Please note!
This web page [www.usatap.org/ATDIconference.htm
and related web pages] contains the OFFICIAL, the most complete and the ONLY
up-to-date information on the American Tap Dance Institute's Spirit Of Tap
Conference (we no longer produce brochures as they would contain only a
small fraction of the information available on this web site and they cannot be
quickly updated, as a web site can be.) If you still have any questions AFTER
carefully reading this page and visiting the FAQ
page. the
Registration Page, the
Faculty Page, the
Compare Page and the
Location Page please
contact our staff by email or call 301-790-1180 (or
toll-free 1-888-683-8277 from anywhere in the USA) and they will be happy
to assist you with any specific question you may have.
"Challenging.
Refreshing.
Fun.
Well-run.
The
ATDI
staff
in
Washington
was
very
efficient
and
cordial.
The
front
desk
staff
at
the
Conference
was
courteous
and
professional.
They
put
in
LONG
hours
this
week.
They
were
willing
to
help
us
in
any
way
they
could.
We
also
appreciated
free
studio
space
to
practice
between
classes."
T.
Taylor,
Iowa
ATTENTION TEACHERS AND STUDIO OWNERS!
Contact the ATDI
staff
if
you
would
like
a
Conference
poster
for
your
bulletin
board
and/or
some
Conference
postcards
to
give
to
your
students.
FACULTY & GUESTS
This year the faculty features
six instructors, including the Director of the National Tap Ensemble, one of the
company's principals, and four graduates from the American Tap Dance Institute's
Teacher Training & Certification Program. A group of people whose works,
backgrounds and personalities decidedly illustrate the present and future of tap
dance in wonderfully varied and creative ways!
ATDI Graduates
Loren LoMastro, USA
Krissie Odegard
Geye, USA
Nicole Riehl,
CANADA
Linda Zapf, USA
Special Guests &
Master Teachers
Cassandra Baker,
Principal
Dancer/Choreographer,
National Tap
Ensemble, USA
Chris Baker,
Artistic & Education
Director, National
Tap Ensemble, USA
(Conference
Director)
Click here for
biographies and
pictures of faculty
and guests.
"The
ATDI
office
staff
in
Washington
was
top
rate.
Cordial,
concerned,
helpful...
the
whole
9
yards!
The
[Conference]
front
desk
was
flawless.
My
dancers
came
away
with
between
85%
to
90%
retention.
This
speaks
well,
and
highly
of
your
instructors."
R.
Hines,
Florida
COURSES, CLASSES AND EVENTS
TIPS TO HELP FACILITATE YOUR CHOICES
The vast majority
of our programs are taught according to level and real ability, not according to
age (two students ages 11 and 32 can - and often do - have exactly the same
level!) If you have never worked with the National Tap Ensemble before, we
highly recommend that you
use all the tools and info available on this web site prior to deciding
which courses you'd like to attend, especially
NTE's professional Tap Dance Level Scale which we have made available to the
public at no charge here.
Attention returning students! Please remember that
the fact that you have been tapping for a year since the last event
does NOT mean that you should automatically sign up for a higher level this year,
unless you and your regular teacher(s) agree that improvements have been
dramatic. Keep in mind that it takes several years for the average
student in a typical studio environment to move up one level on our
professional
Tap Dance Level Scale.
If, after checking out all the resources on this page and site you are still
unsure what to sign up for, we'll be glad to help. Send an email to
our director with your questions. Make sure you give
Mr. Baker a good description of your background and experience, including the
name(s) of the teacher(s) you have or had. The more specific and the clearer you
are, the better he will be able to advise you! Alternatively, come to the
Conference Preview
Workshop
April in Chicago which will be taught by Mr. Baker. and ask him in person, he
will be happy to advise you (TIP: Make a preliminary list of all your possible
course/class choices before you discuss them with him. The Conference is a huge
event and narrowing your choices will save you a lot of time. A large scale
printout of the schedule will also be available on site for your convenience.)
We do
our best to help you pick the courses and classes that will be most beneficial
to you. Should that still not be totally successful, you can STILL be moved
to another, better-suited course at the end of the first day (Monday), with
faculty recommendation. Please note that this long-standing policy does not
apply to single classes or special events.
