Tap City’s popular Teen program is geared specifically to the advanced young adult (ages 14 -19) seeking a challenging and unique educational and performance opportunity. The all-inclusive program focuses on honing well-rounded tap skills in a professional environment that stresses self-discipline and excellence. Selected by video audition, students will work intensively with either Heather Cornell, Ayodele Casel, or Jason Janas in the preparation of three pieces of tap choreography that will be performed at the end of the 5-day program.
Full program information is below. If you have further questions or concerns, please contact Pre-Professional Program Coordinator Thelma Goldberg at tgoldberg@atdf.org, or call 781-863-5360 (The Dance Inn).
Tap City classes are at: Chelsea Studios, 151 West 26th Street, 6th floor, between 6th – 7th Avenues.
| |
Sun 7/6 Mon 7/7 Tue 7/8 Wed 7/9 |
Thu 7/10
|
| 9:45-12:30 |
PPP Repertory A: Heather Cornell
|
Stage Rehearsals
for Tap Youth/
Tap Future
(Times TBA) |
| PPP Repertory B: Ayodele Casel |
| PPP Repertory C: Jason Janas |
| 12:30-2:00 |
Lunch Break: Orientation, What's Next?, Tap Discussions & More |
| 2:00-3:30 |
PPP Master Classes: Wyatt Jackson, Nicki Denner & Randy Skinner |
| 3:30-6:30 |
Additional afternoon rehearsal time TBA |
Youth Showcase
Performance 3:00 - 6:00 |
|
Evening
Activities |
|
Tap Forward
Performance 8:00
Ticket Included |
Adult Showcase
Performance 8:00 - 10:00 |
Tap Youth/Tap Future
Performance 8:00 |
As you can see from the schedule, each day begins with an intensive class experience in which you’ll work with other advanced dancers in the development of new choreography. Sunday and Tuesday lunch times are structured activities for PPP participants. Optional activities are available on Monday and Wednesday. A different master class is offered Sunday through Tuesday. Thursday is set aside for tech rehearsals at Symphony Space for the Tap Youth/Tap Future performances at 8:00 pm.
See below for information:
PPP Course Descriptions
How to Apply for the PPP
Printable PPP Application Form
How to apply for an additional performance opportunity
Gregory Hines Youth Scholarship Program
Heather Cornell – Repertory A – “Manhattan Tap repertoire” - this is a unique opportunity to study with one of the world’s most respected choreographers and musicians. Heather’s acclaimed company, “Manhattan Tap” has featured some of the top tap artists in the world, including Olivia Rosenkrantz, Max Pollak and Josh Hilberman. She is generously sharing a piece from her Manhattan Tap repertoire with the teen dancers in her group!
Ayodele Casel – Repertory B- Performer, choreographer, director, teacher – Ayodele is one of the hottest young women in tap today. Her rep will challenge dancers to express themselves fully and is sure to be packed with complex rhythms and beautiful phrasing.
Jason Janas – Repertory C – A principal dancer in Acia Gray’s company, Tapestry, Jason has traveled the world, wowing audiences and students with his fast and intricate footwork and hip choreography. Get ready to hit!
LUNCH TIME EVENTS:
Sunday, 12:30 – 2:00: PPP Orientation
Join Thelma Goldberg, Director, for a discussion about the week’s activities and an informal meet and greet with other participants. Lunch will be provided.
Monday, 12:30 – 2:00: Relax and enjoy lunch with your new friends or attend Tap City’s popular lunchtime “Tap Talks, Tap Films.”
Tuesday, 12:30 – 2:00 What’s next??? Real People, Real Stories, Real Options
Thelma Goldberg leads a panel discussion with Heather Cornell, Ayodele Casel, Jason Janas and other special guests about routes to achieving your dance goals after high school. Don’t miss this informative and very helpful discussion about the options available to young dancers who want to continue their training and explore opportunities in the professional and college dance world.
Wednesday, 1:00 – 2:00 – TBA
MASTER CLASSES: (2:00 – 3:30): Sunday - Tuesday
Tap Improvisation/Musicality Workshop with Nicki Denner– creative rhythm-making in a fun relaxed setting with a great jazz musician – a tap dancer’s delight!
Steppin’ with Wyatt Jackson – Back by popular demand, Wyatt combines his strong motivational energy with his great rhythm skills to create a challenging workshop in body percussion. His class will leave you smiling and inspired in ways you won’t expect!
Broadway Rhythms with Randy Skinner – study with Broadway’s most popular choreographer as he teaches his unique Broadway style and audition techniques.
EVENING ACTIVITIES:
Tuesday – “Tap Forward” 8:00 pm at Symphony Space
NEW this year! Join other PPP participants at Symphony Space on Tuesday evening at 8:00 for the cutting edge “Tap Forward” concert featuring today’s hottest tap stars and including PPP faculty. A ticket to this exciting evening event is included in your PPP tuition. More discussion about this social event will take place at the Orientation Meeting.
