UEA Tap are a small and friendly club who just love to dance! We welcome everyone to our club, whether you're a complete beginner or have been tapping since before you could walk. We would love for you to join our Tap Family.
Technique Classes:
We hold weekly technique classes on a Thursday evening in the Kiff Matheson Suite in the Sportspark. These classes are a chance to learn new skills, improve your tapping technique and to learn short sequences. We also learn routines to perform in the UEA Dance Winter and Summer Shows, giving everybody who wants to the opportunity to perform!
- Beginners: 5:15-6pm
- Intermediate: 6-6:45pm
- Advanced: 6:45-7:15pm (Advanced tappers are expected to attend the Intermediate class as well)
If you've never tapped before don't worry as we have a selection of spare tap shoes for you to try and have a go.
Irish classes:
During 2021/22, we introduced a new style of dance to UEA: Irish Dancing!
The class is beginner friendy and is always a bunch of laughs. Whether you want to try it out for the first time, or improve on previous experience, be sure to come along on Tuesdays and have a go! Routines learnt in Irish classes are also performed at the Winter and Summer Dance Shows (optional).
We now hold bi-weekly classes in Congragation Hall 01.20 on Tuesdays 8-9pm. We charge only £10 for a year's Irish membership.
Competitions:
We have an Intermediate Comp Squad and an Advanced Comp Squad who attend National University Dance Competitions every year. These squads are auditioned for, however we aim to make them as relaxed and informal as possible, so there is no need to be nervous. In 2018/19 our Intermedaite Comp Squad placed 1st at Surrey University Dance Competition and 3rd at Northampton University Dance Competition. In 2019/20 they placed 3rd at Sheffield University Dance Competition. In 2019/20 our Advanced Comp Squad placed 2nd at Manchester University Dance Competition, 2nd at Surrey University Competition and 1st at Northampton University Competition. In 2019/20 our Advanced Comp Squad placed 1st at Sheffield University Competition. We are always aiming to improve and are extremely dedicated to performing at our absolute best. As well as these competitions, we also participate in our annual Derby Day against Essex University, which is always a fun day.
In 2020/21, our intermediate competition team competed in virtual competitions because of COVID. Despite learning most of the dance over zoom, our team pulled together and had an immensly successful season. They placed 1st at Lincoln, (with a Best Costume award) 1st at UCL, (with a spectator award) 1st at Northampton, 2nd at Royal Holloway (after being moved up to advanced category as well as winning a best concept award) and 2nd at DMU.
In 2021/22 our intermediate team competed at in-person competitions for the first time post-pandemic, and came away with 1st at DMU Dance Competition, 3rd at Go Hard or Go Home UK (Nottingham) and 3rd at Sheffield University Competition.
Last year, we competed with both an Advanced Tap team and our first ever Irish team. Our Irish team placed 1st at GHGH in Nottingham, winning third best choreography for its category. Our Advanced team came 1st at DMU, and placed 3rd at Surrey.
Competition Squad rehearsals take place on Sundays 4:30-6:30pm.
Shows and Socials:
We take part in the UEA Winter and Summer Charity Dance Shows with a beginners routine and an intermediate routine that we learn in our Thursday technique classes, meaning everyone gets the opportunity to perform! Our competition routines are also performed at the Summer Charity Show. We also hold regular socials including nights out on campus at the LCR, cinema trips, brunches and joint socials with other clubs on campus, meaning you get to know lots of different people.
Membership:
Our annual membership is only £30, but all UEA club members are required to also have a UEA Sport Membership. This membership is essential for UEA Sport and aids facilities, entry fees, events (such as Derby Day), and insurance as some examples.
Committee: Your 2023-2024 committee is as follows:
- President - Sophie Jones
- Vice President - Joanna Howes
- Treasurer- Isabelle Bethell
- Publicity Secretary- Issy Philpott
- Competition and Show Rep- Tegan Slowe
- Social Secretaries- Olivia Walker & Ella Marshall
- Wellbeing Officer- Charlotte Sheern
- Health&Safety/ Union Council Rep- Ellie Rose
Contact us:
If you would like any more information about any of our classes, socials or just want to chat about our club then please message us on social media, or email us at ueatap1@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @uea_tap and like our Facebook page UEA Tap to keep up with our current activities. You can also subscribe to our Youtube channel to watch our routines and performances https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYBv3WQ2HGykyHltU_lm4Mg/videos.
Testimonials:
"I've absolutely loved being involved in UEA Tap this year. The classes are loads of fun and I got to perform in some charity shows which were great. Joining Tap was such a good way to make friends and I'm excited to get back tapping in 2nd year". (Caitlin, 1st Year)
"Joining UEA Tap has been the best decision I made at university. Performing on a competition team is the highlight of my year every year! I learnt so much from being on committee and my tap has really improved by going to the technique classes. Most importantly, through UEA Tap I've met friends for life". (Katy, 2nd Year)
"UEA Tap has been a space to have fun first and foremost, but also to challenge myself and grow as a dancer. Being part of a team and representing UEA at National Competitions has also helped me feel more ingrained in the student life and community. Teamates soon becomes bestmates, and UEA Tap has let me carry on a life-long passion with other brilliant dancers". (James, 3rd Year)
"Tap has been a major highlight of my university experience and I can't imagine uni life without it. I've met wonderful people who share a common interest and I know will be friends for life. Competing on the advanced squad has been an incredible and rewarding experience, and I absolutely love performing in the shows! I can't wait to lead the club this year and see what other amazing things UEA Tap can achieve" (Ruth, 2nd Year, 2020/21 President)
Tap Love x
Additional Cost of Sport Ranges
The additional cost of sport project, which was created by the Students’ Union, alongside uea+sport, is designed to give prospective members information on the range of costs they may face in joining their chosen sport.
This range should be taken as guidance. For compulsory costs, this price includes uea+sport membership which is £55, and you only need to pay once to join all of our clubs.
When considering additional costs, some clubs may have none and others may have further costs. This is often dependent on the level of competitiveness for the sport you get involved in, and so recreational or socially playing may be cheaper. You may also have equipment which can be used between multiple sports, for example shoes or gum shields.
For any questions, please ask the sport club for specific further information, or union.opportunities@uea.ac.uk for further information on the project.
Many thanks,
Luke Johnson
Your Activities & Opportunities Officer 23/24
