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From the propulsive rhythm of the African dancer, to the swinging ragtime of the American jazz age, tap dancing has evolved into a unique blend of cultural expression, improvisation and creativity, open to all ages and abilities. With clear step-by-step instructions, The Essential Guide to Tap Dance covers basic steps such as the shuffle, pick up and paddle, before building these into traditional combinations such as the time step and shim sham. Additional material includes: . the history and development of tap dancing . rhythm and musicality . learning the language of tap dancing . the role of improvisation and choreography . the basic steps to advanced techniques This is the perfect companion to instruct the beginner tap dancer and expand the more experienced dancer's technique, offering full-colour pictures, helpful instruction and essential notes on this vibrant and accessible dance form. AUTHOR: Derek Hartley is an international authority on tap dancing, with over thirty-five years' experience as a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher. He has earned a glowing reputation for innovative work in film, television and theatre world-wide, and is a leading lecturer in theatre arts, choreography, jazz and tap history. Derek has taught at many of the UK's major dance schools, including Bird College, London Studio, the Sylvia Young Theatre School and Pineapple Dance Studios, where he still teaches. SELLING POINTS: . An authoritative guide to one of the most popular and inclusive dance forms of the twenty-first century. . Will be of great interest to dance students and dance enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. . Clear step-by-step instructions cover basic steps as the shuffle to traditional combinations as the time step. . Superbly illustrated with 138 colour photographs and line artworks. . Derek Hartley has over thirty-five years' experience as a professional dancer and is an international authority on tap dancing.