JTap 6/7

Are you seeking a non-competitive studio where fun, rhythm, and a love of dance are the top priority?

JTap is designed for children who have previously taken a tap sessional class (with the exception of our 3-5 year old class). JTap has been expertly developed by artistic directors Jenna Brenan and Chantel Sampson, dance educators with many years of experience teaching dance programming to children of all ages and abilities. All our classes are taught by highly trained instructors who have a solid foundation in both dance technique and best teaching practices.

Our program focuses on combining the Al Gilbert Tap Syllabus with Anne Green Gilbert’s BrainDance research and her teachings on conceptual dance education.  Each month we will explore new dance concepts combining developmentally appropriate movement, music, and tap technique to create a class that is fun for all!  This class is part of the Performance Program and will perform in Recital.

Dance is more than a series of steps. Our programs use a holistic approach that provides our young dancers with a brain compatible learning environment. Our conceptual approach to dance education ensures our students move with purpose on the dance floor and through life. Our goal is to shape each student into a Holistic Dancer who is a:

• Skilled Technician
• Critical Thinker
• Successful Collaborator
• Inventive Creator

New families joining our program will need to complete the Full-Year Placement Recommendation Form to receive a class placement prior to being able to register. You will be notified via email once your class placement has been added to your account.

Levels 1, 2 and 3: JTap for ages 3-7:

Our level 1, 2 and 3 JTap classes have been designed with young children in mind! In these levels our goal is to build confidence and body awareness, inspire creativity and expression, while developing physical literacy skills in our youngest dancers. The program focuses on creative dance with a focus on fundamental dance skills that will be the base of future tap technique. Dancers will explore a variety of music genres, images, and props to develop their dance ability. Teachers will also work with young dancers on classroom routine and etiquette, taking turns, and working with others. This program is recommended for children who have already had a positive experience in one of our parent and tot or preschool programs and are ready for a full year dance program.

Level 1: For children who will be 3 by no later than September 30 (Primary Syllabus)

Level 2: For children who will be 4 or 5 by no later than September 30 (Primary/Grade 1 Syllabus)

Level 3: For children who will be 6 or 7 by no later than September 30 (Grade 1/Grade 2 Syllabus)

Levels 4 through 7: Senior JTap for ages 8-14 yrs:

Our level 4 through 7 JTap classes are for kids who want the option to explore and create expressively while working on progressive dance technique. Kids in these levels will be challenged to solve movement problems, create dances using a variety choreographic structures and movement concepts, while learning developmentally appropriate tap skills. Dancers will explore a variety of music, images and props to develop their dance ability while learning how to collaborate and work with other children. Rather than drilling technique and steps, our teachers focus on helping students develop a deeper understanding of, and an ability to create movement -- based on curricular outcomes. The class activities and exercises have been developed to ensure dancers are able to progress their dance skills in a fun environment that keeps children engaged and excited to dance and learn. This program is recommended for children who are ready to make a full year commitment to a multifaceted dance program.

All children develop in their own time, at their own pace. As such all of our classes are levelled based on a combination of appropriate age groupings and skill level. This ensures all children are in a class where they will be suitably challenged and successful. Returning families will have received a level recommendation at the end of the previous dance season.

Level 4: For children who will be 8 or 9 by no later than September 30 (Grade 2/Grade 3 Syllabus)

Level 5: For children who will be 10 or 11 by no later than September 30 (Grade 4 Syllabus)

Level 6: For children who will be 11, 12, or 13 by no later than September 30 (Grade 4/Grade 5 Syllabus)

Level 7: For children who will be 13 or 14 by no later than September 30 (Grade 5 Syllabus)

Full-year Commitment

At J’Adore Dance we view our JTap dancers as part of our community. As a community, we expect families who enter our JTap program to be ready to commit to a full year program, including a special theatre recital (Dates listed in Policy Handbook). Our theatre recital allows special friends and family members to view our dancers’ hard work and give your dancer the opportunity to perform on stage! If you are unsure if your family can make a full year commitment we highly recommend registering in one of our sessional preschool or kids programs.

Dancewear Requirements

Proper dance attire is important for keeping your dancer safe, allowing instructors to ensure alignment is correct, and for freedom of movement. Dancers must change out of school and play clothes into proper dance attire before coming to class.

• Leggings & athletic top, dance leotard (any colour) & dance tights, Athletic pants or shorts & fitted t-shirt (any colour).
• Tap Shoes are required
• Hair should be pulled back off the face (long hair in a bun or ponytail)

Dance Wear Packages are available to purchase through J'Adore Dance. They will include a short sleeved bodysuit (6 colour choices available), tights, and tap shoes. Dance wear will be onsite for payment and pickup that day. Dancewear Fitting Days TBA. For more information click here. 

***Tights for recital are not included in your costume. Beige, black, or pink tights must be purchased at J’Adore (Revolution brand) to allow all of the dancers to match. Tights colour will be decided by the teacher during costume week.

Class Fees for the 2024-2025 Season:

Your program fee is now an all-inclusive fee, there will no longer be additional fees attached at checkout. Your all-inclusive fee includes your weekly class instruction, program administration, year end assessment, recital costume, recital portraits, and a digital video of recital.  For new clients only: Prop bags can be added to your order for an additional $30+GST fee. 

Class fee payments can be made in full at the time of registration, or can be made using our recurring credit card payment plan. There is an additional $20 fee for the payment plan to cover the transaction and administrative fees associated with recurring payments. Recurring payment plan fees will be charged on August 15, September 15, October 15, and November 15. Please note: J'Adore Dance reserves the right to deny access to the payment plan. The administration fee and payment plan fee must be received at the time of registration.

Level 1 (age 3) 45min/week: $923.79 (+payment plan fee*)
 Level 2 (ages 4-5) 45min/week: $923.79  (+payment plan fee*)
 Level 3 (ages 6-7) 60min/week: $989.95 (+payment plan fee*)
Level 4 (ages 8-9) 60min/week: $989.95 (+payment plan fee*)
 Level 5 (ages 10-11) 60min/week: $989.95 (+payment plan fee*)
 Level 6 (ages 11-13) 60min/week: $989.95 (+payment plan fee*)
Level 7 (ages 13-14) 60min/week: $989.95 (+payment plan fee*)

*Only if you choose to use the payment plan option

****2% discount if full payment is made by cash or e-transfer (no payment plan available)

Please note: If the class you are interested in is listed as full, please click on the waitlist button to be placed on a waitlist. We do often add additional classes if we have enough demand.

Cancellation and Policy Handbook

Cancellations received prior to August 1st of the current dance year will be charged a $75+GST cancellation fee. Cancellations received prior to September 16th of the current dance year will be charged the $200+GST administration/cancellation fee. Cancellations received prior to October 31st of the current dance year will be refunded one half of the total annual class fees (not including the $200+GST administration/Cancellation fee). Cancellations received between November 1 and November 30th of the current dance year will receive studio credit for one half of the class cost (not including the $200+GST administration/Cancellation fee). No refunds or credits will be issued for ANY cancellations received after November 30th of the current dance year. If you are unsure if your child is ready for a full year dance commitment, please consider one of our sessional programs. 

Class switches will not be considered after the second week of full year programming.  Class switches are subject to availability, teacher and administrative approval.  

***Click here for the 2025-2026 Policy Handbook***