Episode Summary:

In this episode of Dance Studio 411, we dive into the world of tap with Julie Kay Stallcup, Melanie McGonigal, and Mandy Yip, the passionate team behind the innovative Tap Roots curriculum. This power house trio discuss the historically significant art form and their new curriculum, Tap Roots, which provides a structured and comprehensive approach to teaching tap in dance studios. 

Key Takeaways:

• Preserving Tap’s Legacy: Tap dance is culturally rich and historically significant but often underrepresented, especially in competitions and conventions.
• Consistency is Key: The Tap Roots curriculum promotes consistency in terminology, helping students build on their knowledge even if teachers change.
• Teaching with Confidence: By offering structured resources, Tap Roots empowers teachers of all levels to teach tap with confidence and creativity.
• Magic in the Shoes: As Julie Kay beautifully puts it, “When tap shoes are on a child's feet, magic happens.”

Time Stamps:

• 02:22 – Julie Kay shares her personal journey with tap dance and its lifelong impact on her.
• 06:26 – Discussion on the decline of tap dance in competitions and the need to revitalize its presence.
• 11:57 – How Tap Roots ensures consistency in tap terminology and instruction across studios.
• 13:41 – Overview of the Tap Roots curriculum, including lesson plans, worksheets, and certification.
• 18:34 – Strategies for new tap teachers to build confidence in their teaching abilities.
• 25:15 – Creative teaching strategies to develop musicality in tap dancers.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Tap Roots Website

Discount Code: REV15 for 15% off

[email protected] 

About Our Guest:

Meet Julie Kay Stallcup!   Julie Kay Stallcup is a nationally recognized dance educator, mentor, and speaker whose sold-out seminars and magnetic personality inspire teachers across the country. As the founder of JULIE KAY MASTERMIND LLC, she empowers dance teachers and studio owners with the tools to thrive—both in business and in the classroom.   For 15 years, she co-owned Revolution Dance Center, building a studio where dancers flourished and alumni went on to Broadway, TV, film, and beyond. Now based in Arkansas with her husband Darrell and their three children, Julie Kay continues to spread her passion for dance at Dance Dynamics and through her “ican” program for differently-abled dancers.   A former Las Vegas showgirl, magician’s assistant, and Latin American Music Awards performer, Julie Kay brings real-world experience to her teaching. She’s an adjudicator for top competitions, a board member of UDMA and Ronald McDonald House Charities, and a certified life coach helping educators and business owners find joy, balance, and success.   Her motto? "Hold the Vision and Trust the Process.

About Taproots:

Taproots is a foundational curriculum for teaching Tap Dancing. Tap Roots offers a progressional method for instruction, honoring traditional and modern elements. Starting at the Primary level, we introduce Tap with single sounds, basic movement, and an easily understandable foundation that builds to the advanced skills of Level Six. By following our syllabus, your students will develop a comprehensive aptitude for Tap and the tools needed to propel their Tap Dancing to even higher achievements.

Get Connected:

Tap Roots Instagram: @taprootsdance

Julie Kay Stalcup Instagram: @jkstallcup

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