Tap Class at Charlotte Academy of the Arts in Matthews

Intermediate Tap and Jazz

Every triple threat needs strong tap and jazz in their toolkit. Designed for intermediate level dancers, this class builds the rhythm, precision, and performance quality that make a dancer truly stand out. Your child will develop the technical foundation and stamina to shine — culminating in a performance at our Fall Musical Revue.

What to expect

Each class opens with a stretch and warm-up before diving into 30 minutes of tap and 45 minutes of jazz. With ample class time, your dancer will build real technique in both styles, developing rhythm, timing, and footwork in tap alongside turns, leaps, flexibility, and performance quality in jazz.

The semester wraps with a performance at the Fall Musical Revue — a chance for your dancer to show exactly what they’ve learned in this Intermediate Tap and Jazz class.

Why you'll love it

This class is perfect for any young dancer ages 10 to 18 ready to get serious about tap and jazz. It is also an ideal fit for the musical theatre student who sings and acts well but wants to level up their dancing.

At the heart of this class is choreographer and educator Brandy Caton. Her passion for dance is matched only by her genuine care for every student she teaches. Brandy doesn’t just develop dancers, she builds confident, capable young people who feel seen and supported every time they walk through the door.

Brandy Caton, Musical Theatre Teacher

Brandy Caton

Dance & Musical Theatre Teacher

Brandy Caton found her love of dance at a young age when she wouldn’t stop dancing around the house, and so her parents enrolled her in dance classes. From that day forward, she has been committed to the art form in various ways. Brandy received training while growing up in the dance studio and competing but found her desire for teaching dance through her dance program at her high school in Durham, NC. She received her Bachelor of Science in Dance Education at East Carolina University and has been committed to educating others in not only technique but also in an understanding of the art form, from culture and history to the pioneers and choreography. Brandy has choreographed several middle and high school musicals at local schools over the last fifteen years, which she says “has been pure joy!” Brandy has served as choreographer for our productions of Annie Jr, Beauty and the Beast Jr, Matilda Jr, The Wizard of Oz (RSC).  She also leads dance workshops at The Academy and choreographed our Junior Theatre Festival adjudication piece. This fall she choreographs our Mainstage Production of Shrek JR and will be teaching our Intermediate Tap and Jazz class.

Class details

Students should come prepared with:

Intermediate Tap and Jazz is for intermediate-level dancers, which means the dancer possesses foundational skills in both genres and has experience taking dance classes and/or choreography in musicals. This dance class meets on Thursdays from 5:00 to 6:15 PM in Studio 12. Classes are led by Brandy Caton, BS Dance Education.

  • Tap shoes and jazz shoes
  • Bottled water
  • Wear comfortable, modest clothing for movement and a workout

What’s included

  • 12 weekly classes
  • Performance in the Fall Musical Revue
  • Charlotte Academy of the Arts t-shirt
  • No costume fee
  • Savings on Spring Production, Into the Woods JR

Intermediate Tap and Jazz

Sept 3 - Nov 19
Thursdays, 5:00-6:15 PM
Teacher: Brandy Caton
Ages: Ages 10-18

$268 Enroll

What’s next

The tap and jazz skills your dancer builds in this class don’t stay in the studio. They carry over into everything. Students ages 10 to 18 are eligible to audition for our Fall and Spring Productions, and the technique and confidence gained here will make them stronger, more versatile performers on that stage. Students may also have the opportunity to participate in the Junior Theatre Festival. This class is especially valuable preparation as our Festival piece features a lot of dancing.
Students ages 10 to 13 may also be interested in our Shining Stars musical theatre class, where those same skills will shine.

And if your dancer wants to keep going, we offer Intermediate Tap and Jazz in the spring semester as well to continue building on everything they have learned.