SwissTap Youth Company

The SwissTap Youth Company consists of a group of 15 to 20 young tap dancers (junior category: ages 13 to 16 inclusive). SwissTap tap dance teachers decide which SwissTap dancers will be nominated for the SYC based on their commitment to the Swiss championship or their level and motivation.

The aim is to form a strong group of dancers from different schools across Switzerland. In addition to learning specific exercises, standards and choreographies, as well as studying improvisation, technique and the history of tap dancing, the SYC project aims in particular to convey the social and community aspect of tap dancing. The individuality of each participant, their personal journey and the development of their own identity as a dancer are of course addressed and encouraged. At the same time, however, it must be clear that this individual identity as a tap dancer is always part of the tap dancing community and belongs to a common ‘family’.

Tap dancing is considered an art form that unfolds its full power in the collective experience: improvisation, training, creation and performance together, without losing its individuality. On the contrary, each individual enriches this art form with their own ideas and personal style. In tap dancing, we draw inspiration from the steps and rhythms of others to create our own version. This has always been the basis and strength of the history of tap dancing. The great tap dancers of previous generations already “stole” each other's steps and, at the same time, thanks to their individual character, personal skills and unique style, they made this art form what it is today.

It is mainly about the interaction between the following aspects: on the one hand, students must understand that a unique character, personal language and individual style can only come from continuous, personal and diligent practice, as well as self-reflection. On the other hand, these skills are enriched when shared with the tap dancing community and when drawing inspiration from others. What is acquired through intensive personal training enriches the community when shared, and what is experienced and observed within the community in turn enriches one's own skills.

This process should in no way be seen as a competition, but rather as a shared and collective expansion of the world of tap dancing.
The common thread running through all these aspects is ultimately the enjoyment of practising this discipline.

Consequently, during these weekends, the organisers deliberately strive to avoid any notion of competition and rivalry, focusing instead on conveying the joy of tap dancing, enthusiasm for personal exploration and the pleasure of sharing.

The aim is for participants to meet again at future championships as friends of tap dancing rather than as unknown competitors. Friendship and an awareness of tap dancing as a living and infinite art form should take precedence over competition, consciously relativising its importance and the pressure associated with it.

This central aspect of the SYC aims to pass on the established values of the Swiss tap dance scene to the next generation, with the aim of ensuring their continued existence in the future.

SYC training courses are taught by renowned professional tap dance teachers from Switzerland.

  • The SYC programme includes the following content:
  • learning new techniques and improving physical fitness;
  • learning new original SYC choreographies;
  • learning a ‘standard’ choreography from the history of tap dancing;
  • discovering historical dancers and styles;
  • improvisation (creating, experimenting, developing your own style);
  • preparation for cutting competitions and jams;
  • introduction to choreography creation;
  • preparation and optional participation in a festival, as well as presentation of the choreographies learned;
  • joint evening programme.

Implementation:
The dance teachers involved set the number of training weekends, with the corresponding dates and locations, in consultation with the steering committee, and SwissTap informs its members at the general meeting. Training sessions usually take place on Saturdays and Sundays. Optional participation in a tap dance festival may be considered.

Costs:
Each participant pays a contribution of 50 Swiss francs per weekend. In principle, all participants are required to attend all SYC training weekends in a year and pay the corresponding fees. Exceptions must be approved by the executive committee. If a participant is unable to attend a training weekend due to illness or accident, the contribution towards the costs for that weekend is waived. If, due to illness or accident, participation is only possible on one day of the training weekend, a reduced contribution of CHF 30 must be paid. Insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
SwissTap covers the costs of dance teachers and organises a free breakfast on Sunday.

Picnic or takeaway meals are at the participants' expense. Travel costs are at the participants' expense. Any visits to festivals are at the participants' expense.

SwissTap may contribute to the costs if the annual budget approved by the General Assembly allows it.