Doug Shankman

Doug believes that the tap artist is both a dancer and musician. Classes are fun, energized, and challenging. Classes will build a strong technique in the fundamental principles of tap dancing.

Practicing rudiments in the center, across the floor, and turning. We will explore rhythmic patterns in quarter notes, eighth notes, swing, bass, bebop, syncopation, sixteenth notes and rolling sounds both evenly and accented.

As a former drummer, Doug gives an insight to the drum rudiments found in tap dancing and gives the student the necessary skills to build a “strong pocket”. In tap dancing, timing is everything.

Stressing the importance of tap as a performing art, we will work on combinations that will challenge the student to ask not only how, but the who, what, where, why, and when questions. This will help to give the students the tools to create a three dimensional expression.

Doug's motto is: "Practice doesn't make perfect.  Perfection is a moment.  Practice makes room for a lifetime of progress.  Feel the magic!"