BAL syllabus offers a sound tap technique building from the basics of shuffles and triples in junior grades, to riffs, wing, pick ups, turns, syncopation, and varied rhythm patterns in senior grades. All grades incorporate slow, medium and fast speeds, and varied styles, equipping the dancer with the background and ability to perform any style of tapping. Stage presentation is a requirement in the exams, and all grades include a short dance of the teacher’s choreography.
Junior Grades were choreographed jointly by BAL examiners Hilda Easton and Mary Easton, with Senior grades choreographed by Mary Easton. Later revisions made in conjunction with senior BAL Tap teachers.
Tap grades are:
Beginners (Assessment)
Pre-Primary
Primary
Grades One – Five
Minor Solo (optional performance exam)
Elementary
Intermediate
Advanced
Major Solo (optional performance exam)
THE MUSIC IN THE FOLLOWING VIDEO EXCERPTS HAS BEEN UPDATED SINCE FILMING
Teaching Certificate III can be taken at 16 years after successfully completing Elementary standard.
A link to the full list of current exam fees can be found on the ‘Members/Exam Entry Forms’ page.
TAP’N’BEATS SYLLABUS
Tap ‘N’ Beats is a new Tap syllabus devised for BAL by NATHAN SHEENS. Nathan is an original cast member, and later Dance Director and lead dancer of Dein Perry’s TAP DOGS. With roles in many other major musical shows, including Billy Elliott, Mamma Mia, Shout, and Happy Feet, Nathan continues to choreograph and teach his art to fulltime and junior Tap students. BAL is excited to have Nathan Sheens choreograph this exciting Tap syllabus.
Tap’N’Beats is a more relaxed tap style which also offers a sound tap technique building from the basics of shuffles and triples, to riffs, wing, pick ups, turns, and syncopation, all incorporating fantastic, varied rhythmic patterns.
Tap’N’Beats grades are:
Pre-Stage (choreographed by BAL examiner Christopher Wood)
Stages 1-10 (choreographed by Nathan Sheens)
Teaching Certificate III can be taken at 16 years after successfully completing Stage 8 standard.
A link to the full list of current exam fees can be found on the “Members/Exam Entry Forms” page.
