Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Premier Tap Dance Experience in LA
Founded in 1981, Rhapsody In Taps stands as a pioneering force in the preservation and evolution of tap dance. Our ensemble of seven tap dancers, six jazz musicians, and guest artists has created over 80 original works performed with live music, establishing us as leaders in the tap resurgence movement. Under the artistic direction of Linda Sohl-Ellison, we blend traditional tap heritage with innovative choreography, collaborating with legendary figures like Gregory Hines and Eddie Brown. Our commitment to education is exemplified through annual free children's programs for Los Angeles Unified School District students and National Tap Dance Day celebrations. Recognized with a Los Angeles County Milestone Award for 25+ years of arts leadership, we maintain rigorous artistic standards through NEA-funded projects and international collaborations in Bali and Russia.Our technical excellence is demonstrated through Lester Horton Dance Awards and performances at prestigious venues including Lincoln Center and Stern Grove Festival. As a tax-exempt nonprofit, we ensure financial transparency while maintaining accessible community programs. Our team's combined decades of experience in dance education and performance guarantees authentic, high-quality productions that honor tap's cultural legacy while pushing creative boundaries.
Services
Tap dance performances
Educational workshops
Choreographic collaborations
Community outreach programs
National tours
International cultural exchanges
Master classes
Festival productions
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of tap dance innovation and preservation expertise
- Our ensemble collaborates with legendary tap masters and jazz artists
- We provide free educational programs for over 10,000 students annually
- Our performances feature live music from award-winning jazz musicians
- We maintain rigorous artistic standards through NEA-funded projects
What people say
Artistic innovation
Educational excellence
Masterful performances
Cultural preservation
Community impact
Services
Tap Dance Performances
Our professional tap dance performances feature seven dancers and six jazz musicians presenting original works with live music. We blend traditional tap techniques with contemporary choreography, creating immersive experiences that showcase rhythmic complexity and artistic expression. Each performance preserves tap's cultural heritage while pushing creative boundaries through innovative collaborations.
Educational Workshops
We offer master classes and workshops for students of all ages, taught by professional tap artists and guest instructors. Our programs include technique training, improvisation, and historical context, with special emphasis on cultural significance. These sessions provide hands-on learning experiences that develop rhythmic precision and artistic expression in a supportive environment.
Choreographic Collaborations
Our company develops original works through collaborations with renowned tap masters and international artists. These projects combine tap dance with diverse musical traditions like Balinese gamelan and Jewish klezmer. Each collaboration results in groundbreaking performances that expand tap's artistic possibilities while maintaining technical excellence and cultural authenticity.
Community Outreach Programs
We provide free children's programs and public concerts, reaching over 10,000 students annually through our Los Angeles Unified School District partnership. Our National Tap Dance Day celebrations include master classes and performances that make tap accessible to diverse audiences. These initiatives promote cultural appreciation and preserve tap's legacy for future generations.
International Cultural Exchanges
Our company engages in cross-cultural collaborations, notably with Balinese gamelan musicians and Russian klezmer artists. These exchanges create unique performances that merge tap with global musical traditions. Through international tours and residencies, we foster artistic dialogue while maintaining tap's American roots and technical foundations.
People
Linda Sohl-Ellison
Artistic Director and Choreographer
Co-founder of Rhapsody In Taps with 40+ years experience. BFA from Ohio University, MA from UCLA. Trained under tap legends including Gregory Hines and Eddie Brown. Recipient of five NEA Fellowships and Los Angeles County Milestone Award.
Tim Messina
Music Director
Award-winning woodwinds specialist and composer. Studied at Berklee College of Music. Has recorded with Tony Bennett and U2. Leads the Brian Setzer Orchestra as sax soloist and musical director.
Monti Ellison
Percussionist/Composer
Accomplished percussionist with 15 years at Alvin Ailey School. Composed numerous dance scores for Rhapsody In Taps including 'Stroke of the Oarsmen'. Teaches African dance and drumming at multiple universities.
Daphne Areta
Tap Dancer
Trained at Freddie Finn Dance Studios with 12 years teaching experience. Holds MA from USC. Featured soloist with New America Singers choir. Teaches beginning tap at Orange Coast College.
Aaron Pardini
Tap Dancer
Six-season company member with training from Heather Cornell and Sarah Reich. Performed in Hollywood Fringe Festival and 'Waiting in the Wings' film. Teaches at multiple Southern California dance centers.
Questions
What types of performances does Rhapsody In Taps offer?
We present original tap works performed with live jazz ensembles, featuring both traditional and experimental choreography. Our repertoire includes collaborations with international artists and special projects with tap legends.
How can schools participate in your educational programs?
Our annual free children's program serves Los Angeles Unified School District students. Contact us through our website for booking information and educational partnership opportunities.
Do you offer master classes for professional dancers?
Yes, we provide advanced tap workshops taught by company members and guest artists. These include technique training, improvisation, and historical context sessions throughout the year.
How does the company support tap dance preservation?
Through NEA-funded projects, archival performances, and collaborations with tap masters, we document and promote tap's cultural heritage while developing new artistic directions.
Can I attend National Tap Dance Day events?
Our annual Long Beach celebration features master classes, informal performances, and guest instructors. Check our calendar page for specific dates and registration details.
How can I support Rhapsody In Taps' mission?
As a tax-exempt nonprofit, we rely on donations to sustain performances and educational programs. Visit our website for contribution options or volunteer opportunities.
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