dance on? Students will use CTT's Official Practice Board, provided generously by Amp Tap. https://www.amptapboard.com/. Students are welcome to bring their own board if they prefer, and are encouraged to purchase from Amp Tap if buying a board to practice at home!
10. Anything else I should bring? We recommend bringing a water bottle to class with you. There is a water fountain down the hall at the fieldhouse.
11. Who should I reach out to if I have more questions? Molly, our Director of Operations & Community Engagement, who also teaches our youth classes! [email protected]

Summer Session Class Dates: 

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 6-7pm Adult Tap Basics, 7-8pm, Adult Advanced Beginner. Free class; come out and try class for the first time no-risk, or returning students, start your new session off with a free class! 

Tuesday July 21, 2026, 6-7pm Adult Tap Basics, 7-8pm, Adult Advanced Beginner

Tuesday July 28, 2026, 6-7pm Adult Tap Basics, 7-8pm, Adult Advanced Beginner

Tuesday Aug 4, 2026, 6-7pm Adult Tap Basics, 7-8pm, Adult Advanced Beginner

Tuesday Aug 11, 2026, 6-7pm Adult Tap Basics, 7-8pm, Adult Advanced Beginner

Tuesday Aug 18, 2026, 6-7pm Adult Tap Basics, 7-8pm, Adult Advanced Beginner

Tuesday Aug 25, 2026, 6-7pm Adult Tap Basics, 7-8pm, Adult Advanced Beginner

Chicago Tap Theatre's mission is to share the creativity, history, and joy of tap dance.

https://chicagotaptheatre.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/chicagotaptheatre/