The Vancouver Tap Dance Academy

Vancouver Tap Dance Academy Fall Programs

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Youth Programs

MOM/POP AND TOTS
Teryl and her tot Londyn invite you to this class! There is nothing better than a family dancing together. Learn some tap dance rudiments that both can share and relate to. Don't fret about tap shoes, we have rentals for mom or dad and Tot!

BEGINNER TAP
W ill introduce the new dancer to counting, balance, weight shifting, tap rudiments in a safe and fun environment. Class performs in the year end show.

ADVANCED BEGINNER TAP
Designed to further enhance your tap skills, with a piece of choreography designed to support your development and technique. This class performs in the year end show.

INTERMEDIATE TAP
Learn a routine that is suited to your while learning more advanced tap dance combinations and development your technique. Class performs in the year end show.

JAZZ
Classes from the beginner to the advanced. Jazz is an integral part of dancer's development - it enhances your tap training.

HIP HOP
Come learn the latest dance moves with the most popular music. In this class, you will touch on the many different styles of hip hop, for example, Lockin, Poppin, Breakin, Old Skool, New Skool, plus many more. This is a great class to test your skills and to learn new technique from the West Coast Canadian Hip Hop Champion, Angela Lowndes.

TAP PUPS
Focus on technique and developing performance skills. Precursor to Da Boyz.

JR TAP Group A & B
Develops performance skills, individual style with an emphasis on technique and performance development.

DEM GURLS Group A & B
Intermediate level training for girls 10-15 years includes a tap choreography class and performance development.

DA BOYZ
Training program that supports boys to dance in their own unique way. It is open to young males with the desire to study tap at an intermediate level and to perform. Performance development will further develop your stage presence.

SUPREME TAP
Advanced study program for teenage girls. Training is a combination of tap choreography and musical development.

TAPCO
TapCo is one of BC’s premiere youth ensembles known for their show stopping performances. Under the guidance of Danny Nielsen this ensemble trains through the contribution from guest artists, the rehearsal process and public performances. Auditions for all of the 3 programs September 10th, at VTDS Studio at 1:00pm.

   A) TAPCO APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM – Young dancers will learn the repertoire of “Just in Time” as their introduction to the company. Ages-9-13.

   B) TAPCO TOURING SHOW “JUST IN TIME” - This enriched program develops performance skills, technical prowess and professional protocols. There must be a commitment to the performance schedule and regular attendance at the rehearsal and training sessions. The company will perform approximately 20 shows a year. Ages-10-18.

   C) TAPCO PRE PROFESSIONAL -  Danny Nielsen has shaped a program to develop advanced dancers in musicality, improvisational and choreographic skills. It serves as a bridge from the non-professional to the professional arena. Ages: 13+.

STAGE
Stage is a form of dance which includes acting and song with choreography. This class will benefit the student's expression and performance both in class and on stage. Students will learn routines from popular stage productions. No previous experience necessary for this class!

ASSESSEMENT AND PLACEMENT in classes. Placement in TapPups, Da Boyz, Da Boyz 2 Men, JR A&B, Dem Gurls A&B and Supreme is by invitation. For first time members we recommend attending an assessment session. The Director will assess the dancers for appropriate placement. Assessment date: August 27th at 12:00 noon.

Adult Programs

Classes are challenging and designed for dancers who wish to study tap in a supportive environment. With the exception of the technique classes all other classes are invited to perform in VTDS's annual celebration of tap at the year end showcase.

ABSOLUTE BEGINNER
The title says it all... you will learn thebasic tap steps and technique accumulating into a variety of combinations that will have you dancing your troubles away, with shuffles, flaps and cramp rolls. We have tap shoes you canrent for the year.

ADVANCED BEGINNER
Now that you have learned some ofthe rudiments of tap dance you are ready to move forward with a variety of combinations, some choreography, technique and floor work.

ADV. BEG/INTERMEDIATE CHOREOGRAPHY
Troy always has a sweet and low down routine that you will be absolutely delighted with. His patience, eye to detail and sophisticated choreography will give you all the confidence you need to present this routine in our year end showcase.