"All ages" means ages 7 to 107 (tap dancing keeps you healthy!)
Notes about all courses and classes that are at levels 5 & up:
- They are designed for TRULY advanced dancers (the national tap dance company's
level 5 is significantly higher than what dance studios usually consider
advanced) as well as pre-professional and professional level dancers (levels
6-7.) Students are expected to be highly skilled technically, to be able to
"phrase " with their taps (i.e. to hear and perform melodic/rhythmic lines, not
just steps) and to be proficient in different tap styles.
- At this level steps are rarely "broken down," unless it is what the course
focuses on or the instructor feels that it’s absolutely necessary. Again, please
use the NTE Level Scale if you are unsure of your actual
level.
- Not up to those levels yet? Sign up as an observer. Watch them do the hard
work!
- Who would be at level 7 from a technical standpoint? A somewhat simplified but
easy-to-understand answer would be: the top 10 professional tap dancers in the
world today.
Watch for the symbols below, which have been added to as many listings as
possible
:
A
stands for "All audiences" and indicates an event
that
is
"tap
shoes
off"
and
is
open
to
all.
Great
for
parents,
friends,
families,
etc.
C
stands for "Classic" and indicates a course or
event
that
all
tap
dancers
should
take
at
some
point
in
their
life,
such
as
a
time
steps
course,
for
example.
F
stands for "Fitness" and indicates an event that
places
emphasis
on
health
and
exercise.
R
stands for "Repertoire" and indicates that a course
or
event
places
more
emphasis
on
material,
steps,
routines,
composography,
etc
("what
to"
dance.)
S
stands for "Skills" and indicates that a course
or
event
places
strong
emphasis
on
learning
music
skills
and
proper
dance
technique
at
a
given
level
("how
to"
dance.)
T
indicates a course or class that is particularly
recommended
for
AND
ONLY
OPEN
TO
PROFESSIONAL
TAP
TEACHERS
(NO
exceptions!)
NO
assistant-teachers
or
students.
W
indicates a course or class that is open to tap
teachers
AND
assistant
teachers
(age
16
or
above,
NO
exceptions!)
and/or
studio
owners.
NO
students.
NEW
means new course/event this year OR
new
teacher
for
this
course/event
OR
entirely
new
material
taught
in
a
returning
course/event.
SHOW
describes a course or class whose end
result
is
LIKELY
to
be
featured
in
the
"Share
The
Tap
Floor"
student
show
on
Saturday
night.
Please
note
that
participation
in
this
informal
show
is
NOT
mandatory
and
that
instructors
will
make
a
final
decision
at
the
end
of
the
class
or
course.
These symbols are
merely
intended
to
help
you
pick
the
best
possible
courses
and
should
not
be
taken
in
an
absolute
sense.
After
all,
any
repertoire-oriented
course
requires,
well,
skills!
Likewise,
a
skills-oriented
course
will
always
feature
some
type
of
repertoire,
even
if
it's
a
short
combination
of
steps...
"IS THERE ANY SPACE
LEFT"?
As a part of our
ongoing quest to
make this site as
user-friendly as
possible, we now use
this
real-time
"attendance meter."
It is a color-based
graphical system
which lets visitors
easily check at a
glance how full a
class, course or
event is.
You will find one of
these five graphs
next to each
listing's title.
Class/course/event
is up to 20% full
Class/course/event
is at least 40% full
Class/course/event
is at least 60% full
Class/course/event
is at least 80% full
Enrollment is closed
CLOSED
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU
WILL FIND THIS TO
THE RIGHT OF THE
CLASS/EVENTS
DESCRIPTIONS BUT NOT
ON THE SCHEDULE OR
ON THE REGISTRATION
PAGE! However, once
enrollment for a
course, class or
event is closed it
WILL be removed from
the
registration form,
as we have always
done. Please contact
us if you notice any
discrepancy!
Courses: Monday July 11 to Friday July 15, 2005
A course is a class that meets every day at
the same time for a certain period of time (in this case, five days, at a
university it could be several months.) As a reminder, students cannot "register
by the class" for those and must register for an entire course (again, 5 days
long) whether or not they attend all 5 classes for that course. Please scroll
down to the Special Events section below if you prefer to pick single
classes/events instead. You will find plenty of choices as well.
