Dance club grows tap by tap

By Anisha D. Seals
The Collegian

“Try not to use your legs, just use your ankles,” instructs Lauren Waterworth. “Now, faster! Shuffle!”

The sound of metal rapping against the floor in unison filled the room of the Tap Tones’ first practice of the semester.

The Tap Tones, Fresno State’s tap dance club, is in the process of rebuilding a club that was once a victim to budget cuts.

For students who were interested in tap dancing, the only opportunities on campus were through the dance program which offered tap dance as an option.

At the club’s inception in 2005, there weren’t many members and its main focus was to complete paperwork, elect officers and take care of the business end.

There have been a few performances in past semesters such as International Culture Night, Take Back the Night and a Christmas show for People’s Church.

With the program finally in motion, the club is not only for students with advanced skills. They’re also opening their doors to those who have little experience and those who have yet to lace up a tap shoe.

Samantha Thorpe, a Fresno City College transfer, practiced with the Tap Tones for the first time this past Friday. In her spare time, she’s a tap instructor for younger dancers.

She expected there to be tap dance class when she transferred, but she expressed that she was a little “bummed” once she found out there wasn’t one.

She was informed through e-mail that the Tap Tones were beginning to practice, but was a little nervous upon arrival.

“I had no idea what to expect when I walked in,” she says.

Although she hadn’t taught advanced tap in a long time, she quickly picked up the routines.

At this practice, the dancers were assigned to present a new combination of two eight-counts and that’s what would be practiced by the group. Afterwards, different upper body movements and floor movements were added.

Waterworth, who is the club president, said she is excited about the progress that will be made this semester.

Some of the upcoming projects of the Tap Tones consist of a series of master classes in conjunction with Fresno City College and a beginner’s tap dancing course that will be provided on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Tap Tones are also looking to coordinate practices and eventually shows with percussion involved.

“In the first half of the 20th century, big bands incorporated tap dancing into their shows,” Waterworth said.

The incorporation of drums will be a change from the typical tap dance that’s seen with regular music in the background.

This different style of tap is also a part of one of the goals that Waterworth wants to achieve with the Tap Tones

“I want to see the integration of different aspects of life and different types of style and dance,” she says.

Many people are not aware of the origins of tap, which were the Irish jig and the African shuffle.

Because of low awareness of the history, Waterworth also plans to incorporate pieces of history into their sessions.

“I want to educate people on the history to see where we can take it in the future,” she said.

Adam Fernandez, Tap Tones Vice President, and the only male club member is a vocal performance major and has been performing since he was young.

He was inspired by the stage show “Guys and Dolls” to pursue dance and has been doing so since the 7th grade.

Fernandez’s goals for the Tap Tones are to advance in their skill and to spread the art of tap.

“When I graduate, I want this to stay,” Fernandez said. “I want people to keep this alive long after I’m gone. It’s special when you do something like this for your school.”

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