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TAPIT/new works is
a professional arts organization and ensemble theater, which creates, produces
and performs new works for theater and promotes the art of tap dance.
Tap Class Information
Through performances and educational activities, our work speaks to audiences of all ages and socioeconomic groups. Danielle Dresden and Donna Peckett are producing artistic directors of TAPIT/new works. This page provides background on the tap classes the Company offers.
TAPIT/new works is a place for serious instruction in rhythm tap dance. Along with professional performances and residencies, we offer tap dance classes, workshops and private lessons to students from age eight through adult.
TAPIT/new works’ policy of requiring students to be a minimum of 8 years old is based on principles of developmentally appropriate education, and years of teaching experience. Beginning students are strongly advised to remain in Beginning Tap for one year before advancing to another level. Placement in any class is at the discretion of the instructor of the class.
Instruction emphasizes the musicality of tap dance, its rich traditions and rhythmic possibilities. Classes at TAPIT/new works are full of fun and excitement, and they are serious, too.
Tap dance is a complex, exciting and challenging art form. Tap developed from the blend of African polyrhythms and European step dancing, drawing from North American folk dance as well. Jazz music and North American tap dance have traded measures since the beginning, with each of these arts forms in turn assimilating twists of time, phrasing, and rhythm.
RESPECT, TRUST AND OPENNESS GUIDE INSTRUCTION AT TAPIT/new works:
Instructors strive to be aware of individual needs and abilities.
The facility offers a quality oak floor for instruction. For the health of the dancer, a proper floor is essential. For the integrity of the sound of tap dance, a proper floor is essential. Likewise, good shoes and good taps are necessary for good sound. Teachers are open to students’ questions and suggestions, comments and concerns. Students are invited to evaluate instruction on a regular basis, which helps us improve the quality of our programs.
SCHOLARSHIPS
are available through the Neil Allen Peckett Memorial
Fund and are awarded to tap students on the basis of the student’s
interest, dedication and financial need.
If you are interested,
please ask your instructor for scholarship materials.
THESE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TEACH AT TAPIT/new works:
DONNA PECKETT is a tap dancer, choreographer, actor and arts educator. The recipient of two Wisconsin Arts Board Choreographer’s Fellowships and a Recognition Award from the Wisconsin Dance Council, she has performed on stage and radio. Peckett has worked extensively with students of all ages. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Through her Education Through Movement program she helps children learn through creative movement and drama. She likes to garden and cook.
DORIE TURPIN has danced all her life and taught at TAPIT/new works since 1990. Dorie has studied with many masters of tap at festivals and workshops around the country and performed her work in the Madison area. When she isn’t tapping, Dorie is an environmental engineer.
DANIELLE WARTHEN has made rhythm tap her main focus for the past 10 years. She was a member of Ann Kilkelly's tap company Footnotes in Blacksburg, Virginia, and a teaching assistant for Ann through the Theater Department at Virginia Tech. Danielle obtained both her BA and Master's degrees from Virginia Tech. She is currently a fourth year doctoral student in the English Department at UW-Madison where she is also an instructor in Intermediate Composition.
Copyright 2002-10 • TAPIT/new
works • 1957 Winnebago Street • Madison, WI 53704
608.244.2938 • info@tapitnewworks.org
Site design and maintenance by Toad Hall Productions