108 Tap Fundamentals For All
Generations Linda Zapf level 1-2 all ages
R
S
NEW
This course focuses on some of the most basic and FUN tap
fundamentals. Various combinations will be taught and then utilized in a simple
routine. A great course for discovering tap or brushing up on some basic tap
skills! This is a multi-generational class where moms and dads are welcome. Ever
wanted to try tap after watching so many of the classes your kids have been
taking? This is your chance! All you need is a pair of tap shoes...
224 Party Of Jive
Cassandra Baker
level 2-4 all ages
R
NEW
SHOW
Come work with a master tapper for a whole week and learn a piece
that is simple, yet exciting and so much FUN! The music used for this dance will
be drawn from the Swing/Jive era, one of the greatest musical times in our
American history.
Note:
- A LIMITED amount of spots are available. First-come, first served!
- Will officially be performed as a World Première
at the end of the Conference
- Special, more intricate parts are choreographed especially for level 4
students.
- In order to facilitate a focused and relaxed atmosphere, observers will not
be allowed in this class. Thank you for your understanding.
225 Progressions
Nicole Riehl level 2-3 all ages
S
NEW
Learn new and fun progressions across the room, with different
and original rhythms that build up and end in short combinations using those
newly-acquired beats and skills.
301 Shim Sham Craze, Part 2 Cassandra Baker level 3 & up all
ages
C
R
SHOW
Learn from the “Shim Sham
Queen” several variations on the Shim Sham Shimmy, a classic also known as the
“Tap Dancer’s Anthem” and tap’s most famous dance (“Anyone who claims to be a
tap dancer should know how to do a Shim Sham!” was often heard around theaters,
rehearsal halls or the Hoofers’ Club in tap’s heyday) These variations span over
seventy years of creativity by some of America’s great masters of tap and can
feature dramatically different rhythms, from swing to rap! You will learn each
version’s historical background and receive priceless tips about style and other
subtleties.
Note:
- Typically this course is only taught every five years or so. It is a part of
our Masters Of Tap Dance program, subtitled "Exploring An American Legacy: Tap
Dance Giants At Work" which features courses, research, reconstructions of works
created by the pioneers of tap as well as other educational and performing
events. Most of these Shim Shams aren’t taught by anyone else. Highly
recommended!
- The Shim Shams taught this year will be completely different from those
taught last year in Part 1.
302 Time Steps Repertoire, Part 1 Chris Baker
level 3 & up all ages
R
NEW
SHOW
Time steps are the very foundation of tap dance
and this course teaches you dozens of them, complete with breaks, variations
and historical background, including rare steps going back to the very early
days of tap, when it was created by slaves on the plantations. Part 1 covers
roughly the first 50 years of time steps in the history of tap dance,
including a presentation on the *real* history of the time step, how it was
invented, why and by who, complete with information that was passed on down
the generations from master to master and is not available in any book or
video. Most of these time steps are a priceless part of our American music and
dance heritage.
Here are a few past students’ comments about 302:
“It felt like I was re-living all the evolution of tap, it was incredible to
feel how the rhythms got more or less complex depending on the eras we
traversed, and even better to learn why it happened.”
“An amazing voyage back to the roots of tap. I had no idea we tappers had our
own King, but now I feel so connected with all these great pioneers! There's
so much in Chris Baker's Time Steps Rep course I'm gonna take it again next
chance I get.”
“I love jazz music and I've tapped for decades. I've read about the connection
between jazz and tap and I've studied with many tap greats but I never really
understood and experienced it until I took Chris Baker's time steps classes.
He helped me recognize those jazz syncopations in some of the time steps we
learned. I now FINALLY understand how close tap and jazz have always been.”
“I have read many books and articles and even web sites that talk about time
steps. I honestly think the authors would have done well to take this course
first... I’m sure glad I did!”
“I cannot imagine anyone claiming to be a tap dancer, especially a teacher,
and not taking this course at least once in their life.”
Note:
- This course is a part of the national tap dance company’s Masters Of Tap
Dance program, subtitled "Exploring An American Legacy: Tap Dance Giants At
Work" which features courses, research, reconstructions as well as other
educational and performing events.
- While listed as level 3 and above, this course IS accessible to motivated
level 2 students.
