Today I sent off my registration form for the D.C. Tap Festival scheduled for the last weekend of this month!

Here are the highlights I’m looking forward to and why:

1. Class with Jason Samuels-Smith on Friday, March 26th

This will actually be my first time taking a class with Jason Samuels-Smith though we have talked tap a lot, especially when I attended the New York City Tap Festival a few years back. Though always a very-talented dancer, I am blown away by what he has accomplished in terms of his technique and creativity over the last few years. Though I’ll be learning steps, I’m really looking to pick up on “woodshedding” techniques and concepts that could help me grow as a dancer.

2. Teacher’s Class with Baakari Wilder on Friday March 26th

When I finally saw Noise/Funk back in the year 2000 (or thereabouts) Savion Glover was no longer leading the show, instead I saw Jimmy Tate one night and Baakari Wilder the next and they both blew me away with their abilities. Baakari actually inherited a student of mine and has done amazing work with her so I am really looking forward to picking up on some of his teaching techniques and patterns for the benefit of my own students here in Atlanta!

3. Class with Chloe Arnold on Saturday, March 27th

I’ve been wanting to take from Chloe for quite some time and am excited to finally do so in D.C. She’s an incredible talent and I have a feeling that her class will probably be among the most challenging for me. I also hear that she’s a great “teacher” which is actually the most important determining factor for me. Trust me, not all great tap dancers are great tap teachers!

4. Improv Class with Jason Janas with Saturday, March 27th

I was actually on the fence about taking this class as I improvise ALL THE TIME and even have a Tap DVD focused on the topic. Not that I believe that I know everything about the subject, but I have taken tap improv classes before that bored me, even when they were billed as being advanced-level. I decided to sign up after reviewing Mr. Janas impressive bio. His has worked with instructors/performers like Acia Gray & Gene Medler, both of whom have blown me away with their teaching abilities. Also, I have heard through the “tap-vine” that he is a great instructor as well so I guess I’ll find out.

5. Friday Night Performance – Saturday Night Jam Session

In Atlanta I don’t get to see other tap dancers perform very often so both of these are a thrill for me. I also hope to get up there and say a little something of my own on the floor. Did I mention that I live for jam sessions!

6. My Portable Tap Floor

I’ll also be bringing a portable tap floor hoping that attendees at the festival can try out in between classes! If you’re interested in having one or just want to learn more about it, visit www.PortableTapFloor.com and submit your email address so you can receive coupon codes and discounts that will help you pay less for one!

Sunday, as the festival continues, I’ll be driving ten hours back to Atlanta…gotta get back to the fam! I hope to see you there. If you’re going, please connect with me ahead of time on Facebook or Twitter!

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Hard at work as always, I have spent the last few weeks developing the website for my new portable tap dance floor. The site features full details about the tap boards and a quick and easy ordering process.

You can also see the floor in action on this video:

Please check out the video & leave a comment about it below.

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I am in the process of updating my @TapDancingNews Twitter account with tap dance event announcements for August & September 2009. If you have something you would like for me to share please post it to the comments section here or email me about it.

You can also message it to me on Facebook.

Everything I post will be featured on Twitter as well as on the left sidebar of this blog. Note: I may not share every event that is submitted. Many factors go into whether or not I promote an event, including how crazy my schedule is!

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photo credit: xmacex

So you think you can dance with a wobbly bottom? – WHEN I was three I was a really good tap dancer, with glittery red Dorothy shoes and long hair down to my bottom, but mum made me give up tap when my brother was born, and we buried my special shoes under the house and cut off all my hair so nobody would get jealous. by Natalie Craig

Monkeyhouse: Connect 2 Choreography: TAP CITY – Summer’s finally here and with it Tony Waag’s TAP CITY festival. This week tap dance has taken over Chelsea Studios here in New York City with classes, residencies and workshops for dancers of all ages and levels.

Dancing for all ages at Dennis Senior Center – SOUTH DENNIS – Alyce Potvin, 97, grimaced and waved to the reporter entering the room. Potvin, along with six other senior citizens with more than 80 birthdays behind them, were “dancing” to the music Golden Age Society director Avis Kaeselau had playing.

Just Dance Studio is fun for all ages. – CHITTENANGO — Just Dance Studio at 279 Genesee Street is not just a studio for adults, nor is it one just for kids — It’s a family dance studio, the owners say.

Turning tap into words – In a dance studio at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts on Thursday, tap instructor Lauren West leads her students, Noah Gaduyon, 5, and Gracie Godinez, 7, in some basic steps

If you would like to access my online tap lessons, sign up below!

I’m excited to announce that Tip Tap Two (my partner in tap Tre McClendon and I) will be jamming with the House Band at Apache Cafe on Friday, July 31st. There will also be many other “special guests” in attendance. It’s sure to be an exciting night of rhythm and music.

This event is being held during the National Black Arts Festival here in Atlanta. Please spread the word and if you will be in Atlanta at that time, come on out in support of Hoofing and Rhythm Tap!

Here is a YouTube video featuring Tre and I that will give you an idea of what to expect! Twitter links and Twitter Retweets are much appreciated!

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