We hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing holiday season, and like us, are itching to get your tap shoes back on and start making some noise.

We’re thrilled to announce that tap classes for Term 1, 2011 begin in less than 2 weeks!

Scroll down, or check out the classes page of the website for all the information:

http://www.redhotrhythm.com.au/classes.html

In continually trying to make our classes better for all, we have made a few changes to the timetable, as well as a few new class additions. Whether you’re a new student or have tapped with us before, make sure you have a good look at the timetable. Also, all students will have to REGISTER FOR YOUR CLASS prior to arriving on the first day, as there are limited spaces in the hall.

Scroll down to view the following:

1. New class timetable & class descriptions, Term 1 2011
2. Private & Group Classes
3. Class registration (to be completed by all students)

1. CLASS TIMETABLE, TERM 1 2011: Tuesday 25^th of January – Tuesday 12^th of April (Friday classes commence on the 28^th of January)

Remember! This year, ALL STUDENTS need to register prior to their first class. This so we can get an idea of numbers prior to each class, and to ensure that no-one is turned away on the day as a result of classes selling out. Click on the following link to register: http://www.redhotrhythm.com.au/classes/tap-classes-registration.html

All classes will be taught by Bill Simpson, director of Red Hot Rhythm. (Subject to change – all teachers have a current blue card)

For all new students: Bring along a friend and mention this email and you’ll both receive your first two classes for the price of 1! (Valid for the first two weeks of term 1 only)

ADULTS (Tuesdays):

Adult Tap Tutorial (NEW CLASS!) – 6:00pm – 6:30pm: Ideal for those who’ve never tapped or danced a day in their life. This class will cover all the basics, including how to stand, posture, and slow break downs of all the basic tap steps which we use in the higher level classes. For new students: To ensure you’re getting the most out of class and progressing as quickly as possible, we’d recommend doing this class together with the ‘Adult Beginner’, which follows straight on.

Adult Beginner - 6:30pm – 7:15pm: Perfect for those who’ve learned the very basics of tap or have had some dance experience in the past, this class is a fun way to continue to learn the fundamentals of this amazing art-form in a relaxed and welcoming environment. For all new students, we’d also recommend trying out the ‘Adult Tap Tutorial’ in addition to the ‘Adult Beginner’ for the special price of $23.

Adult Intermediate – 7:20pm – 8:00pm: Ideal for those who have learned the basics and have had some experience in picking up combinations and different steps, or for those who are looking to try a new ’street’ style of tap. A fun class for all and a great way to increase your tap repertoire, challenge yourself, and stay active!

Open Advanced – 8:05pm – 9:00pm: Ready to go faster? Our advanced classes pick up the pace, and the level of challenge. As the name suggests, it’s best if you’ve had considerable experience in tap, and have an understanding of a wide range of steps. Highly enjoyable and energetic – students of all ages are welcome to attend this class.
KIDS (Fridays):

Junior Kids Beginners – 3:45pm – 4:15pm: For kids aged between 5-10. The ideal first tap class for younger children, covering all the basics. The class is enjoyable and welcoming for younger kids.

Junior Kids Intermediate – 4:15pm – 4:45pm: Perfect for kids aged between 5-10 who have covered all the basics, and are ready to get into some more challenging steps and combinations.

Senior Kids Beginners (NEW CLASS!) – 4:45pm – 5:15pm: For kids aged between 10-15. The ideal first tap class for older children, covering all the basics. This class prepares them with all they need to move up to the Senior Kids Intermediate class.

Senior Kids Intermediate – 5:20pm – 6:00pm: Perfect for kids aged between 10-15 who have covered all the basics, and are ready to get into some more challenging steps and combinations.

Kids Advanced (NEW CLASS!) – 6:00pm – 6:45pm: For kids who have had some years of experience in tap, and are ready for a challenge. Fun and fast! Contact Red Hot Rhythm management to discuss the class before attending.

2. PRIVATE & GROUP CLASSES

Don’t see a class that works for you? Red Hot Rhythm are also offering private and group classes for kids and adults on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. We’re totally open to any classes you’d like – whether it’s a one-on-one with an instructor, a parent and child class, or a small group of friends, we’d love to arrange a class for you. The more people you get on board, the cheaper it becomes for everyone! Contact Red Hot Rhythm management to discuss times and prices. Limited spaces available!

