Levels:

Junior Tap:
Join us for our brand new Junior Tap level, designed for students ages 8-12.  These classes are perfect for students who have at least 2 years of previous tap dance experience.  Classes will be led by members of STLRC's professional ensemble, moSTLy TAP!

Adult Tap:
While adults are welcome in all levels, these classes are for adults only!  Have you always wanted to learn to tap dance? (tap dance parents, we're looking at you!). Sign-up for our Complete Beginner Adult class.  Maybe you danced when you were younger and you've already got several years of experience?  Check out the Advanced Beginner/Intermdiate Adult class.  Both classes are led by beloved St. Louis tap dance instructor, Gina Bon Perez. 

Intermediate Tap:
This level is perfect for both kids and adults.  We recommend that students have about 5+ years of consistent weekly tap training for this level.

Advanced Tap:
This level is perfect for both kids and adults.  To get the most out of this level, we recommend that students have had at least 8 or more years of consistent, weekly tap dance training. 

Classes & Activities
(In alphabetical order)

Create Original Music with Anthony Russo:
Renowned tap dancer and musician, Anthony Russo, joined by members of his band, Russo & Co,  will lead students through the collaborative process of building an original tune in this intermediate/advanced tap class.  Students will explore musicality, phrasing, dynamics, and communication, while creating a brand new piece of music together. 

Drum Shoes Residency with Tommy Wasiuta:
Following the debut of his tap dance only album, Drum Shoes, in the fall of 2024, Tommy Wasiuta joins us for this 3 day residency.  The album is inspired by the drum set, exploring the spectrum of sound, groove capabilities, and musicality of the tap shoes as a stand-alone instrument.  Share the floor with Tommy as he leads students on this percussive journey, with accompaniment on drums provided by STLRC Music Director, Scotti Iman.  Students must attend all 3 days of the residency as each day builds on the previous day's ideas.  Join the residency as part of your All Access Pass or sign-up for the residency only. 

42nd Street:
This intermediate class is part of our new blast class series where we dive into choreography from classic shows & movies.  In this special class, you'll learn original choreography from the Broadway musical 42nd Street—full of classic tap rhythms, show-stopping style, and vintage flair. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just love the magic of musical theatre, this is your chance to dance like you're on the Great White Way.  Students attending 42nd Street (Day 2), must also attend (Day 1).

Kick off Jam:
This event is free and open to the public.  All ages are welcome to join us.  Bring your tap shoes and jam with us, or simply enjoy as an audience member. Come see what a tap jam is all about!  Anthony Russo, joined by members of his band, Russo & Co, will kick off our annual festival with an incredible set that features live original tunes, familiar favorites, and lots of tap dancing!

Lunch & Learn Faculty Panel Discussion:
This event is free and open to the public.  All ages and levels are welcome to join us.  Bring your lunch and join us for one of the most educational parts of the festival!  Our esteemed faculty members will share their insight and personal experiences.  Be sure to bring a notebook so you can jot down anything that resonates, and be sure to bring your questions!

Lunch Time Trivia:
Free and open to the public.  All ages are welcome to join us, but we we feel ages 10 -adult will enjoy this most.  This is a fun way to learn more about tap dance and music while you rest your feet in between classes. Bring your lunch with you and join us for these interactive games!

Moses Supposes:
This advanced class is part of our new blast class series, where we dive into choreography from classic shows & movies.  Learn this iconic choreography, originally performed by Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor in the classic motion picture, Singin' In the Rain.  We recommended students register for both days of the course.  Students attending Moses Supposes (Day 2), must also attend (Day 1).
 

Movie Munch & "Challenge":
During this lunch time session, we'll dive into the historic motion picture, Tap (1989), starring Gregory Hines. 

The film holds a significant place in tap dance history—not just as entertainment, but as a powerful moment of preservation and resurgence for the art form.  At a time when tap dance was seen by many as a nostalgic relic, Tap brought the form back into the spotlight. It honored the legacy of the great Black tap dancers of the 20th century—icons like Sammy Davis Jr., Harold Nicholas, Sandman Sims, Bunny Briggs, and Jimmy Slyde—by giving them both screen time and reverence. These dancers weren’t just background characters; they were the heart of the film, passing the torch to a new generation through Hines’s character. We'll enjoy the movie together, then create our own "Challenge" scene in honor of the movie.  "Challenge" participation is included in your Movie Munch registration. 

 
Open Level Improvisation:
This class is perfect for all levels of tap dance.  Whether you're a beginner or advanced dancer, there is always something to explore in the practice of improvisation.  Led by Tommy Wasiuta, we'll explore different activities, designed to improve how we listen and communicate as tap dancers, in a supportive environment. 

Open Level Lindy Hop:
We are so excited about this addition to the festival this year!  Master instructor Erin Morris' open-level Lindy Hop class is your ticket to a joyful, energetic dance experience—no partner or prior experience required. Whether you're brand new or already know your swingouts, you'll build skills, confidence, and community on the dance floor. Come dance, laugh, and fall in love with the rhythm that started it all!

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Open Level Pilates (Restorative Pilates Mat for Dancers):

Rest and rejuvenate your feet after a long day of dancing!  Or if you're joining us just for Pilates, this is a great introduction!  Bring your yoga mat, if you have one, and join certified Pilates instructor and owner of Studio Ivanhoe Pilates, Gina Barrera, as she leads students through a flow designed to strengthen, stretch, and reset!