Tappoles, a new student organization, is offering classes to any students who want to learn, improve or just enjoy tap dancing.
“We just wanted to help people find a place to be able to enjoy this super fun art form, whether they’ve never taken a class before or they’ve been tapping for fifteen years” said Gabriela Yarbrough, a sophomore theatre major. “If you don’t have tap shoes, you can tap in your sneakers.”
Yarbrough, Henry Cawood and Wesley Adams co-founded the organization.
Cawood, a sophomore theatre major, said that the club is open to any student at TCU who wants to improve their skills and explore the world of tap dancing.
“I mean, it’s an educational experience, it’s not just a ‘get together and see what you can do’ thing,” said Cawood. “We want to improve technique and help people become stronger in their dancing.”
Tappoles member Sydney Vance demonstrates for the group on Sept. 17, 2023. (Sydney Miller/Staff Writer)
Henry Cawood leads a tap practice on Sept. 17, 2023 in Ed Landreth. (Sydney Miller/Staff Writer)
Tappoles members warm up before practicing on Sept. 17, 2023. (Sydney Miller/Staff Writer)
Cawood said the club aims to reach students of different experience levels each week.
“Last week, we held a beginner/intermediate class and taught them the Shim Sham, which is like the national anthem of tap,” said Cawood. “This week was an advanced technique class and next week we’re going to be teaching a combo.”
Adams, a sophomore theatre major said he is proud of how many students have shown interest in joining the first tap dancing club on campus.
“I think people can tell how special tap dancing is to Henry, Gabriela and me,” said Adams. “I believe our members see how invested we are in tap dancing and that makes them want to come back to keep practicing and keep having fun.”
The Tappoles meet every Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Ed Landreth Hall Room 301.