3. CLASS REGISTRATION

Remember! This year, ALL STUDENTS need to register prior to their first class. This is to ensure that no-one is turned away on the day as a result of classes selling out. Click on the following link to register: http://www.redhotrhythm.com.au/classes/tap-classes-registration.html

That’s it for the moment – as always, should you have any further questions or queries, don’t hesitate to contact us!

We very much look forward to seeing you all on the first day of classes!

www.redhotrhythm.com.au

RED HOT RHYTHM Contact Details

Mobile: +61 (0) 416757329
General enquiries: info@redhotrhythm.com.au
Class Enquiries: classes@redhotrhythm.com.au
Booking Enquiries: bsimpson@redhotrhythm.com.au
Website: www.redhotrhythm.com.au
Blog: www.redhotrhythm.com.au/blog
YouTube: www.youtube.com/redhotrhythm

Red Hot Rhythm Tap Classes: TERM 3 (10 WEEKS: Tuesday 13th of July – Friday the 17th of September, 2010)

Holidays are just about over, and RHR’s tap classes for term 3 are re-commencing next week!

Here is the latest timetable (everything is basically remaining the same, apart from a few changes for the Adult Intermediate, and Open Advanced classes on Tuesday nights):

Tuesdays:

6:15pm – 7:00pm: Adult Beginner Tap Class
7:00pm – 7:45pm: Adult Intermediate Tap Class
7:45pm – 8:45pm: Open Advanced Tap Class

Fridays:

4:00pm – 4:30pm: Kids Beginner Tap Class
4:30pm – 5:00pm: Kids Junior Street Tap Class
5:00pm – 5:45pm: Kids Senior Street Tap Class
6:15pm – 6:45pm: Adult Absolute Beginner Tap Class

ONLINE CLASSES FEEDBACK FORM

Here at Red Hot Rhythm, we are constantly striving to improve our tap classes for all of our valued students. For that reason, we have decided to implement an online feedback form where current or past students can anonymously leave their honest thoughts and suggestions to help make our classes better for everyone.

We encourage everyone to visit this page: www.redhotrhythm.com.au/classes/feedback.html

Thank you in advance for your comments.
We look forward to seeing you all next week!

RED HOT RHYTHM

Mobile: +61 (0) 416757329
General enquiries: info@redhotrhythm.com.au
Class Enquiries: classes@redhotrhythm.com.au
Booking Enquiries: bsimpson@redhotrhythm.com.au
Website: www.redhotrhythm.com.au
Blog: www.redhotrhythm.com.au/blog
YouTube: www.youtube.com/redhotrhythm

Kids tap classes students performing at Out of the Box Festival!

Red Hot Rhythm are very excited to annouce that 5 of the junior tap class students, along with Red Hot Rhythm director, Bill Simpson, will be making several appearances at QPAC’s annual ‘Out of the Box’ Festival, for children 8 years and under.

Performance Schedule:

Tuesday the 8th of June, 2010: 11:00am & 12:30pm, Underage Stage

Sunday the 13th of June, 2010: 12:00pm & 2:00pm, Underage Stage

Monday the 14th of June, 2010: 10:00am, Underage Stage

Come along and support Bill and the junior students as they tap up a storm!

For all the information, check out the Out of the Box website: www.outofthebox.com.au

RED HOT RHYTHM hold adult tap dance classes, and kids tap dance classes in Ashgrove, Brisbane. For all the information, visit the classes page of the website:

Dance Classes

RED HOT RHYTHM also offer a range of amazing corporate entertainment options. For all the information, visit the corporate page of the website:

Corporate Entertainers

1. Shuffle Ball (3 Beats: RRR): Shuffle the right foot, then ball dig with the right foot (don’t put the heel down!). Repeat on other side, and as you get faster going from one side to the other, a slight spring may be required.

2. 8 Beat Step 1 (8 Beats: RRLRLRLR): Tap step to the side (RR), heel drop heel drop (LR), slap up (L), heel drop (R), toe knock (L), heel drop (R). Repeat on the other side.

Time steps:

3. Single Time steps (7 beats: RRLRLLR, beginning on count 8 [Common Time]): Shuffle (RR), hop (L), ball (R), tap-step (LL), ball (R). Repeat on other side [Note: No heels in the whole step!].

4. Double Time steps (8 beats: RRLRRLLR, beginning on count 8 [Common Time]): Shuffle (RR), hop (L), tap-step (RR), tap-step (LL), ball (R). Repeat on other side [Note: No heels in the whole step!].

