Tap dance classes for ages 4-7 years and ages 8-12 years, these classes are beginner-focused and will develop a love of dance and music to last a lifetime! Have a little one who loves to move or make noise, but needs an outlet? Enroll for a session to grow, learn, have fun, and exercise both mind and body! Ages 4-7 is taught by Chicago Tap Theatre Rehearsal Director Molly Smith, who has over a decade of teaching experience and loves helping dancers and movers reach their goals and enjoy being in a rhythm community together. Ages 8-12 is taught by CTT Teaching Artist Davon Suttles, Company Member of M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Assistant Artistic Director of Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble, and teacher for CTT's Gale Community Academy program. Students will learn tap dance basic steps and vocabulary as well as musical terms, and class will blend technique, combinations, silliness, learning class structure, and tap history. 

Not sure if your 4-year old is ready for a drop-off class yet? Contact [email protected] to schedule a free trial before committing to the full session. During our youth classes, caregivers wait in the hallway right outside rather than staying in the classroom with students. 

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!

At least 3 students must be enrolled for the full session in order to run each class. In the event that fewer than 3 are enrolled by the second week of the session, we will unfortunately have to cancel class for the session and will refund the cost of the remaining weeks to enrolled student(s). We will open the class for registration again for the following session dates, so encourage your friends to sign up with you! 

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. Visit our dancewear library on the first floor stairwell of the fieldhouse; if you find a shoe that fits, you're welcome to use it for the duration of the session.
2. How long is the session and class time? The session is 7 weeks long and the class is once a week, beginning on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 and running until Tuesday, August 25th.  The class time is 5:00-5:45pm for ages 4-7 and 6:00-7:00pm for ages 8-12.  Please arrive with enough time to help students put their tap shoes on and be ready to dance at the start of class!
3. Are these classes accessible for my child 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. If they love to wear a leotard and tutu, that's fine, but joggers and a tshirt are equally great! Things to avoid wearing are any clothing that will be distracting or restrictive to the dancer. The fieldhouse is not air conditioned, so lightweight breathable clothing is recommended, especially in spring & summer.
5. Is there anything else I should bring? We recommend bringing a water bottle into class so students can grab a sip in between exercises. No snacks please; students can step into the hallway with their caregiver if they need a snack during class time. If your student is sensitive to auditory input, we recommend bringing/wearing headphones to mitigate the loud sounds of the tapping and music. Please leave any toys in the hallway for the duration of class so they aren't a distraction to the students.
6. Do you have classes for adults and/or more advanced dancers? CTT offers tap at Loyola Park on Tuesdays at 6-7pm Adult Tap Basics, and 7-8pm Adult Advanced Beginner. We also offer adult advanced, intermediate, improvisation, and beginner classes at Visceral Dance Center on Wednesdays and Sundays https://chicagotaptheatre.com/classes
7. 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.
8. I'm at Loyola Park. Where do I go? Classes take place in the Dance Studio on the 2nd floor of the fieldhouse (all the way at the end of the hall). Full accessibility and location information here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x0T9HSJ_gNFMuFKvKGAwa1_P5Ux_uv4MmpVKcj6cCIk/edit?usp=sharing
9. Do you offer makeup classes if my child has to miss class? At this time we are unable to offer makeup classes. Please reach out to [email protected] if your child will miss class.
10. 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!

Summer Session Class Dates: 

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 5:00-5:45pm Ages 4-7, 6:00-7:00pm Ages 8-12. Free class Mar 17; 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, 5:00-5:45pm Ages 4-7, 6:00-7:00pm Ages 8-12

Tuesday July 28, 2026, 5:00-5:45pm Ages 4-7, 6:00-7:00pm Ages 8-12

Tuesday Aug 4, 2026, 5:00-5:45pm Ages 4-7, 6:00-7:00pm Ages 8-12

Tuesday Aug 11, 2026, 5:00-5:45pm Ages 4-7, 6:00-7:00pm Ages 8-12

Tuesday Aug 18, 2026, 5:00-5:45pm Ages 4-7, 6:00-7:00pm Ages 8-12

Tuesday Aug 25, 2026, 5:00-5:45pm Ages 4-7, 6:00-7:00pm Ages 8-12

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

https://chicagotaptheatre.com/ 

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