Internationally acclaimed tap teacher and choreographer Grant Swift has brought his talents to Narre Warren.
By Rebecca Fraser
A NARRE Warren tap teacher is swift by name and swift by nature.
Internationally acclaimed dance teacher and choreographer Grant Swift has recently brought his talents to Narre Warren, taking up a teaching post at Cathy-Lea Academy of Performing Arts.
The New Zealand born performer’s career has taken him right around the globe, from busking on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Venice Beach in Los Angeles and Covent Garden in London to appearing in London’s West End and on Broadway.
Dance academy proprietor Cathy Howell said Mr Swift had performed alongside some of the world’s best tappers and the school was honoured to have him teaching there.
“I just think it is fantastic that we can have a teacher of this calibre in Narre Warren. I am all for bringing the arts to the community rather than having to always go to the city to get classes with good teachers – as has been the case in the past,” Ms Howell said.
“He has taught in London, Singapore, Mexico and New Zealand so to have him here is just wonderful.”
Mr Swift is teaching the dance academy’s boys’ program and ‘elite’ program students on Monday nights, but also has an open class for students with less tap dancing experience.
Ms Howell said the internationally renowned teacher had brought a new and unique style of dance to the school.
He has been teaching students “funk tap” which Ms Howell said was one of the latest styles in tap dancing, with a real “street” feel to it.
“With origins in African dance and links to jazz styles such as ‘hip-hop’, it is percussive, ‘cool’ and upbeat,” Ms Howell said.
“Students have been astounded at how different funk tap is from traditional tap and are enjoying learning this challenging new style of dance.”