5. Triple Time steps (9 beats: RRLRRRLLR, beginning on count 8 [Common Time]): Shuffle (RR), hop (L), shuffle ball (RRR), tap-step (LL), ball (R). Repeat on other side [Note: No heels in the whole step!].

6. Time Step breaks [Can be done with single, double or triple time steps - for this example, we'll use a single time step break] (14 beats: RRLRLLLRRRLLLR): Begin the same as a single time step: Shuffle (RR), hop (L), ball (R), shuffle ball (LLL), shuffle ball (RRR), shuffle ball (LLL), stamp (R).


Moving sideways:

1. Heel Shuffle (3 Beats: RLL), Ball Shuffle (3 Beats: RLL): Heel drop with the supporting leg (R), Shuffle with opposite leg (LL), Ball drop (R), Shuffle (LL). Repeat and gradually get faster. Practice on both sides.

TO CHANGE SIDES (If you’re ready for a challenge): Ball Drop supporting leg (R), Heel drop supporting leg (R), Ball (L), Heel (L). The last heel begins the step in the opposite direction, changing the left leg to the supporting leg. [Best done with an odd number of heel shuffles and ball shuffles, then the step to change sides].



Moving steps:

Riffs:

1. 3 Beat Riff (3 Beats: RRR): Forward brush, heel dig, Ball drop. Repeat on other side.

2. 4 Beat Riff (4 Beats: RRRR): Forward brush, heel scuff, heel dig, ball drop. Repeat on other side.

3. 5 Beat Riff (5 Beats: RRLRR): Forward brush, heel scuff, heel drop (L), heel dig, ball drop. Repeat on other side.

Remember: keep it small to get it fast!

RED HOT RHYTHM hold adult tap dance classes, and kids tap dance classes in Ashgrove, Brisbane. For all the information, visit the classes page of the website:

www.redhotrhythm.com.au/classes.html – Dance Classes

Check out the first Absolute beginner tap class cheet sheet here!

Next Tuesday the 25th of May is International Tap Dance Day. To celebrate, we’re offering 1 night of FREE CLASSES!

That’s right……..FREE CLASSES NEXT TUESDAY THE 25TH!!

All classes will be taken by Bill Simpson, director of RHR, and will each start a-fresh with new material.

Timetable:

6:15 – 7:00: Adult Beginner

7:00 – 8:00: Adult Intermediate

8:00 – 9:00: Open Advanced

Be sure to come along to make use of this one-time offer. We’d love to see some faces from past classes, so dust off your shoes and warm-up with a tap class!

(For those who’ve paid by term, you will be given a credit towards next term’s fees, but only if you come on Tuesday the 25th!)

As always, feel free to contact us at any time with questions or queries.

We look forward to seeing you next week!

RED HOT RHYTHM hold adult tap dance classes, and kids tap dance classes in Ashgrove, Brisbane. For all the information, visit the classes page of the website:

Dance Classes Brisbane – RED HOT RHYTHM

RED HOT RHYTHM also perform tap and Irish dance, as well as a range of other styles at events all over the world. For all the information, visit the corporate page of the website:

Corporate Entertainers – RED HOT RHYTHM

Despite all of the obvious benefits to tap jamming, it’s often extremely difficult to round up enough people to begin a jam session, with most people and even some professional dancers saying that they “don’t do” jamming.

Why?

Fear.

Of course, it’s totally understandable. Getting up and improvising solo can certainly be an extremely nerve wracking experience, as most who have given it a try will admit. As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Nobody was born with the ability to jam, just as nobody was born with the ability to ride a bike.

The most memorable moment of the whole jam experience at the Playhouse was the 6 & 7 year old kids, who with 10 months of tap experience to their credit, threw themselves into a completely professional adult tap jam session without a hint of fear, determined to give it a go, and have an awesome time in the process. We all had to take our hats off to those kids.

The moral of this little story is that while many people think:
They don’t jam because they can’t jam,

The truth is actually the other way round:
They can’t jam because they don’t jam.


Our advice: Just go for it, and don’t judge yourself harsh the first time. Take any opportunity you can to practice, by yourself or in a circle. You’ll gradually get better, and discover a joy to be found in tap dance that you never knew was there!

…..Check out part 1 here…….



