Pro Tap Training 2026 – 10th Anniversary Edition
with Thomas Marek
Studio Footprints Hamburg · July 13 – 26, 2026
plus optional Online Coaching
About the Program
2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Thomas Marek’s Pro Tap Training — a renowned two-week intensive designed for dedicated amateurs, professional performers, and dance educators who wish to elevate and refine their expertise in tap dance, jazz, and music.
The training focuses on musicality, phrasing, timing, sound, improvisation, and solo structuring & choreography.
Participants work closely with Thomas Marek and live musical accompaniment at Studio Footprints Hamburg, exploring both jazz tradition and contemporary expression in tap.
New in 2026: Pro Tap Training introduces a second online training phase — a six-month personalized continuation program designed to help participants integrate the principles of the Hamburg intensive into their daily artistic routine.
Phase 1 (July 13–26, 2026) — In-Person Intensive
Duration: July 13–26, 2026
Schedule: Monday to Saturday, 6–7 hours per day
Total: Approximately 72 hours of intensive tap training, coaching, and practice
Location: Studio Footprints, Hamburg
Recommendation: Participation in this in-person phase is strongly recommended for those who wish to continue with the online follow-up program.
Fee: €1,500
Early Bird Rate: €1,350 (for registrations received by March 31, 2026)
Includes all classes, rehearsals, and evening practice sessions.
Phase 2 (Sep 26 – Feb 27)— Optional Online Coaching Program
Duration: September 2026 – February 2027
A six-month personalized continuation designed to translate the principles of the Hamburg training into your daily artistic routine.
Includes:
- 2 × weekly group online training workouts (2 × 60 min)
- 2 × private one on one coachings per month (2 × 45 min)
- 1 to 2 × video critique per month (you send in your video taped practice session and get constructive feedback on your progress)
- Online communication tool for inspiration, feedback and exchange
Fee: € 220 / month or € 1,200 upfront (save € 120).
Full Program Package (In-Person + Online)
Regular: € 2,600
Early Bird: € 2,400 (until March 31, 2026)
Returning students: additional € 100 loyalty rebate
Application
Participation is limited to ensure individual attention and artistic depth.
To apply, please send a short artistic bio, experience level, and motivation to:
[email protected]
Applicants will receive full program details and payment information upon acceptance.
Main topics of the Pro Tap Training.
Technique
Everything starts with great technique. It allows your creativity to flow freely and forms the foundation for true artistic expression.
My approach focuses on relaxed technique that enables you to develop speed and precision without putting strain on your body.
Music
Tap is music — and music is a language.
You’ll learn how music works and how to truly become part of it through your tap dancing.
We’ll explore musical form, arrangement ideas, different grooves and feels — and the magic of interplay!
Timing
Tap dancers are often notorious for sloppy
timing. Let’s fix this and aim for true greatness.
You will learn different approaches and exercises designed to strengthen your timing.
Phrasing
Improve your phrasing. Learn to shape rhythms with clarity and intention, create flow and meaning in every step, and bring greater expression to your performance.
Sound
Music is the art of sound— and sound is at the heart of who you are as an artist.
We will focus on tone color, consistency, dynamics, clarity, and overall sound quality.
Improvisation
Improvisation is the foundation of creation.
Whether choreography or an impromtu solo, everything begins with playfulness and freedom. In these sessions, you will explore the art of free play in tap.