Why tap?
Adult tap classes with Sonia Brown are centred around learning exciting choreography ranging in many different styles, providing not just a physical workout but a mental one too!
As with all dance styles, it’s very common to be in a class of mixed abilities, especially in tap. Sonia provides adaptations for you as an individual to make sure you’re challenging yourself but also, and more importantly, to ensure that no one gets left behind.
If you love to feel the beat of the music, learn a new skill and PARTY then tap dancing is for you!
Low-Impact Tap
Low-Impact Tap with Sonia Brown is an upbeat, funky, beginner tap class for any age. The class avoids the use of jumps and springs to create a gentler dance workout, and ballet barres are on-hand if needed for extra stability.
During the class, we will learn new steps and work towards a fun dance every half term.
NOTE: If you can't see the class you want to trial for, it probably means it's currently full. If you want to be added to a waiting list so that when a space opens, you can trial the class, please click here and fill out a Contact Us form. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long you will be on the waiting list for, so it may be better to trial a class that has space!
Advanced Tap
Sonia offers a friendly, non-syllabus class at an intermediate/advanced level. Suitable for any age, the class centres around learning new steps and combinations, alongside a new dance every half term. With each dance our music genre changes, offering students new and exciting tap grooves!
The focus of the class is to have fun tap dancing, and is suitable for anyone able to work at grade 5+ level.
NOTE: If you can't see the class you want to trial for, it probably means it's currently full. If you want to be added to a waiting list so that when a space opens, you can trial the class, please click here and fill out a Contact Us form. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee how long you will be on the waiting list for, so it may be better to trial a class that has space!
When and where
Low-Impact Tap!
Advanced Tap!
Low-Impact Tap!
Advanced Tap!
Low-Impact Tap!
Low-Impact Tap!
Low-Impact Tap!
What our Tappers have been saying...
"The Low Impact tap class is hugely enjoyable. We learn lots of new steps and routines while having the best fun EVER. Each week, I leave the class with a huge smile on my face . Definitely the highlight of my week."
"Sonia's Advanced Adult Tap Class - Reading is absolutely FAB! Having not danced for a fair few years, when I heard Sonia was coming to Reading I jumped at the chance to register! Her classes are FUN, FAST & FABULOUS! The standard is spot on & it's great to have a goal for a Monday evening!!!."
"Sonia is an amazing dance teacher! She puts 100% into all her classes to make them fun and enjoyable. I joined one of her tap classes earlier this year and Sonia was warm and welcoming from the start ~ she is so bubbly and friendly!! I have met some truly lovely people on my tap journey. It doesn’t matter what age, size or ability you are, if you fancy trying tap dancing just come along to one of her classes, it really is the most fun you can have with your tap shoes on"
Booking and payment
£9.00 per class (one hour). The first lesson for new attendees is Pay-As-You-Go, however following on from that, should you wish to continue with us, payment is on a termly basis expected by your next lesson in order to reserve your space.
Returning students are expected to pay on the first lesson of term. To see our term dates, click here.
Unfortunately, I cannot accept cheques and I do not offer refunds for missed classes. I am however more than happy for students to catch up classes elsewhere on our timetable, as long as this is done within the same term.
Frequently asked questions
- What do I need to bring? Please bring a bottle of water. - What should I wear? There’s no need for you to invest in a specialist dance uniform (unless you want to!) Just come in clothes you can move comfortably in such as leggings or tracksuit bottoms. To get the most out of your tap classes you will need a pair of tap shoes with a ball and heel tap. However, for your trial class a hard-sole, flat shoe would be fine; a shoe that isn't too grippy and is able to make a little sound. I would recommend that if you do sign up for Tap Classes With Sonia Brown, to visit our fantastic local dancewear shop, Dancia International, where they stock a variety of tap shoes. There are some dodgy shoes on the internet, and dance shoe sizing varies dramatically so having them professionally fitted in person will save you time and money. Dancia International's details can be found below. Sonia's recommendation would be a low-heeled, full-sole jazz tap but there will be cheaper alternatives if preferred. Dancia Reading, 36-38 Prospect Street, Caversham, Reading, RG4 8JL Tel. 0118 9478123 Dancia Crowthorne, 235 High Street, Crowthorne, RG45 7AH Tel. 01344 286884 - Why can’t I attend as a pay-as-you-go customer? To truly benefit from attending any dance class, regular attendance is key. This gives your mind and body a real chance at retaining all the goodness you’ve gained from the lesson. We have many students who attend multiple times a week or take advantage of our home practise videos as just one week can feel like a long time! Alongside this, as we move through the term we develop our exercises and extend our dances. Drop-in students, particularly further into the term, hinder the whole community's progress, as well as making the session much more overwhelming for the infrequent visitor. Seeing you regularly means more fun for everyone! - I’m an absolute beginner. Is there anything to help me outside of the class? Well, yes there is! Once you’ve attended your trial, you’ll be sent information on how to access our ‘members area’. There you’ll find a link to our online folder where I regularly upload the current dance choreography, alongside some videos of the absolute basics. Don’t panic if you can’t remember the names of the steps! They sink in over time! - How do I join the community WhatsApp groups? Once you’ve attended your trial, you’ll be sent information on how to access our ‘members area’. Here you’ll find a link to join the Silver Swans/Low-Impact Tap WhatsApp group. Just click on that and it should let you in! Advanced Tappers have separate group chats so just speak Sonia to be added. - Sonia has different shoes. Where are they from? For ballet, Sonia wears Capezio Pedini Femme teaching sandals which have a low cuban heel. Students are welcome to wear the same if they need a little more support. They’re particularly helpful for back pain sufferers, if you’re flat footed, if you lock your knees a lot, or find you need to lift your heels in a plié. For tap, Sonia’s blue and white shoes are Miller and Ben ‘Jazz Tap Masters’, custom-made from America. If you’re interested in a snazzy, brogue style tap shoe without breaking the bank, a great pair to start with would be Bloch’s 'Chloe and Mauds'. The ball (front) tap is weighty though, so perhaps not suitable for absolute beginners.
