JAZZ TAP WITH DEREK HARTLEY

Derek Hartley teaches a style of tap, now celebrated and skilfully described in his new book 'Teach Yourself Tap Dancing', that is unique to him.

Using his 'addition' method and his own 'rhythm clock' idea, the style is based on an African American 'rhyhm tap' style but with jazz and other influences added. Derek can do multiple styles and his classes are always fresh with consistent changes of music.

At beginner level Derek is very thorough and patient but does expect determination and effort. At the higher levels he is testing and provocative.

7 pm classes: For beginner to intermediate level students: Students will be taught simple elements, turning them into a simple short routine after a period of development.

6 pm classes: For more advanced students: Students should be able to put together more usual tap elements into a routine. They would know shuffle, ball change, pick ups, time steps and more.

Saturday classes require students to know more speedy and recognizable steps. You should be able to pick up choreography without too much problem. It is assumed that students in the Saturday classes will know a lot more technique. If you do not know much tap technique, then you should choose one of the weekday classes, where you will be taught tap technique.

DEREK HARTLEY

Derek Hartley, MA (Performing Arts), is a professional dancer/choreographer with over twenty two years experience, and has earned a glowing reputation for innovation and design, as reflected in his work for film, television, theatre, cabaret, festivals and dance academies in more than a dozen countries throughout the world.

He is an international authority on the perception, presentation and performance of tap dancing as a contemporary modern dance form, paying tribute to the great performers of the past while continually exploring the form's potential for the future – as demonstrated in the show, 'Tap 2000', which was performed at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London's West End in May 2000.

Derek Hartley has produced many complete dance pieces across a wide spectrum of styles and has led four of the country's leading tap companies.

Derek is a director and producer of dance spectaculars for the London stage and has ten annual international master class weekends to his credit.

He is now a leading lecturer in theatre arts, choreography and jazz and tap history, as well as a writer of original staged material for musical theatre and founder of his latest and very unique company dhp (Derek Hartley Productions).

To join in a class, you only need be ready 10 minutes before the class starts. If you have Pineapple membership, you do not need to pay at reception.