Tap Teacher

I have been teaching an advanced beginner level tap class for several years where beginners feel welcomed (and quickly sharpen their skills) and advanced tappers perfect their sounds and personal style. My teaching has been most influenced by Bob Audy (protégé of Paul Draper), who had a musical, delicate-footed approach to tap (much like Fred Astaire). He taught my feet to “sing” by shaping rhythms with silences, and creating pitch, dynamics, and expression with the use of my whole body.

In my class, I help dancers achieve bright and beautiful sounds, increased musicality, and more technical ease in their tap dancing. I create exercises and combinations that are fun as well as challenging. Whether you work with me privately or in a group setting, you will discover the power of rhythmic expression and the joy of sharing it.

A tap solo I choreographed and performed in 2018 for the cast recording of “Something for the Boys”:

Downloads

“Kathy is a tap teacher extraordinaire! She has a beautiful and skillful way with all levels. Study with her (as I do) privately or in the group setting—whichever works for you—you’ll be glad you did. Kathy is also a talented actor. I was honored to direct her as Dolly Tate at the North Carolina Theater where she wowed the audiences.”

Richard Stafford Director/Choreographer

“I always leave Kathy’s tap class in a great mood! Kathy’s a terrific teacher who can adapt to a wide range of students in the same class. Her class has a positive, nurturing, fun atmosphere that makes it easy to learn!”

Ruth GottschallBroadway performer

“I have taken Kathy’s tap class for several years. Her class attracts folks who are there to learn AND have fun. The atmosphere is laid back and there is zero judgement in the room. (That is so important to me.) Kathy is organized and precise while teaching, and I always enjoy her warm-ups and her choreography. She’s a pro. She’s warm and welcoming and I feel the same about the folks who take her class.”

Bradley ReynoldsBroadway producer

“Learning to tap dance with Kathy Calahan is a bundle of good things. It’s great exercise for both the body and mind, it’s interesting and challenging (a 24-count riff at my age? yes indeed!), it is so much fun and, as a bonus, I have a new friend who happens to be a mere 30 years younger than I, but what difference does that make when we’re having such a great time tapping together. Our lessons are definitely a wonderfully happy and healthy addition to my world.”

Deborah McManus(on my 5th year with Kathy and still going strong)