RED HOT RHYTHM hold adult tap dance classes, and kids tap dance classes in Ashgrove, Brisbane. For all the information, visit the classes page of the website:

Dance Classes Brisbane – RED HOT RHYTHM

RED HOT RHYTHM also perform tap and Irish dance, as well as a range of other styles at events all over the world. For all the information, visit the corporate page of the website:

Corporate Entertainers – RED HOT RHYTHM

In November 2009, both the Red Hot Rhythm performance troupe and the students from Red Hot Rhythm’s kids and adult classes performed in an end of year concert at the Playhouse at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex. While the performance went over tremendously with the audience and was enjoyed by all, it was the events that took place backstage in the rehearsal room which turned out to be the most interesting and note-worthy of the occasion.

As one would expect when you get a group of professional tap dancers, Irish dancers and other ‘rhythm junkies’ in a room (with a wooden floor) together, improvised jam sessions will often spontaneously erupt. In these jam sessions, the dancers form a circle, and take 8, 16 or 32 counts each to improvise a small combination of moves one at a time. The process repeats around the circle for sometimes hours on end.

This is exactly what happened in between shows, in the rehearsal room of the Playhouse.

There are ridiculous amounts of benefits to tap jamming, including helping with confidence, technique, general performance & improvisational skills, as well as offering the chance to learn new steps & tricks from other dancers. Apart from this, a jam session can be one of the most enjoy things you can do in a pair of tap shoes.

AND YET!

Despite all of this, it’s often extremely difficult to round up enough people to begin a jam session, with most people and even some professional dancers saying that they “don’t do” jamming.

Why?

Fear.



…..Continued in PART 2!…….



RED HOT RHYTHM hold adult tap dance classes, and kids tap dance classes in Ashgrove, Brisbane. For all the information, visit the classes page of the website:

Dance Classes Brisbane – RED HOT RHYTHM

RED HOT RHYTHM also perform tap and Irish dance, as well as a range of other styles at events all over the world. For all the information, visit the corporate page of the website:

Corporate Entertainers – RED HOT RHYTHM

Basic standing still steps:

1. Straight Tap (aka Nerve Beat): Toe tap only.

2. Ball, Heel (2 beats, RR): Dig the toe tap, and without lifting the toe tap off the ground, drop the heel tap straight down.

3. Shuffle (2 Beats, RR): Forward brush, then backward brush (Toe only, and making sure the main movement is up and down, as opposed to forward and back)

4. Shuffle Ball Heel (4 Beats, RRRR): Forward brush, backward brush, ball dig, heel drop (Repeat on other side and practice getting faster)

5. 4 Beat Heel Pick-up (aka Paddle Roll): (4 Beats, RRRR) Heel Dig, Slap up (toe), ball dig, heel drop (Repeat on other side and practice getting faster)

6. Cramp Rolls (4 Beats, RLRL, With a small jump): Ball, Ball, Heel Drop, Heel Drop (Alternate: RLLR or LRRL)

Basic moving steps:

1. Tap-Step (aka Fa-lap. 2 Beats, RR): Forward brush, ball step (Repeat each side, moving forward)

2. Tap-Spring: Same as a tap-step, but with a small spring after the forward brush.

3. Tap-Step Heel (3 Beats, RRR): As above, with a heel drop at the end (3 beats)

4. Tap-Step, Ball-Change (4 Beats, RRLR): Forward brush, ball step, ball step (back foot), Stamp (front foot). Repeat each side.

5. Tap-Spring Shuffle Heel (5 Beats, RRLLR): Tap-spring [R], Shuffle [L], Heel [R]. Repeat other side.

6. Pick-up Heel (Moving backwards. 3 Beats, RRR): [Lift toe] Slap up (toe), ball dig, heel drop.

6. 3 Beat step, moving backwards (RLR): Ball dig behind [R], [Lift L Toe] Slap up, Heel drop [R]. Repeat on other side (LRL)

Remember: keep it small to get it fast!

RED HOT RHYTHM hold adult tap dance classes, and kids tap dance classes in Ashgrove, Brisbane. For all the information, visit the classes page of the website:

www.redhotrhythm.com.au/classes.html – Dance Classes

Check out the post  Making the most of a dance class HERE!

4. Work on picking up the steps fast.

Dance, especially tap dance, doesn’t really happen with your feet, it happens with your brain. Train your brain in ways to help you learn a combination/routine quickly. Breaking down the steps into small bite-size chunks is a great example. Remember, a combination is exactly that – a combination of very basic steps!

