Fun and welcoming tap dancing classes Melbourne
This is your place to discover the joy of tap.
Here are some of the things that make our adult tap dancing classes in Melbourne unique:
You’ll be learning from highly skilled teachers who only teach adults AND only teach tap, this is their passion and it is what they specialise in.
There are classes for every skill and every fitness level so you can find the perfect class for where you’re at right now.
Classes range from absolute beginners, through to professionals, and everyone in between.
You can learn to tap (or return to tap) at every age, from 18 to 80+
You’ll be taught tap technique and terminology so you can really learn how to tap, not just copy steps.
Our tap dancing classes are taught at a pace that works for you and your class, so you can really enjoy the learning experience.
You’ll be encouraged, challenged both mentally and physically (in a good way), and inspired to continue to grow as a dancer.
Enrollment is simple and easy, and you can start at anytime, the classes don’t run by terms. Just click the Book a Class button to get started.
There are two convenient payment options. You can book for single classes, or, you can select a 10 week class pack (which offers a 10% discount and the ability to do a ‘make-up class’ if you need to).
The studio is a welcoming, supportive, and joyful space!
You’ll be doing more than just starting dance lessons, you’ll be joining a wonderful tap ‘family’.
Studio Values….things that are important to us
-
Community
Creating a ‘family’ of like minded people who share similar goals, passion and purpose.
-
Welcoming and Inclusive
Dance should be accessible & inclusive. It doesn’t matter about age, body shape, skill level or fitness level.
-
Supportive, encouraging and Inspiring
Seeing potential in everyone, influence & guide, celebrate achievements together
-
Commitment
Focus, passion, loyal, team player
-
Kindness
Warm energy, generosity, patience and sharing
-
Authentic
Genuine, real and honest
Meet your teachers
Megan
principal teacher
I’m the principal teacher at The Melbourne Tap Studio.
I started learning tap with Isabelle (the original founder) as an adult beginner, many years ago now, so I bring my own experience in learning dancing as an adult to my teaching.
Teaching tap was my part time side hustle for a long time while the main gig was a career in arts and events marketing, developing partnerships for most of the major music theatre shows touring Australia and New Zealand.
Along the way I invested in my learning as a dancer & teacher, taking classes in New York and L.A. with many world renown teachers. I also continue my learning via online platforms so I can bring the very best to your classes.
Here’s the ‘bio bit’, I taught the tap programme at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (with Isabelle) and the National Theatre Ballet School, choreographed for TV, major events and movies and guest taught at many other schools in Melbs. Bio over!!
I’m looking forward to sharing my skills, experience and passion for tap with you!!
Isabelle
Founder
I’m Isabelle, the founder of our tap studio, originally Isabelle’s Tap Studio.
I learnt dance (ballet, tap and jazz) as a young child with the dream of becoming a professional dancer.
My dreams came true in my late teens and I began a long career dancing in major musicals including No No Nanette, Funny Girl, Irene and The Wiz, just to mention a few.
Along the way many of the other dancers asked me to teach them how to tap, word also got around outside of the theatre world and that’s how I transitioned to a 30+ year career in teaching tap and that’s how the studio started.
As well as running my own school, I ran the tap programme at the Victorian College of the Arts, in both the Tertiary and Secondary Schools, and also taught at the National Theatre Ballet School and many other schools in Melbourne.
I’m passionate about sharing my love of tap with all of the upcoming and aspiring tap dancers.
Tap Dancing Classes Melbourne: Choose your level
-
Beginners Tap Dancing Classes for Adults
These classes are perfect for people who have no prior dance experience, or for people who may have previously danced a little bit.
-
Advanced beginners through to Advanced tap classes
These classes are perfect for people with a year or more experience wanting to get back into tap, classes range from Advanced Beginners (Level 2) through to Intermediate/Advanced.
Tap Dancing Classes Schedule
-
Monday
6.00pm Level 6
7.30pm Level 3/4 -
Tuesday
6.30pm Level 5
7.30pm Beginners -
Wednesday
6.30pm Int/Adv
7.30pm Level 2 -
Thursday
6.30pm Level 1
7.30pm Absolute beginners -
Saturday
9.30am Level 2/3
10.30am Int/Adv
12.00pm Level 5
1.00pm Beginners
2.00pm Level 1/2
Where to find us
225 Swan Street, Richmond Melbourne.
The Melbourne Tap Studio is really well serviced by public transport. The Richmond and East Richmond railway stations are both within walking distance, and the number 70 tram runs along Swan Street, along with the number 78 & 79 trams along Church Street.
