Tap Dancers are equal parts musician and dancer, and yet most teachers focus only on tap as a movement art. Students will spend five days digging deep into Tap Dance with CTT Artistic Director Mark Yonally, Rehearsal Director Molly Smith, and Artistic Associate Sterling Harris and expand their knowledge and skills in the areas of choreography creation, jazz music & history, improvisation & soloist skills, tap technique & vocabulary, tap history & historical repertoire. Each day, students will participate in technique classes with their level before enjoying a combined lunch/lecture period on topics relevant to Tap Dancers. The intensive will culminate in an opportunity for students to share what they've learned throughout the week with their peers and families.

Intermediate track will be Mon/Wed 10am-2pm,  Tues/Thurs 1pm-5pm, and Fri 10am-4pm
Advanced track will be Mon/Wed 1pm-5pm, Tues/Thurs 10am-2pm, and Fri 10am-4pm

That's over 20 hours of classes for each level! Plus, additional events (including a tap jam Tuesday evening!) have been added to engage students in a relaxed, social setting to meet other students and share the skills they've learned during the intensive.

Classes will take place in the beautiful Studio 3 of Visceral Dance Center, with sprung wood floors. Recommended ages 10+. Teachers attend free with three students. Class size is limited—register today!

Feedback & Performance Opportunity

Interested in getting more individualized feedback about your solo, duet/trio, or your own choreography you're working on? Add the “Professional Feedback & Performance Opportunity” add-on at checkout! Dancers will get personalized feedback from our intensive faculty designed to build them up and boost progress on their tap dance journey. Submit a dance video and get feedback before the intensive, then get the opportunity to show off your growth during the intensive showcase at the end of the week by performing the piece you submitted for faculty, fellow students, and families!

Submit a video of your dancing (competition solo video, a video of your choreography, whatever you'd like to show us!) to [email protected] by April 15th (early bird deadline) or by June 20th at the very latest, and receive personalized feedback from industry professionals Mark, Sterling, and Molly! Then, during the CTT intensive, show off your progress and put that feedback into action at our in-studio showcase on Friday, a culminating event of the week that allows you to shine in front of fellow students, intensive faculty & staff, and your parents/family.

Emailed video submissions should be vimeo links (please include password if applicable), dropbox links, or youtube links (make sure the link visibility is public or unlisted, not private). Contact Molly [email protected] with questions.

Mark, Molly, and Sterling have over 50 years of combined experience as professional dancers, choreographers, and judges, and they can't wait to share their feedback with you to help you grow as artists and prepare for a career in the Tap Dance industry. 

NEW THIS YEAR! Teacher Track

This add-on is designed for current tap dance teachers to help up your game and have time dedicated to growing your skills as an educator, from incorporating tap history and music theory into your teaching, to individual feedback and Q&A opportunities with the intensive faculty. The teacher track classes will be held Mon/Wed/Fri 9am-10am before the Advanced level begins. Limited spots available!

NEW THIS YEAR! CTT Trainee Audition Opportunity!

Dancers aged 18+ interested in an opportunity to train with the professional dancers of Chicago Tap Theatre, click YES in the checkout question about being considered for a Trainee position with the company at check out. All the details on the Trainee program are here. 

Intensive Schedule: 

Monday, July 6th

• 10am-2pm: Intermediate classes
• 1-2pm: Combined levels lunch lecture
• 1-5pm: Advanced classes
• 5:30-7:30pm: Pizza party at Chicago's Pizza in Lakeview! Get to know fellow dancers in a fun, social setting.

Tuesday, July 7th

• 9-10am: Teacher Track class (see Add-ons at checkout)
• 10am-2pm: Advanced classes
• 1-2pm: Combined levels lunch lecture
• 1-5pm: Intermediate classes
• 7pm: Broadway in Chicago show-Suffs (optional add-on). Discounted group tickets available at checkout!

Wednesday, July 8th

• 10am-2pm: Intermediate classes
• 1-2pm: Combined levels lunch lecture
• 1-5pm: Advanced classes
• 5-8pm: Option to take Mark's weekly adult classes at Visceral (register online HERE or in person).

Thursday, July 9th

• 9-10am: Teacher Track class
• 10am-2pm: Advanced classes
• 1-2pm: Combined levels lunch lecture
• 1-5pm: Intermediate classes
• 6-8pm: Tap Jam at Loyola Park – a chance to improvise with a live jazz band in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

Friday, July 10th

• 9-10am: Teacher Track class
• 10am-1pm Combined levels classes & showcase prep
• 1-2:30pm Combined levels lunch lecture & week wrap-up
• 2:30-4pm Showcase, families welcome to watch what your dancer learned!

Chicago Tap Theatre's teaching philosophy:

Chicago Tap Theatre believes that every student is an individual and celebrates growth and commitment to the Black art form of tap dance no matter the level, ability, gender, race, sexual orientation, or age of the student. The objectives of Chicago Tap Theatre’s educational programming are:

• Student will leave with a better understanding of tap dance and its technique, theory & history
• Student will have an expanded view of what it means to be a tap dancer: what do we need to understand to truly get it: music literacy, improvisation, technique, theory, history, culture
• Student will have an understanding of music and specifically jazz music structure and terminology
• Student will develop an understanding of where tap dance is going and the state of the current industry standards and culture

FAQ: 

• What level should I sign up for?
  • If you are unsure of the level you should sign up for, we recommend signing up for the intermediate level. On the first day, if you find this too easy, stay for the advanced level and we will update your registration to advanced for the remainder of the intensive. Taking both levels is encouraged!
• What if I am in between levels?
  • Taking both levels is encouraged! Mastering the intermediate level will give you confidence and precision and taking the advanced level will push you to challenge yourself to learn brand new steps and ideas to take home with you!
• I'm an adult. Will I be in a classroom full of kids?
  • The age range of the intensive has varied wildly between ages 10-60!  While the majority of the students are ages 10-17, our instructors are experienced in engaging all age levels in a positive and empathetic environment.  If you are unsure, try the first day and get a refund for the remaining days if you are unsatisfied.
• Is there an early bird discount?
  • Yes! Register by April 15th to receive $50 off your registration
• Is there a group discount?
  • Yes!  Inquire about a discount for groups of 5 or more.  Email Jen, [email protected]
• I was awarded a scholarship at a competition.  How do I redeem this?
  • Congrats! See the instructions on your certificate (promo code and certificate number), and email [email protected] with questions.
• Is the intensive accessible to myself/my child if I am currently experiencing economic challenges?
  • Yes!  Chicago Tap Theatre believes that all people should have access to the joy of tap dance regardless of financial limitations.  Email Jen, [email protected], to set up a pay-what-you-can structure or inquire about a need based scholarship.
• I am coming from out of town.  Where should I stay?
  • Visceral Dance Center is located in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood. In the past, students have primarily stayed in the Lakeview neighborhood, along Belmont Ave, including Hotel Versey & Hotel Lincoln as well as Airbnbs or Vrbo locations. This is a great area to eat, drink, and shop on your time off.  The studio is easily accessible via bus along that route or ride share.
• Is there parking?
  • Yes! Although the Visceral parking lot directly in front of the building is staff-only, free street parking is available surrounding the studio. Plan extra time in your arrival at the studio to find parking, the area gets busy and more crowded in the summer.
• Who can I contact if I have more questions?
  • Our Director of Operations and Intensive Faculty Member, Molly! [email protected]

Chicago Tap Theatre's mission is to share the creativity, history, and joy of tap dance.

https://chicagotaptheatre.com/ 

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