Future Tap Dogs in The House?

I just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS to all the boys who came to the Tap Dogs Canadian audition at Byfield Dance Experience.

FYI Ladies: you missed a day of sweaty, passionate, strong men tap dancin’ all over the place! In the lounge, the reception, and the studio of course.

Sheldon Perri, Dein’s brother, put the boys through the mental wringer with his rhythmic tap dance routine. Suprisingly, a few actually had energy to pose after the workout.  Merde to all, and good luck!

- Shawn B

Tap Dancing Gets Better at BDX Toronto

A tap dance lesson in Toronto at BDX – Byfield Dance Experience (http://www.ShawnByfield.com)

Here’s some footage from last week. It’s a bit rough near the end, but the steps got better each time. I should have kept filming!

It’s hard to find tap classes sometimes, but trust me, Toronto has ‘em. Byfield Dance Experience (BDX) has two tap dance classes in Toronto every Tuesday night, and one tap class on Saturday afternoon (see the tap schedule here).

If you need to get your tap dance on and just DANCE, why not come on out? The wood feels good.

- SB

Tap Dogs Audition in Toronto

TAP DANCE AUDITION NOTICE

Dein Perry’s worldwide smash-hit Tap Dogs is looking for male dancers to be part of Drayton Entertainment’s Canadian premiere production. Those who can tap to an extremely high standard and would like to be considered to join one of the longest running tap shows in the world are invited to audition. Bring your tap shoes on:

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24th

UPDATE: 9am start

** Invitation only. Contact Peter DaCosta at 416-322-6554 immediately for confirmation

Byfield Dance Experience
819 Yonge Street, Toronto (MAP)

(Just north of Bloor / Yonge Subway In Downtown Toronto. At Davenport, across from MTV)

* For more information, please email Steve Roth, Executive Producer at Drayton Entertainment: stever@draytonentertainment.com

Proof That Tap Dancers Make Great Drummers!

SYTYCDC Drummers

Just a shot of me playing in the finale episode of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, season two. I was a drummer for the afro-jazz number choreographed by Sean Cheeseman. Notice that I’m the shortest one also… =P See more photos on CTV website.

FYI: Tap dancers do make good percussionists! Remember we’re musicians also, have great musicality, understand time and are used to using our inner metronome. We drum with our feet!

Here’s How To Get Your Tap Dance On Every Week… Click For Info.

- Shawn B

 

Two New Classes To Improve Your Tap Dance Skills

Two New Classes To Improve Your Tap Dance Skills

Toronto tap dance classes, November

Attention Hoofers!

Good news: I’ve been working hard to let people know we got some kick @ss tap classes running in our new home.

Since we have the space now, starting Tuesday November 17th I’ll be adding new Toronto tap dance classes to the schedule at BDX. YESSS! I want to help everyone successfully improve their footwork and ears.

Say Amen! Because Here’s The Good News:

Starting Tuesday November 17th, we’ll have an ELEMENTARY tap dance lesson at 5:45 pm.

This class is for those of you who used to tap and haven’t in a while. If you’re rusty, this is where you go. This is NOT a beginner class, you must have previous training.

Right after that, I’ll have an INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED tap dance class at 7 pm.

If you’re at a stronger dance level, know your technique and been working at a competitive tap dance level, this tap lesson that will challenge, inspire, and push you to new limits.

If you’re nervous, don’t be! Sure it might have been a while. But there’s no egos or attitudes here to hold you back from doing what you love: tap dancing. And if you’re wondering where exactly you might fit in…

…then get your butt down to a class and find out. I’ll even let you take class for FREE to you know how your feet (and brain) will respond.

Click Here For Directions To Byfield Dance Experience

So stop making excuses, stop wondering, and get those tap shoes out your closet!

- Shawn Byfield

The Simple Technique To Transform Your Sluggish Dance Students Into Super-Motivated Eager Beavers

Dance students all fired up!

“The Simple Technique To Transform Your Sluggish Dance Students Into Super-Motivated Eager Beavers”

Uggh… Ok dance teachers. I know you feel me on this one…

Ever have those days where you’re working so hard, giving 110% to your students, but it feels like everyone except for you is dragging their heels?

You know what I’m talking about. You look around the room, and you’re the ONLY one sweating buckets. What’s up with that? Why aren’t they working harder?

Thoughts like  ”She’s not even TRYING!” or “I’m not here to babysit” run through your head. Yes, we’ve all been there.

From my experience, the number one best way to get dancers motivated in class is to simply be enthusiastic! Nothing inspires others like passion & excitement.

Yes, it’s true. Enthusiasm comes naturally when u love what you do. But it’s often in the delivery, and how you share that with others. If you keep that passion to yourself, then the only person you motivate is, well, you.

An Addiction You’ll WANT To Keep

Enthusiasm is addictive. I’ve seen how the energy in a single, excited voice can literally transform a still room into a buzzing, vibrant and responsive audience. Once you get FIRED UP, students of all ages become attentive, eager worker bees.

But why is that?

From what I’ve learned, there’s a lot of psychology in teaching. Different approaches to discipline, vocal techniques, verbal and non verbal behaviour. There’s many methods to teaching that are effective and encouraging.

But there’s also the psychology of being human. A dominant nature of humans (and especially artsy-fartsy people like dancers) is the need to please others.

Ever find it hard to say “NO” to someone? Even when you know you’re not interested in helping, or don’t have time, or… It’s because most of us feel good when we make other people happy.

Our students are no different. In fact, that need to please pushes us (and by us, always remember that we are ALL students, continuously learning and improving ourselves) to become better at what we do.

That need to please usually results in an exchange of praise from the teacher or other authority figure, to your wide-eyed grasshopper. And that praise feels great!

Which leads to wanting to please more. And the cycle continues.

Here’s 3 Quick And Easy Ways To Turn The Class Around

But how to deliver enthusiasm?

For starters, as soon as you set foot in your class, remember YOU set the tone for the hour. If you’re sluggish, your class will be sluggish. If you’re eager to teach, they will be eager to learn. It’s human nature.

And when you can find a moment to praise someone, don’t hesitate. Be vocal.

In fact, shout it out so the whole class can hear you compliment how Stacy improved her shuffle! Or how Jason’s posture is MUCH better!

Everyone listening will want praise too. Especially the young ones. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Remember, it’s human nature.

But always be genuine. When you are, it’s easier to give constructive criticism and comments for improvement.

So the next time you step to the front of the room, remember how much you love dance… and share your enthusiasm!

- Shawn Byfield

www.ShawnByfield.com

About The Author:

Shawn Byfield (http://www.ShawnByfield.com) is an award winning choreographer, show director and a leading expert in dance lessons and industry advice. His extremely fun approach to learning is a must for anyone looking to achieve their highest potential through dance.

Saturday’s Tap Dance Lesson Downtown Toronto

This past Saturday’s adult tap class was our first time hoofin” in the new dance studio!

Byfield Dance Experience, aka BDX, is coming together nicely. We made sure to love the dance floor with a funky tap dance routine. (“Get on the Boat” by Prince.)

Toronto adult tap dance lessons are on every Tuesday and Saturday, and it won’t stop anytime soon!

- Shawn B

ATTENTION Tap Dancers: Who Is This Man?

Who Is This Man?
http://www.ShawnByfield.com/topsecret.htm