- This course is also highly recommended for high-level tappers who just know
a few time steps but are really interested in learning not just more time
steps but their history.
- In order to facilitate a focused and relaxed atmosphere, observers will not
be allowed in this class. Thank you for your understanding.
- HEADS UP! While we do plan to feature Part 2 next year, THIS IS LIKELY THE
LAST TIME THIS COURSE IS TAUGHT AT A MAJOR CONFERENCE.
319 Chair Dance Linda Zapf level 3 ages 10 & up
R
NEW
SHOW
This routine consists of 60%
"hamboning" (patting various parts of the body in rhythmic patterns,) 40%
tapping, and a few vocals while sitting in a chair. Cannons, dynamics, and
possible emotions are explored. You will be in for a treat!
327
Tappin’ Skills Linda Zapf level 3-4 all ages
S
NEW
What is the first piece of advice all of our mentors gave us? Learn good
skills and then practice, practice, practice! This class focuses on taking the
basic skills of tap and expanding upon them in a constructive way. You learn how
to combine these steps and concentrate on listening to the sounds and rhythms
our feet create. A great course for anyone seeking to focus on technique and
improvement of skills over a period of time, no matter what style of tap one
eventually prefers to adopt.
328
Tap & Musical Theater
Krissie Odegard Geye levels 3 & up ages 12 & up
R
NEW
SHOW
Explore the different styles of tap on Broadway! Dancers will
learn about the plot of the show "42nd Street." They will be assigned roles from
the musical and be asked to memorize a small amount of lines for the role.
Dancers will participate in creating a small backdrop, learn basic lighting
terminology, and dance with props. The class will present a shortened version of
the production in the Student Show at the end of the Conference.
329 Latin Rhythms Nicole Riehl level 3-4
R
NEW
SHOW
In this course you will explore how tap can be combined with
Salsa, Samba, Rumba and other Latin rhythms. Ms. Riehl's will use her
background which includes ballroom and Latin dancing to set a fun and exciting
routine. This course features lots of world music.
330
PVC Percussion Loren
LoMastro level 3-4 all ages R
NEW
SHOW
Have you seen or heard the Blue Man Group? Tappers will use PVC pipes of
various sizes and their feet to spell out rhythms in this course. The end
result will be a rockin’ piece using invented PVC instruments and taps.
Note:
- The pipes will be provided.
331
Swing Swing Swing
Krissie Odegard Geye levels 3 & up all ages
R
NEW
SHOW
Come and learn a fast-paced, upbeat routine to Benny Goodman's
"Sing Sing Sing"! Dancers will learn about Goodman as one of the great
American composers, and will understand the difference between straight and
swung rhythms. This high-energy course is not one you want to miss!
401 Vitamins For The Feet Cassandra Baker
level 4 & up all ages
S
NEW
Have you been taking your vitamins lately? In this popular
technique course, you dance to great music while learning skills, exercises
and combinations which helps you in time to clarify your sound (including
dynamic changes) and to work towards improving movement efficiency, timing and
phrasing. This course is for dancers who already have a solid foundation (with
both technical and listening skills) and desire to get ready for the “hot
stuff” at upper levels.
429 Tappin' With A Hip Hop Groove Nicole Riehl
level 4 & up
R
NEW
SHOW
This course focuses on using tap dancing and the entire body to
express Hip Hop music. It incorporates the latest moves and is geared towards
producing a dance for the show.
432 A Cappella, Almost! Loren LoMastro
level 4-5 all ages
R
S
NEW
SHOW
Use your feet and create the percussion to compliment the
vocals in a piece of today's music with a funky R&B groove. Are you ready to
"Get Down and Jam"? Then don’t miss this course!
433
Progressions Nicole Riehl level 4-5 all ages
S
NEW
In this course we will work on more advanced progressions
across the room, with different and original rhythms that build up. We will
develop short combinations that use those newly-acquired beats and skills and
much more!
522 (A+B) Sole Composition #5 Chris Baker level 5-7 age
10 & up
R
S
NEW
SHOW
CLOSED
In this course Mr. Baker will set "Sole Composition
#5", a major new piece, on and for the dancers, adapting original
composography ("tap choreography") to their individual strengths and skills.