ADVANCED
This varied and complex class will cover some ofthe magnificent combos from the masters and, of course, the cutting-edge rhythms and combination from Danny. You'll be burning up the floor in this fast paced challenging class that will move like no other class. Get your shoes on tight, bring a towel and let it rip!

THEATRICAL TAP
A combination of musical theatre and tapthat always offers a show stopping routine that everyone enjoyslearning and audiences just love.

HEART AND SOLE
This is VTDS's adult performance ensemble that has been under the direction of Shelley Stewart Hunt, who is on a leave of absence and Mary Lou Brien skillfully assumes the artistic leadership for this unique class. Heart and Sole has evolved out of a love to perform and many dancers in the Theatrical Tap have found this Heart and Sole ensemble an opportunity to perform several times a year at community special events. Criteria for this class is you love performing, can commit to rehearsals and that you are registered in one other VTDS tap class. Dancers interested in this program, should indicate their interest to Mary Lou, or, Anna Kramer, to ensure suitability and availability supports the artistic direction of Heart and Sole.

COMPETITION CLASS 40+ GOING FOR GOLD!
If you loveperforming and reaching out to an audience with the flare of Mary Lou Brien's winning choreography style, then this is your class. Mary Lou's unique style of the "Hot Flash - Hoofers" and her ability to motivate dancers and build confidence to be their best is the trademark of this class.

IMPROVISATION
An opportunity has been created for dancers wanting to develop improv skills and to trade off with each other. The non-intimidating environment will nudge you along the improvisational road of tap. The great Jimmy Slydeobserved: "Tap improvisation and the ability to swing is a spiritually enlightened conversation."

JAZZ/WORKOUT
This class will not only complement yourtap dancing it will strengthen and tone, it will give you one heckof work out at the same time.

 

Artist In Residence - September 2011 to June 2012

DANNY NIELSEN
A native of Calgary, Danny Nielsen began his tap dance career as a founding member of MADD Rhythms Canada, studying under Lisa La Touche, Bril Barrett and Martin Tre Dumas III. In his hometown, he prepared short choreographies for Decidedly Jazz Danceworks productions Tinge and Tone and assisted the tap luminary Heather Cornell in creating a tap piece for the DJD 25th Anniversary show 25. An emerging artist on the scene, Danny performed as a principle dancer in the worldwide broadcast of the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies, in Heather Cornell's ensemble CanTap, with MADD Rhythms in Chicago, in the opening number for the 2008 Jerry Lewis Telethon choreographed by Chloe Arnold, and with Calgary's Quinteto led by renowned saxophonist Oliver Miguel. Danny is extremely excited to share his passion, work ethic, and dedication with the Vancouver Tap Society in this upcoming year long Artist in Residence. Danny adds, "My background includes mentors who fostered hard work, the history of the dance and the influence of Jazz. When this opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance. VTDS is a group of educated, hungry, and hard working dancers and I'm ecstatic about taking on the challenge of inspiring and mentoring them."

 

Guest Artist

Dianne Walker
Dianne 'Lady Di' Walker, a pioneer in tap dancing's resurgence has a 30 year career spanning Broadway, Television, Film and International Jazz Dance Concerts and Festivals. United States Artists selected Walker as the recipient of the USA Rose Fellow 2008, Dance. Ms. Walker holds a Master's degree in Education, and has taught at Harvard, Williams College, University of Michigan, UCLA, Bates, and Wesleyan. She received Oklahoma City University's 1998 Living Treasure In American Dance Award, adding to a long line of awards and lifetime tributes. She began her dance training in Boston with Mildred Kennedy-Bradic and later, Leon Collins, Jimmy "Sir Slyde" Mitchell and Jimmy Slyde. Leon Collins passed away in l985, leaving Dianne to continue as one of the Directors of his school. She continues to share this rich legacy with her students. Dianne has attended all 12 of our festivals and has supported VTDS as a member on our advisory committee. Over the years she has provided insightful leadership, razor sharp historical lessons and unconditional friendshipto VTDS and to me personally. This year, with our studio purchase, we strengthen our commitment to creating an inclusive and creative space for the tap community. It seemed fitting that Dianne join us to celebrate this momentous time in shaping our legacy - a home for tap dancers. VTDS is thrilled to have the world's ambassador of tap joinus as VTDS guest artist.