Dance style
Jazz and tap training on the ADA syllabus
Croft Gilchrist School of Dancing teaches jazz and tap in Townsville following the Australian Dance Association (ADA) syllabus, with interactive skills and techniques woven through every level. From our Rhythm & Dance combo class for little ones through to graded examinations, Bronze, Gold and Senior levels — plus dedicated Adult Jazz and Adult Tap streams — every dancer finds their groove at our Pimlico studios.
Why jazz and tap build complete performers
Jazz builds body control, flexibility and stage presence — the sharp, musical, show-stopping quality that lights up a concert stage. Tap builds rhythm, musicality and precision, training dancers to hear and create complex beats with their feet. Together they form a powerful pairing, and both complement ballet training beautifully by adding attack, rhythm and performance flair to a technical foundation.
Our purpose-built studios at 36 French St, Pimlico feature sprung timber floors and full-length mirrors, keeping jazz students turning safely and tap students sounding crisp.
Jazz and tap levels taught at Croft Gilchrist
Students move through the ADA levels as their age, coordination and technique develop:
- Rhythm & Dance (little ones) — a playful jazz/tap combination class introducing rhythm, basic steps and musical games.
- Primary Jazz/Tap — combined syllabus class bridging early training into formal jazz and tap technique.
- Graded Jazz and Graded Tap — the progressive ADA levels with separate jazz and tap classes as students grow.
- Bronze, Gold and Senior levels — upper-level syllabus work preparing dancers for major examinations and performance-ready routines.
- Adult Jazz and Adult Tap — dedicated adult streams, whether you're brand new or returning to the styles you loved as a child.
ADA syllabus and examinations
Our jazz and tap program follows the Australian Dance Association (ADA) syllabus, which develops interactive skills and techniques appropriate to each level. Students can be entered for formal ADA examinations with an external examiner, working from their first grades right through Bronze, Gold and Senior level examinations. Exam preparation is built into class work so candidates feel confident on the day.
When and where do jazz and tap classes run?
Jazz and tap classes run Monday to Saturday across our three studios at 36 French St, Pimlico. Rhythm & Dance and Primary combos are popular on Saturday mornings, while graded, Bronze, Gold and Senior sessions run on weekday afternoons; adult jazz and tap classes run in the evenings. See the full timetable for exact times.
Frequently asked questions about jazz and tap classes
What's the difference between jazz and tap?
Jazz is an upbeat, energetic style danced to popular music, focusing on jumps, turns, kicks and sharp performance quality. Tap uses special shoes with metal plates to create rhythmic sounds with the feet, training musicality and intricate footwork. Jazz builds body control and stage presence; tap builds rhythm and precision.
Can my child do both jazz and tap?
Absolutely — and we recommend it. Young students start in our combined Rhythm & Dance or Primary Jazz/Tap classes, and older students often take separate jazz and tap classes back to back. The skills complement each other, and both pair beautifully with ballet training.
Are there adult tap or jazz classes?
Yes. We run dedicated Adult Jazz and Adult Tap streams in the evenings. Whether you're a complete beginner or getting back into dance after years away, there's a class that will get you moving at your level.
What costume or uniform is needed?
For a trial, comfortable clothes you can move in are fine. Once enrolled, jazz students wear the school uniform with jazz shoes, and tap students wear the uniform with tap shoes. Uniforms and shoes can be purchased through our on-site Townsville Dancewear Centre.
Browse all classes
Looking for a different style? See every class we teach at Croft Gilchrist.
