Joel Hanna @ Ottawa's CanDance Convention

What happens when you mix rhythm tap with rock and rock and then throw in some irish flavor? You get Joel Hanna, of course. Joel, a Vancouver dancer, taught the tap component at this year's Candance convention. His routines featured fast, tight footwork set to 80s rock music, all while maintaining the quiet relaxed upper body characteristic of irish dancers. Joel's been a starring in many productions, including Riverdance, Dancing on Dangerous Ground, Fire of Dance, and Revolution. Joel is a very approachable guy and hopefully we'll get him back in Ottawa sometime soon.

Here's a picture of Joel with some of our dancers as well links to some of his performances.
Joel's Website
Revolution - Sweat. Dance. Rock & Roll.

Lord of the Dance @ NAC - Nov 23rd

The National Arts Centre is hosting two shows on Sunday, Nov 23rd, at 3 and 7 pm. The show has been touring the world for 12 years now and is the quintessential big budget celtic dance show. Due to its huge cast and emphasis on percussive dance, it's also been a training ground for many great tap dancers over the years.  Here's a youtube clip.

See the NAC website for info.

For Sale - Leo Double-Soled Concerto Tap Shoes

I've come into my possession a beautiful pair of Alexander Concerto Ultima Double Sole shoes. Size 9.5 (7.5 mens street shoe size), almost brand new. Asking $120. Click here for picture and details. 

This is the brand I wear (with custom mods, of course) and they are one of best tap  shoes you can get. Email me for info.

Eastern Canadian Tap Conference - Oct 18-19, 2008

I'm totally excited and am going to be there. It's being held at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Here's the info.

Teachers include:

Lisa LaTouche

Kim Chalovich

Shawn Byfield

David Cox

Cathy Duncan

Parker Hall in Ottawa (CanDance Convention) - Nov 22-23

Correction: Joel Hannah taught the tap component this year.

The CanDance Convention is coming back to Ottawa this year with its all-star lineup of dancers: Tyce Diorio, Dmitry Caplin, Tiffany McLean, Mikeal Knight, Stacey Boeddeker, & Marty Kudekla. This year, the tap component is being taught by Parker Hall, who has performed with Savion Glover and also starred in Riverdance.

Here's his impressive bio and a link to him street hoofin' on Youtube.

Tap Heat, the Movie (DVD)

This movie, starting Jason Samuels Smith, may be a few years old, but that didn't stop me from thinking I had discovered something amazing when I first saw it. The movie is about 15 minutes long and consists entirely of tap dancing sequences that form a loose narrative. 

The dancing is simply amazing and features both contemporary and old-school tap dancers. Smith's hoofin' is something you simply have to see for yourself and his fellow dancers are awesome as well. If you like tap, this DVD is a must. And, for all those aspiring hoofers, it includes some practice drills that keep your toes busy for quite some time. 

You can watch the trailer on youtube or on the movie site itself.

New Adult Tap Classes Starting Sept 23rd

After a wonderful summer break, I'm exciting to be back in the swing of things and resuming my Tuesday tap classes. We are starting a new session, Tuesdays from 8-10 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Recreational Centre, located in the east-end of Ottawa.

From 8-9 is our beginner class (no experience or tap shoes required) and from 9-10 is our intermediate class. Classes start September 23rd. For information, send me an email or call the rec centre at 613.842.8578.

Jason Samuels Smith Bloch Video

Here's a cool, somewhat recent video of Jason Samuels Smith dancing.

New Adult Tap Classes Starting Jan 15th!

If you've been interested in learning how to tap but hesitant for one reason or another, now is your chance! We're starting a brand new session every Tuesday from 8-10 pm at the Rockcliffe Park Recreational Centre, in the east-end of Ottawa. 

We're offering two levels: one for beginners (8-9), with no experience or tap shoes required, and an intermediate class (9-10). This session runs until March 4. We take pride in creating relaxed, fun classes for those of all skill levels and personal goals.

For information, please send me an email or call the recreational centre at 613.842.8578.