Frequently asked questions about our tap dancing classes
-
Never.. Tap is one of those rare things you can start at any age—and still feel the joy and challenge of learning something new. Whether you’re 18 or well into your 70s, adult tap classes are designed to meet you exactly where you’re at. The movement is rhythm-based, not flexibility-based, and classes are welcoming, low-pressure and supportive. If you’ve been wondering if it’s too late—it’s not. This is your sign to begin.
-
Like anything worthwhile, tap is something you keep growing into. You’ll learn the basics fairly quickly—most beginners are already creating rhythms and short combos within their first few classes. From there, it's a fun and ongoing process of layering, refining, and building confidence. The beauty of tap is that there's always more to explore, but you’ll feel progress early and often. Tap is simple to begin, but never boring.
-
Absolutely. In fact, tap is one of the most adult-friendly dance styles out there. It doesn’t require extreme flexibility, complex choreography or a dance partner. It’s just you, your shoes, the floor and the music. Classes are designed to be welcoming, energetic and supportive—especially for adults who may not have danced before. If you’re looking for fun, fitness, community and a fresh challenge, tap is the perfect fit.
-
Not as hard as you might think. Tap is step-by-step, rhythmic and playful. And because it's focused more on sound and coordination than high-impact moves, it’s easier on the body while still offering a challenge for your brain. The key is finding the right class—one made specifically for adults, with excellent teachers who understand how to build your confidence from the ground up.
-
Not generally. Tap is mostly low to medium impact, and there’s no jumping or twisting like you’d find in other dance styles. In fact, many adults find it’s a great option if they're easing back into movement or looking for a dance form that’s fun without being harsh on joints. Look for a studio that offers clear guidance on technique and posture, so you can move safely and confidently, at your own pace.
-
Yes, tap is an excellent choice. It keeps the body moving and the mind sharp, all while giving you space to have fun, be creative, and enjoy a sense of rhythm and connection. Tap can help improve coordination, balance, and cognitive function—plus it’s social, supportive and joyfully challenging. Whether you're picking up dance for the first time or coming back after years away, tap dancing is a wonderful way to stay active, inspired, and part of a friendly community.
Our studio….a legacy in tap.
The Melbourne Tap Studio began life as Isabelle’s Tap Studio, founded by Isabelle Ryan – a professional dancer whose love for tap started in early childhood.
Isabelle trained in ballet, tap, and jazz with the dream of one day dancing professionally. That dream came true in her late teens when she began a long and successful career performing in 8 major musicals produced by J.C.Williamsons, including No No Nanette, Funny Girl, Irene and more. Many of the productions she danced in were choreographed by the legendary Betty Pounder.
During the 1970s, renowned producer Michael Edgley joined forces with J.C. Williamsons during the run of No No Nanette. Michael saw potential in the Sun Room – the rehearsal space for JCW productions – to host classes in tap, jazz, ballet and acting. It was there that Isabelle was asked to begin teaching tap to singers and actors in JCW shows to help them move more confidently on stage.
Isabelle had originally taught jazz, taking classes for Pounder herself while Pounder was working overseas and bringing touring productions back to Australia. Teaching tap hadn’t been on Isabelle’s radar, but the classes quickly gained momentum. Before long, she was dashing upstairs to teach in the Sun Room, then racing back downstairs to get ready for curtain call.
As word spread through the theatre community – and beyond – more and more dancers and adults began seeking Isabelle out to learn from her. After finishing her professional stage career, Isabelle transitioned into a 30+ year career teaching tap to adults, building a vibrant and loyal community of students.
In addition to running her own studio, Isabelle was invited to teach tap at the Victorian College of the Arts Drama School (Tertiary) and Dance School (Tertiary), the VCA Secondary School, the National Theatre Ballet School, and the Council for Adult Education (CAE), a commitment that spanned more than two decades.
Isabelle remains a very active part of our studio, dropping in every week to teach routines in the more advanced classes. Her teaching philosophy – centred around strong technique, correct terminology, learning (not copying), and fitness – is deeply embedded in the studio’s approach, and embraced wholeheartedly by Megan, now principal teacher at The Melbourne Tap Studio.
Isabelle takes great pride in her career on stage, and even greater joy in being able to pass on the craft of tap dancing to others. The Melbourne Tap Studio is a living legacy of her passion, and continues to be a place where adults of all ages and all skill levels can come to learn, move, grow – and most importantly, have fun.
Tap dancing tips and inspiration
Dive into our latest blog posts – perfect for adults passionate about tap dancing.