Each dancer’s forte (specialty steps), strength and creativity will be used
for short solo parts and everyone’s ability to keep time and dance in unison
will be used throughout. This new piece will be performed as a World Première
at the end of the Conference and promises to be one of the highlight of the
show. This is a UNIQUE AND FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ADVANCED TO PROFESSIONAL
TAPPERS TO WORK UNDER ONE OF TODAY'S LEADING TAP MASTERS!
Note:
- A very LIMITED amount of spots are available. First-come, first served!
- Highly-skilled to professional tappers with good focusing ability only
please (TIP: this course is an absolute must for anyone interested in being
considered for joining the NTE cast.)
- Will officially be performed as a World Première
at the end of the Conference
- Because there is a substantial amount of material to learn, two time slots
are necessary each day. The course will therefore appear as two different
sub-courses on the schedule and registration form, and signing up for both is
REQUIRED. It is absolutely NOT possible to sign up for just 522A or 522B.
- This piece involves a great deal of teamwork and all dancers who sign up
MUST make an absolute commitment to being in the show. If you are not
absolutely certain that you can be there on Saturday night please do not sign
up for this course or you would let a lot of people down!
- This course, and this course ONLY will run 3:45 - 6:00 PM. There will be a
short break halfway through. Bring healthy snacks such as powerbars and plenty
of water to drink! Please remember that water is not only the healthiest but
also the ONLY drink allowed inside the studios.
- In order to facilitate a focused and relaxed atmosphere, observers will not
be allowed in this class. Thank you for your understanding.
523 Treats For HOT Feet Loren LoMastro
level 5 & up all ages
S
NEW
Get ready for challenging rhythm exercises from various styles
of tap. This course will build upon students' existing knowledge and emphasize
technique and musicality. Develop your skills in this inspiring course for the
advanced tapper. Lots of fun and fierce footwork!
Special Events:
Monday July 11 to Saturday July 16, 2005
You may "register by the event"
for all special events/classes/presentations listed below. Simply use the
checkboxes on the registration form.
803-A
Rare And Outstanding Film Clips From The
Golden Age
Of Tap &
Jazz
Chris
Baker
all levels
all ages
A
C
NEW
Film showing followed by Q & A*
A cornucopia of incredible clips from
the
national
tap dance
company's
video and
film
archive.
Want to
hear and
see some
truly
great tap
performances,
the like
of which
haven't
even begun
to be
emulated
since?
Want to
experience
what some
of our
great tap
dance
pioneers
had to go
through by
viewing
meaningful
documentaries
that do
not shy
away from
the type
of issues
(discrimination,
blatant
racism,
social and
economic
injustice)
that they
had to
face?
Don’t miss
this one!
*
Questions
& Answers.
The last
15 minutes
are
dedicated
to Q & As.
Mr. Baker
will be
happy to
answer
questions
about the
footage
from
tappers,
parents,
teachers...
anyone who
attends!
Note: The footage will be different from that which was presented last year.
811
Paddle
Paradise
Chris
Baker
level 5 &
up
all ages
C
R
NEW
Open class
A fast,
challenging
master
class
featuring
exciting
combinations
of steps
and
rhythms
based on
the paddle
and roll,
including
a brand
new one
created
just for
this
occasion.
Follow in
the
footsteps
of such
masters as
Eddie
Brown,
LaVaughn
Robinson,
Honi Coles
and Baby
Laurence!
Dancers
under
level 5
should
sign up as
observers.
817
Funky
Blowout
Cassandra
Baker
level 3 &
up
age 10 &
up
R
Open class
Have fun
with funky
foot
percussion
and go mad
with
rappin’
polyrhythms!
Climb
aboard
that funk
boat and
learn
excerpts
of a dance
set to a
cool funky
tune.
Note:
- Back by
popular
demand!
864 Soft Shoe Rudiments Chris Baker level
2-3 & up
C
R
NEW
Open class
This master class explores tap rudiments as
applied to the graceful style of Soft Shoe tap. It features a short
combination, insightful explanations and demonstrations of sounds that are
very specific to the Soft Shoe, and historical details on its origins which
might come in as quite a surprise!
Note:
- Please bring both your tap shoes and a pair of leather-soled oxford-type
shoes (i.e. men's shoes with no rubber underneath) if you have one.
