Tap Class Information

TAPIT/new works, a professional arts organization and ensemble theater, creates, produces and performs new works for theater and promotes the art of tap dance.

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 dance 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 dance developed from the blend of African polyrhythmic movement and music and European step dancing, drawing also from North American folk dance. 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:

• Respect for any student at any level who wishes to pursue the art of tap;
• Respect for the integrity of the art form;
• Respect for the African-American masters of tap.

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 request scholarship application materials.

THESE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TEACH AT TAPIT/new works:

DONNA PECKETT is a tap dancer, choreographer, actor and devoted arts educator. The recipient of two Wisconsin Arts Board Choreographer’s Fellowships and a Wisconsin Dance Council Recognition Award, she has performed throughout the US and abroad. Peckett has worked with students of all ages. She has a BA in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is on the faculty of the Theater Department of Edgewood College. She enjoys cooking and gardening.

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 15 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 doctoral student in the English Department at UW-Madison.