Customer Reviews

Tap Dance Made Easy - Level 1 - Basic

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I just received this DVD and having reviewed a number of the lessons, am very impressed. As an adult beginner, I have been taking tap lessons for over a year or two, and have purchased a number of other tap instructional materials. I wish I had this DVD at the beginning! Eli does a great job of breaking down the fundamental elements of tap, with an emphasis on correct technique, providing tips on correct weight transfer and timing, and at a pace that is easy to follow. Even though I thought I was already familiar with most of the steps presented in the lessons, in fact I learned something new about even the most basic of steps, such as a ball-change or hop. For example, he introduces the ("simple") step, hop, flaps and shuffles individually, then combinations of a shuffle-hop-step and flap-shuffle-hop, that (I believe) are elements of a time-step (which has been problematic for me). I feel confident that a review of these lessons will help me improve on the steps I am working on today, and, with these technical foundations, will more quickly learn newer ones. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to learn tap.

This is an excellent DVD for adult beginners; it covers the basics steps very well and adds some nice combinations that actually look like tap dancing. Watching the lessons is a lot like being in a class; the instructor shows the step part by part, helps you practice it slowly a few times, and then gradually brings you up to speed. When the steps are put into combinations, the instructor doesn't assume you've totally mastered the basic step; he covers the combination nice and slow as well. One advantage over a live class is the use of a split-screen; you can see his feet from both the back and the side at the same time. And, of course, you can slow it down even more or pause it if you need to.

One of the things I really like about this DVD is the instructor's style of dance. It's not the fixed-smile-and-splayed-fingers kind of tap I associate with little girls in sequined outfits. It's the smooth, relaxed-looking style of Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Ginger Rogers. Obviously, one beginning tap DVD isn't going to get you to Broadway, but this one is a good place to start.

This is the most useful "how to" video I have ever tried. Within a couple of sessions, I was able to follow along and I had never tapped before. The menu is set up so you can play any technique separately, so you can tap even if you only have 10 minutes free! Often, videos like this show begining technique but at an advanced pace - which is discouraging. Not here. You can see yourself progress each time you move up in pace. Easy to follow, and fun. I cannot wait for the next level to be released!

Dear Eli

Oh my goodness, I just had to write to you. I'm 61 years old and took up tap dancing over a decade ago. However, I was in a class filled with fairly experienced dancers and was told to just join in and somehow catch up with them. As a result, I felt intimidated and inadequate.


In the meantime, I broke my ankle a few years ago and gave away my beautiful new tap shoes, thinking I would never take it up again.

Well, the exciting news is I'm learning quickly from your DVD and I'm amazed at how fast I'm catching on. I can't get enough of it.

You make everything simple and easy to follow. The extra plus, is I'm losing weight and toning up almost effortlessly. Exercise has never been so much fun.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating such a wonderful DVD. You are an amazing teacher.

Most sincerely

questor7

Simply Great!...When I received this DVD, I thought, 'ok, I'll have a look what it's all about'. The next minute I felt I had to put my newly bought shoes on and couldn't take them off for more than an hour! Eli's instructions are so clear and his teaching style makes me feel so relaxed about the whole learning progress I feel like I'm in a real class where the instructor is focusing on me. (I found myself talking to him one stage :-) I just want to keep learning! As he teaches each step in different tempos it's great for complete beginners like myself and others who need to perfect their steps they are already familiar with. I love the piano music during the 'class' too, because it helps a lot when I try to count the beats. Not to mention that you can view the steps in two different angles at the same time. Once you have perfected your step, you can focus on your body position. Looking at the whole body image helped me figure out the right body position and find my balance during a difficult step. So I can highly recommend this DVD to anyone who is passionate about tap dancing and I can't wait to see the next level (although I have a lot to learn before I can leave this one behind!).

We have LOVED Tap Dance Made Easy's 1st DVD!
My 8 year old son has some learning challenges that rhythm training helps a lot. Not only is occupational therapy to accommodate his need expensive and a hassle, the sessions just get old. Tap has what he needs. While his tap classes have taught him steps, they haven't been able to assure his rhythm and technique are right (he needs extra help there) - thus, he was not getting the full developmental benefit tap has to offer in classes.
Tap Dance Made Easy has saved the day! It had to be simple and concise because I am new to tap myself. It had to have room for challenges or we'd get bored. It had to be fun, well, just because it's more fun and likely to get done that way. Tap Dance Made Easy covered it all wonderfully. We especially like the split screen with side and back views at the same time and how Eli makes it seem perfectly natural to need lots of practice. We feel challenged but not rushed.
Thanks so much for an awesome, affordable product! We look forward to the follow-ups!
Dianne Sterling

This is a great DVD for a real beginner. I am in my late 50's and just started a tap class. The class is exhausting and too fast for me. Eli Newsom is easy, smooth, and takes things very slowly. I do not feel that it is a real workout though. Just a nice easy introduction to tap.

I bought this dvd for myself, simply because I've always wanted to learn how to tap dance. I have no previous experience in any form of dance but I am a fairly quick learner, so I decided to give this dvd a shot. I sure am glad I did. I love the way the dvd is broken up. Eli Newsom gives wonderful tips on not only the placement of your feet, but also reminds you when to change your weight. He breaks down all the steps in a way that is easy to understand, and you also have two veiws to watch his steps from; something that I found very helpful. You can go through the lesson in it's entirety, or you can go through it chapter by chapter. All in all if your looking for a dvd to get you started on the basics of tap, I highly recommend this one. You'll be tapping before you know it!!!<:)

I have never tapped before, and always wanted to try. From the very first lesson, I learned steps and exercises that I enjoyed and helped me feel good physically and mentally. Eli's incredible teaching ability and approachable method will get anyone enjoying tap in no time. I highly recommend this video to anyone, regardless of skill or age, and believe they will enjoy and appreciate it as much as I do.

Eli is a talented dancer/instructor who makes me feel like I'm in a real class. He has a very nice style of teaching that is so relaxed and encouraging. I love the music too; it makes me feel like dancing :) I highly recommend this dvd as it is so well done and makes learning to tap easy and fun!