869 Rockin' The Riffs Chris Baker level 4 & up all ages S
R
Open class
Riffs are one of the easiest tap fundamentals. They
can also be ground for tremendous creativity. This class explains the proper
way of performing the fundamental riff with clean sounds and goes on to
explore riff rhythms and combinations set to a variety of beats and musical
styles. Riff sideways, forward, in turns, and even backwards: a boatload of
fun!
Note:
- Back by popular demand!
- Steps will be broken down enough so that students at levels in the low-4
high-3 range will still get a lot out of this class.
870 Love That Latin Cassandra Baker level:
4 & up
S
Open class
Who can resist the way those pulsating Latin
beats draw you in? Before you know it, your hips are set in motion along with
the rest of your body. This class focuses on both dance skills and
musicianship. Let those multi-layered Latin rhythms flow in through your ears,
mingle with your mind and speak through your feet!
872 Crawl Craze Cassandra Baker level 4 & up all ages
S
Open class
There is nothing like a good
crawl combination to help your balance and your clarity. Crawls are terrific
locomotor steps which can be used to create not only simple musical patterns
by ones’ self, but more complicated patterns with others in canon, and
counterpoint as well. In this class, Ms. Baker will work with students using a
number of different and challenging crawl combinations which will help
strengthen your own internal metronome as well as help improve your musical
clarity as a tap dancer! Getting those pesky leg cramps while attempting
crawls? We’ll also emphasize correct body placement to help alleviate that
common pitfall for these very useful, and fun combinations!
885 Focus On... Pick Ups & Cramp Rolls
Chris Baker level 4 & up all ages
S
NEW
Open class
Pick-ups (sometimes called
pull-backs) and cramp rolls are among of the most poorly taught and performed
steps in tap dance, but they are not difficult steps! Learn from one of the
world's top master teachers how to correctly execute them at the level listed
above. This class does a thorough review of the basic techniques and placement
needed, and helps you discover a wide variety of directions, intensities,
accents. Learn how to expend far less energy to perform these fundamental
steps! Each step is demonstrated and used within a short combination, which is
fun for students and most useful for teachers. Exercises and short
combinations are tailored to the needs of the class and of each student when
necessary.
Note:
- This class is also great for smart tappers who wish to “clean up” their
steps and avoid being quickly disqualified for one of those embarrassing
“scrapy” or “scratchy” sounds at professional tap auditions.
- To facilitate a relaxed atmosphere observers will not be allowed in this
class. Thank you for your understanding.
906 Nursery Rhymes Linda Zapf
W
NEW
Presentation/Activities/Group Discussion for
Tap Teachers and Assistant Teachers
Could you use another tool to
put in your teaching bag? This is a great tool for teachers to use in their
classrooms. Whether your students are beginners or advanced this can be a fun
yet challenging way to tap out various rhythms. Examples of how to tap out
nursery rhymes will be demonstrated and taught.
907-A, 907-B Tap Creativity For Teaching 4½ -
6 Year Olds, Part 1 & 2 Linda Zapf
W
NEW
Presentation/Activities/Group Discussion for
Tap Teachers and Assistant Teachers
"How" and "What" does one
teach those up-and-coming "Shirley Temples" and "Sammy Davis Juniors." A
wealth of information is given from Linda's 25 years of teaching this
adorable, fun, and challenging age. This class series consists of discussions,
demonstrations, and several routines. Linda will share how to “sneak” some
history and musicianship into the class as well.
Note:
- Taking both classes is required.
- Notation of the routines is available for a $10 fee payable directly to the
teacher.
922 Tap Dance Tools Chris
Baker all
levels all ages A
NEW
Presentation/Group Discussion/Q & A
Interested in getting expert opinion on tap dance
shoes? Tap dance floors? Anything else a tapper uses or needs? Chris shares
his considerable experience as a "teacher's teacher," leading performer and
director of the world's most active tap dance company on the record for over
fifteen years. Tools For Tappers features a short presentation on what *real*
pros use but is primarily meant to be an open discussion. There are many
misconceptions and clichés
out there and it's important to be specific, so bring your own "tap stuff" and
let's have a look! Questions from students, parents, teachers, assistant
teachers, and performers are all welcome and you can expect straight talk and
honest answers. This is an event no participant in this Conference will want
to miss!
