A group of women tap dancing in the studio

Fun and welcoming tap dance classes for adults in Melbourne

Big sounds. Big steps. A big, supportive community.

These adult tap dance classes are designed for people who want more than a quiet workout.

They’re for adults who want to move, learn something new, challenge the brain, and enjoy the unmistakable joy of tap dance.

Whether it’s your first time stepping into a dance studio or you’re returning to tap after a break, this is a space where adults of all ages and backgrounds can feel comfortable, capable, and encouraged.

Here are some of the things that make our adult tap dance classes in Melbourne unique:

Specialist adult tap dance teachers
Classes are taught by highly skilled teachers who specialise exclusively in tap dance for adults. Tap isn’t an add-on, it’s the focus.
Classes for every level and ability
From absolute beginners through to advanced dancers, there’s a clear pathway to help you find the right class for where you are right now.
All ages welcome (18–80+)
These dance classes for adults are open to anyone aged 18 and up. It’s never too late to start, or restart.
A genuinely welcoming environment
No judgement. No pressure. Just a friendly, supportive studio where adults can learn at their own pace.
Tap dance technique, not just choreography
You’ll learn proper tap dance technique and terminology, so you understand how and why steps work, not just copy them.

A pace that works for adult learners
Classes are structured to be challenging but achievable, allowing time to learn, absorb, and enjoy the process.
Physical and mental benefits
Tap dance builds cardio fitness, strength, balance, coordination, and mental sharpness, all while having fun.
Flexible and easy enrolment
Start at any time. Classes don’t run strictly by school terms, making it easy to jump in when you’re ready.
Simple payment options
Book casual classes or choose a 10-week class pack (with a discount and the option to make up missed classes).
More than just a class
Many dancers describe the studio as a second home, a place to connect, laugh, and be part of a welcoming tap community.

Studio Values….things that are important to us

Community

Find your people.
Your vibe. Your tribe.
A welcoming community of like-minded adults who share a love of movement, music, and dance.
Classes are about connection as much as tap dance, a studio where friendships form, support feels genuine, and you belong from the moment you walk in.
Welcoming and Inclusive

Dance is for every body. Every age. Every stage.
Age, body shape, experience, and fitness level don’t define who belongs here.
Classes are designed so everyone can move, learn, and progress comfortably, feeling supported, included, and at home within their tribe.
Supportive, encouraging and Inspiring

Progress feels better when it’s shared.
Potential is seen in everyone.
You’ll be guided, encouraged, and challenged in a way that feels positive and empowering.
Achievements, big and small, are celebrated together, because growth is better when your people are cheering you on.
Commitment

Showing up, staying curious, and growing together.
A shared commitment to learning, consistency, and personal progress, without losing the joy.
Classes are focused, engaging, and thoughtfully structured so skills build over time and confidence grows with every step.
Kindness

Kind teaching. Kind learning. Kind humans.
Warm energy, patience, generosity, and respect shape every class.
Mistakes are welcomed, questions are encouraged, and kindness isn’t an add-on, it’s part of the culture.
Authenticity

Real tap. Real people. Real joy.
Teaching is grounded in genuine tap technique, honest guidance, and a deep love of the art form.
What you see is what you get: experienced teachers, a real studio environment, and a place where adults can show up as themselves and find their tribe through dance.

Meet your teachers

Megan

principal teacher

Megan is the Principal Teacher at The Melbourne Tap Studio and brings a rare combination of deep tap dance expertise, real-world industry experience, and an authentic understanding of what it’s like to learn dance as an adult.

Her tap journey began not as a child, but as an adult beginner, learning under Isabelle, the studio’s original founder. That experience continues to shape Megan’s teaching today. She understands the nerves, the learning curves, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that come with starting something new later in life, and creates classes where adults feel supported, capable, and encouraged from day one.

Before stepping fully into teaching, Megan built a highly successful career in arts, events & tourism marketing, developing partnerships for major music theatre productions touring Australia and New Zealand. Teaching tap dance began as a side passion alongside this work and gradually grew into her main hustle.

Committed to excellence in both performance and teaching, Megan has invested extensively in her own development as a dancer and teacher. She has trained in New York and Los Angeles with world-renowned tap dance artists and continues her professional learning through ongoing classes, workshops, and online study, ensuring her teaching remains current and deeply rooted in authentic tap dance technique and history.

Megan has taught tap dance at leading institutions including the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and the National Theatre Ballet School, choreographed for television, major events, and film, and guest taught across Melbourne. Her experience spans education, performance, choreography, and mentoring, all of which inform her thoughtful, inclusive approach in the studio.

Above all, Megan is passionate about sharing the joy, rhythm, and community that tap dance offers. Her classes are grounded in technique, delivered with clarity and warmth, and designed to help adults not just learn steps, but build confidence, connection, and a genuine love of dance.

She looks forward to welcoming you into the studio and supporting you on your tap journey.

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 Classes for Adults

Beginner tap dance classes are ideal if you’ve never danced before — or if it’s been a very long time.
These classes focus on learning the fundamentals of tap dance, building confidence and moving at a comfortable pace.
No prior dance experience is needed. Just curiosity and a willingness to give it a go.

Find out more
Advanced beginners through to Advanced tap classes

For dancers with previous experience, there are classes ranging from Advanced Beginner (Level 2) through to Intermediate and Advanced levels.
These classes are suited to adults returning to tap after a break, for dancers wanting to improve technique, speed and musicality and anyone ready for a greater mental and physical challenge.

Find out more

Tap Dancing Classes Schedule

Monday

6.00pm Level 6
7.30pm Level 4
Tuesday

6.30pm Level 5
7.30pm Level 1
Wednesday

6.30pm Int/Adv
7.30pm Level 3
Thursday

6.30pm Absolute Beginners
Saturday

9.30am Level 3/4
10.30am Int/Adv
12.00pm Level 5
1.00pm Level 1
2.00pm Absolute Beginners

Book your class

Where to find us

225 Swan Street, Richmond Melbourne.

The studio is easy to access by public transport:

Richmond and East Richmond train stations are within walking distance
Tram routes 70 (Swan Street) and 78 & 79 (Church Street) stop nearby

Convenient, central, and easy to reach after work or on weekends.

Phone: 0413 243 203

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.

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