Wednesday – 3:00 – 6:00 at Symphony Space
Youth Showcase of Talent – cheer on your peers and younger tappers as our students strut their stuff. (Admission for student included in tuition)
Wednesday – 8:00 pm at Symphony Space
The Tap City Adult Showcase includes new work developed in the Adult Reps as well as studio choreography brought to New York by participants. Come and cheer on your older friends as they share their passion and joy for tap. (Optional Event, ticket not included in tuition)
Thursday – 8:00 pm at Symphony Space
Tap Youth Tap Future will be presented in one show this year at our new, large venue. PPP rep pieces will be presented along with choreography accepted by audition tapes. Please note that audition tapes for Tap Youth Tap Future are separate from audition tapes for the PPP.
Friday – Tap and Song , 8:00 pm at Symphony Space
Don’t miss Tony Waag and his amazing cast of performers in an evening of toe-tapping entertainment! (Optional Event, ticket not included in tuition)
HOW TO APPLY
Pre-Professional Program Application Information:
The Pre-Professional Program is for advanced tap dancers ages 14 – 19 who are ready for an intensive class and performance experience. Dancers will be selected by video audition.
We do not guarantee that dancers will be placed in their first choice of repertory groups. Each cast will be balanced to include dancers from diverse areas of the world, representing different ages, gender, and experience. We recommend that groups of 4 or more from the same studio split up between the three repertory groups.
Notice of acceptance in the program will be made by e-mail. Students who are accepted will need to send full payment and registration fee to reserve their spot in the program.
How to apply for Pre Professional Program.
- Print and complete application.
- Send application with the $35 Registration Fee and a video (American format VHS or DVD) that is from 2-4 minutes long and demonstrates advanced tap technique, good timing, musicality and performance skills. An audition video should include: a brief personal introduction that tells us your name, motivation for being in the program, and the choreographer of the work you are presenting in the video; a 2 minute demonstration of advanced tap technique: rudiments, pull-backs, cramprolls, a shuffle series; and a 2-3 minute demonstration of performance skills. Send to: ATDF, 18 West 27th Street, 6th floor, NY, NY 10001, attention: Thelma Goldberg.
Click here
for PPP Application Form.
Please check out the Information and FAQs to help prepare you for this exciting experience.
Check out the Adult Program for additional Master Classes (for ages 12 and up)
One of the unique offerings of the New York City Tap Festival is the extraordinary opportunity to perform in New York City. Participants of the Pre Professional Program will perform the choreography of Heather Cornell, Ayodele Casel, or Jason Janas at Symphony Space on Thursday evening at 8:00 pm. We strongly urge families and friends to purchase tickets as soon as you are accepted into the program. In addition to this performance there are two other opportunities that may be available to participants. Read the information below and visit Performance Opportunities for instructions and application.
YOUTH PERFORMANCES
Youth Showcase of Talent: (ages 6 - 19)
Wednesday, July 9, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Symphony Space - 2537 Broadway at 95th Street
Tickets: $20
Here is a real chance to show off your talents and dance on Broadway! All Tap City students (ages 6-19) have the opportunity to perform in the Youth Showcase of Talent. Groups, trios and duets are all accepted to perform. Some solos may be considered. Please see below for application details. This event is known to bring out some curious tap talent scouts and is often frequented by the finest tap stars and masters of the field. Hosted by our lovely Youth Program Director – Michele Ribble. (Includes Student Awards Ceremony)
Tap Youth/Tap Future: (ages 9-19)
Thursday, July 10 8:00 PM
Symphony Space - 2537 Broadway at 95th Street
Tickets: $45
Here is the ultimate performance opportunity. Groups, solo dancers, duets, or trios have a chance to dance on Broadway in a professionally produced concert. This is an incredible opportunity for teachers to showcase their choreography. (Includes Tap Teacher Awards Ceremony)
Tickets for Youth Showcase and Tap Youth/Tap Future available through:

Box Office: 212.864.5400
Hours: Tues - Sun from 11am until 7pm.
Or visit: www.symphonyspace.org
Audition & Application Requirements:
In order to be eligible for performance opportunities, students must be registered Festival participants in the Tap City Youth or Pre-Professional Programs only.
Youth Showcase of Talent: Students need to fill out and submit a Showcase Application for an opportunity to perform. An audition video is NOT required for the Youth Showcase of Talent. Visit Performance Opportunities for instructions and application.
Tap Youth / Tap Future: Performers are chosen by video submission. Send audition footage (DVD or VHS American NTSC format) and all required materials to: Youth Program Director – Michele Ribble. Audition submissions deadline is May 1st, 2008. Visit Performance Opportunities for instructions and audition application.
The Gregory Hines Youth Scholarship Fund
For advanced beginner through professional students, ages 6-19 in need of financial assistance to study in the Youth, Adult, or Pre–Professional Programs. Full or partial scholarships will be awarded. Visit Scholarships for instructions and printable scholarship application form. Application deadline is May 4 , 2008. |
|