924-A, 924-B Incorporating History and Musicality into the
Classroom, Part 1 & 2 Krissie Odegard Geye
W
NEW
Presentation/Activities/Group Discussion for
Tap Teachers and Assistant Teachers
Learn how to actively engage students in learning the history
of tap. Krissie Odegard Geye has developed a tap syllabus entitled “Origins of
Tap”. The syllabus has been a very successful teaching tool in her classrooms.
Many of her students have used the material they learn in tap class for school
history projects and thoroughly enjoyed learning about tap history.
925 Cardio Fitness Nicole Riehl level 2 &
up all ages
F
NEW
Open class
This special class features a total body warm-up You will
then be tap dancing while working up a little sweat and toning muscles. What
better way to get energized for the last day!
927 Origins of Tap, Part 1: The Beginning of Tap Dance
Krissie Odegard Geye all levels all ages
R
S
NEW
Open class
“Origins of Tap” is the tap syllabus developed by Krissie
Odegard Geye. The class will allow dancers to explore the history of tap dance
from the beginning through written texts and classroom participation. This
class will walk through the origination of tap dance in America and the
beginnings of gospel and jazz music.
929
Origins of Tap, Part 2: The Blues Krissie Odegard Geye
level 3 & up age 10 & up
R
S
NEW
Open class
“Origins of Tap” is the tap syllabus developed by Krissie
Odegard Geye. The class will allow dancers to interactively learn about
Post-Civil War New Orleans and the music and dances that emerged from it.
Dancers will learn the Basic Blues format and learn how to improvise and
choreograph within the format.
930-A, 930-B Turns, Part 1 & Part 2 Nicole Riehl
level 3-4 all ages
S
NEW
Open class
Explore an array of different turns, learn how to travel up and
down the room using turning combinations that are uncomplicated and yet might
make people's heads, well... turn!
Note:
- Taking both classes is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.
931 42nd Street Loren LoMastro levels 3 &
4 all ages
R
NEW
Open class
We will work on a piece choreographed to the song “We’re in the
Money” from the musical “42nd Street”.
932 & 933 Tappin' To A Drum Beat Nicole Riehl
level 4-5 all ages
R
S
NEW
Open class
Come and learn excerpts of a dance set to a piece of drumming music that we
will match and syncopate with our feet. Great fun for the ears and feet!
Note:
- Because there is direct continuation, taking both classes is mandatory.
Thank you for your understanding.
934 Top Tap Turns Loren LoMastro
level 5 & up all ages
S
NEW
Open class
Are you tired of the same old tap turns? Get ready to challenge
yourself with some new turning tap progressions! Ready…Set…Spin!
935
Bits Of A Classic Hoofer Loren LoMastro level 5 & up
all ages
R
NEW
Open class
Leon Collins melodious tap compositions are challenging and
pleasing to both eyes and ears. In this class you’ll learn about the man and
his classic steps. The melodies of these steps will be stuck in tappers' heads
and feet long after the class has ended!
936 Focus On... Wings & Slides Chris Baker level 5 & up all ages
S
NEW
Open class
When well performed, wings
and slides can be some of the most beautiful tap steps to watch and hear. So
why do so few people use them? Are they really this difficult?
Learn from one of the world's top master teachers who also frequently
uses these steps as a performer how to correctly execute them at the level
listed above. This class does a thorough review of the basic techniques and
placement needed, and gives you lots of tips! Learn how to expend far less
energy to perform these under-used steps! Each step is demonstrated and used
within a short combination, which is fun for students and most useful for
teachers. Exercises and short combinations are tailored to the needs of the
class and of each student when necessary.
Note:
- This class is also great for smart tappers who wish to “clean up” their
steps and avoid being quickly disqualified at professional tap auditions.
- To facilitate a relaxed atmosphere observers will not be allowed in this
class. Thank you for your understanding.
937 3/4 Time Linda Zapf
level 2 & up all ages
R
S
NEW
Open class
Tapping in a different time
signature rather than 4/4 can be a lot of FUN. We will start out with an a
capella, call and response, warm up in 3/4 time and finish with a short little
routine to "Take Me Out To The Ball Game."