5. Practice!

Proper practice makes perfect – no doubt about it. We all lead busy lives, but try to think about the steps and routines at least a few times throughout the week (ideally, every day). Keep a notebook with the names of the steps in them, or bring a video camera to class and kindly ask the teacher to demonstrate the step for you as a visual reference.

6. Get out of your comfort zone

While one should always be realistic with their expectations from a dance class, keep seeking out new challenges to ensure you are constantly growing and improving as a dancer. For example, if you find yourself completing a step efficiently and have a bit of time to yourself either in class, or when practicing, have a try on the other side, or try it faster! Strive to better yourself everyday.

7. Keep coming back!

You’ve invested your time and money into coming to class, so you’re obviously keen to learn. Commit to it, and make the most of it! If possible, try to come to class from the start of term – this is usually when new material will be shown. Motivate yourself to come every week so you don’t fall behind. Think of ways to ensure you keep coming back – bring a friend along! Really committing to learning the dance style will ensure great results, and that you have a long, happy and rewarding relationship with dance.

RED HOT RHYTHM hold adult tap dance classes, and kids tap dance classes in Ashgrove, Brisbane. For all the information, visit the classes page of the website:

www.redhotrhythm.com.au/classes.html – Tap Classes

Check out PART 1 HERE!

1. Holiday Classes

Just to let everyone know, we WILL be holding only Tuesday night classes over the Easter break. Classes on Tuesday the 7th of April are not included in term payments, and casual class costs will apply.

For Friday classes, after this week we will have 2 weeks break (2nd & 9th of April), and will recommence on the 16th of April.

2. New Classes & Timetable Changes

After such a great first term, we’ve decided to make a few tiny changes to the adult class timetable with the hope of continually making our lessons better for everyone involved. Thanks to all who have provided us with feedback regarding classes, and if you haven’t yet, please feel free – we’re always open to suggestion.

(Kids lessons on Fridays will remain the same)

Firstly, now that the current Adult Beginner class has most of the basics under their belt, we’ll be adding a new Adult Absolute Beginner tap class to the timetable. This class is ideal for anyone who has never tapped before, and once students feel ready, they can move up to the Adult Beginner class.

Secondly, we’ve pushed our Tuesday night classes back by 15 minutes to give everyone that extra time to get to class from work.

Also, we’ll be adding an OVER 40s BEGINNER class to the timetable on Friday evenings. As the name suggests, only those over 40 will be able to take part in this lesson, and will be a class in which mature adults can learn in a comfortable environment with others their own age.

Term 2 Timetable (Tuesday 13th of April – Friday the 25th of June):

Tuedays

6:15 – 7:00pm: Adult Beginner
7:00 – 8:00pm: Adult Intermediate
8:00 – 9:00pm: Open Advanced

Fridays

4:00 – 4:30pm: Kids Beginner
4:30 – 5:00pm: Kids Junior
5:00 – 5:45pm: Kids Senior
6:15 – 6:45pm: Adult Absolute Beginner
6:45 – 7:30pm: Over 40s Beginner

Term payments MUST be received by the 23rd of April (end of 2nd week of term).

Click here for all the information on our tap classes

3. RHR IPHONE APP NOW AVAILABLE!

David Sheather, RHR troupe member and teacher of the Adult Intermediate class, has put his technological skills to great use, and created the first RHR app for iphone and ipod touch. This clever little tool has a bunch of information on it, as well as videos and the tap jam engine, irhythm, designed to test your tap jamming skills! The app is updated regularly with the latest news, special offers, and other information, and is a must for any RHR follower, supporter or student.

Download the app for free today at:

http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/red-hot-rhythm/id357616726?mt=8

4. NEW RHR BLOG

Lastly, RHR have been working on setting up a new Blog. Every week, we’ll be adding a new post, filled with relevant and useful information on a range of topics, which you can sign up to, and have your own say!

Check out the blog here: http://www.redhotrhythm.com.au/blog – and be sure to check out the first post: Tips for making the most of a dance class (Part 1).

That’s all for today! Stay tuned, and happy tapping!

RED HOT RHYTHM

Mobile: +61 (0) 416757329
General enquiries: info@redhotrhythm.com.au
Class Enquiries: classes@redhotrhythm.com.au
Booking Enquiries: bsimpson@redhotrhythm.com.au
Website: www.redhotrhythm.com.au
Blog: www.redhotrhythm.com.au/blog
YouTube: www.youtube.com/redhotrhythm