Years 1 + 2
Ages 5–7, Galaxy Stars. Where tap starts at LLDS, alongside Ballet and Modern.
Lucy Lovick Dance Studio
Tap Classes
ISTD tap in Sydenham SE26, from first shuffles at age five to senior grades and adult classes.
What tap looks like at LLDS
Let's get our feet talking. Tap is about rhythm, coordination and clear, confident footwork, and it is the class that most often turns a shy dancer into a performer.
We teach the ISTD Tap syllabus, so dancers build vocabulary in a safe, structured order: clean single sounds first, then time steps, riffs, rolls and speed.
Tap runs at Studio 208 in Sydenham, for children from Year 1 and for adults at four different levels.
What tap builds
Sound
Clear, separated taps come first. Dancers learn to make every sound on purpose.
Rhythm
Dancers build up time steps, syncopation and musical phrasing a little further each term.
Speed
Longer sequences bring riffs and rolls up to tempo without losing clarity.
Where tap is taught
Tap is paired with another style in every children's class. Each class page has its days, times, fees and uniform.
Year 3+
Ages 7+, Dynamic Stars. ISTD Modern and Tap together: Primary Tap in Dynamic 1, Grade 1 Tap in Dynamic 2.
Inters
Ages 11+, Dynamic Stars 3 + 4. Progressive ISTD Tap, with exams and class awards as goals.
Seniors
Age 14+, senior grades. ISTD Tap for dancers working at Grade 4 and above, taken together with Modern.
Adults
Age 18+, four adult levels. Beginner, Improvers, Intermediate and Advanced, in evening classes.
Musical Theatre
Tap technique feeds straight into our Musical Theatre routines, which add singing and acting.
See every class by age, the full weekly timetable or the fees.
Tap Exams
Tap exams follow the ISTD Tap syllabus and are regulated by Ofqual in England. They are encouraged but never compulsory, and Miss Lovick and the class teacher agree when a dancer is ready.
What to Wear
Every tap dancer needs tap shoes. The rest of the uniform is set by age group, so check the class page before you buy. Galaxy Stars wear the lilac school leotard or a turquoise school top, and Dynamic dancers wear the turquoise all-in-one or purple school leotard with black shorts or leggings.
Who teaches tap
Our Tap teachers hold ISTD qualifications in Tap. They include our Principal, Miss Helen Cheesman, who holds the DDE in Modern and Tap.
Start tap in Sydenham
Children from Year 1 and adults at every level are welcome. Tell us where you are starting from and we will find the right class.