938 Foot Conversations Krissie Odegard Geye
level 2
& up all ages
R
S
NEW
Open class
Did you know that your tapping feet can talk? Come and explore the many
timbres and tone qualities that your tap shoes can make. The class will focus
on expression and creativity. A short comedic routine will be taught using the
techniques presented in the class. Come and join the fun!
A FANTASTIC SHOW!
TAP,
TAP,
TAP!
Student
Show &
American
Tap
Dance
Choreography
National
Showcase,
BENEFIT PERFORMANCE
Saturday 07/16/05, 8:00 PM Raymond
Moore Auditorium, Lake Forest High School, 1285 N. McKinley Rd, Lake
Forest, IL
Co-sponsored by the City of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation
Department and the national tap dance company, this very exciting benefit show
is scheduled to feature:
Repertory
tap
dance works ("tap routines")
learned
by
students
during
the
Conference.
Participation
is
entirely
voluntary
(but
most
students
wouldn't
want
to
miss
this
for
anything!)
Each
instructor
will
make a
final
decision
about
what
will
be
performed
at the
very
end of
the
relevant
course
or
class
(those
are
clearly
marked
with
SHOW!
on the schedule) and
introduce/explain
the
piece
to the
audience
before
it is
performed.
Two
World
Premières
choreographed
by
leading
tap
masters
will
be
officially
performed,
"Party
Of
Jive"
created
by
Cassandra
Baker
for
lower
levels
of skills
and
"Sole
Composition
#5"
created
by
Chris
Baker
for
higher
levels.
National
showcase
of the
winning
works
of the
2005
American
Tap
Dance
Choreography
Showcase.
Some
pretty cool jamming on the stage with a giant surprise at the end...
A
SURPRISE
performance
by...
one of our
ALL-TIME
TAP GREATS. We
can't
tell
you
who it is,
but we
know
you
will
enjoy!
All performed in the best
Spirit Of Tap, where performers' priority isn't showing off but SHARING The Tap
Floor and tap, tap, tap!
How often
do you have an opportunity to share the stage with world-class tap artists? Very,
very cool...
A boatload of fun!
Tickets are $25 at the box
office (flat rate for all ages) or $15 purchased in advance (40%
off.) Proceeds will directly BENEFIT the Lake Forest Dance
Academy "Dance Development Fund" as well as the Buster Brown "Future of Tap
Dance" Scholarship Fund, TWO GREAT CAUSES.
Whether you watch it or dance
in it, this is a tap concert you will not want to miss.
See you there!
Note:
1 - The box office opens at 7:30 PM for those who have not made reservations
(space permitting, see the Conference message board at the Academy or visit
this page before getting in your car to ensure that the show hasn't sold
out!) There will be no intermission and the show will START PROMPTLY AT 8:00
PM.
2 - Attention dancers! If you perform in this show, even in ONE piece like
the finale (most students do) you do not need to purchase a ticket for
yourself as ALL SHOW PERFORMERS GET IN FOR FREE. But purchasing tickets in
advance for your friends and family at special rates is a good idea!
Save $10 per ticket
by reserving your tickets on your Conference
Registration OR click here to
reserve your tickets if you will not attend any other Conference events or
classes.
"It
ROCKED! I learned a lot."
T.
Olson, Minnesota
CONFERENCE LOCATION
ALL Conference courses and classes will be held at the Lake Forest Dance
Academy, which is a part of the state-of-the-art Lake Forest Recreation Center,
400 Hasting Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045
There are many convenient and
inexpensive travel and lodging options for this conference, including several
dozen hotels and motels within a 15 minutes drive. Please visit the
Studio & surroundings page as well as the
FAQ page for extensive information on the area,
including MAPS TO GET TO THE STUDIOS, recreational activities, lodging, etc.
"Compared to
the other intensive I've attended, this one was a much better pace for me and
things were explained and taught in a consistent manner. To me, it's not about
speed, it's about quality and accuracy."
T.
White, Washington
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES AND EVENTS
Attention!
- Courses (5 days) are on a blue background:
- Single events or classes are on a green background:
- Want to find out if there's still space
in a class or event? This web page is the ONLY place where you can obtain
real-time, accurate information.
Always check it first if you are
wondering about space in any class or event!
