Tap

A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, Aaron Tolson continues to make his mark by championing the  movement of the art form of Tap in several arenas. Mr. Tolson is a national spokesperson for dance wear company SoDanca, a consultant and writer for Dance Spirit Magazine, a Professor of Dance at Plymouth State University and the Boston Conservatory, as well as the assistant choreographer, co-creator and assistant producer of the acclaimed  stage production Imagine Tap!.
 

Mike Wittmers is originally from Cupertino, California and has been dancing for 35 years. He is a former cast member of Tap Dogs, where he played the role of The Rat.  Some of his other professional musical theater credits range from A Chorus Line to Crazy for You.  

Mike has been a tap teacher in Los Angeles, and has taught at Broadway Dance Center.  Industrial and commercial credits include, Sony, Absolut Vodka, Compaq, Toshiba, Kirin Beer, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, Casino Arizona, Sonic, GoDaddy.com and various print-work.

Tony Mayes has been an NYC-based tap-dancer, performer, instructor, and producer for over twenty years. He teaches a technique-focused curriculum -- dancers call his class the ballet barre of tap. His focus is the repetition of timing, core form, execution, and quality of sound.  Drills, drills, drills... 

His students have performed on Broadway, starred in award-winning films, and have toured both nationally and internationally.

Michelle Dorrance is an internationally renowned tap dancer, teacher and choreographer. She has toured with STOMP, Jazz Tap Ensemble, Tap City on Tour, Savion Glover and was a founding member of Savion’s company TiDii.

Crystal Chapman's award winning choreography has been seen all over the United States. Along with setting pieces for several dance companies, she has also choreographed Carousel, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Oklahoma! Crystal has performed in all aspects of theater.

Ray Hesselink is a director and choreographer living and working in New York City. Ray has had the privilege to help train the children performing in Broadway's Billy Elliot: The Musical. 

As a dancer, Ray created the role of Mr. Happy in Derick Grant's Imagine Tap! As a performer, Ray's favorite performances include originating the role of "Bud" in Batboy: The Musical. He has also been featured as a principal dancer in Nayikas, a classical Indian Dance Company. 

Doug Shankman serves as the Artistic Director of Contemporary Dance Arts, where he brings his expertise as an award-winning choreographer, project manager, and director to the forefront of contemporary performance. His innovative work spans theatrical events, television, film, digital collaborations, and streaming platforms. A passionate tap dance teacher and artist, Doug continuously explores new methods to create sound, rhythm, and musicality.

Mark Albrecht (he/him) currently hangs his hat in New York City. He attended the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy with a major in musical theatre and a focus in dance. Some of his credits include A Chorus Line, Grease, Oklahoma, 42nd Street, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hello Dolly, Fame, and many more.

Jason E. Bernard is a native New Yorker from The Bronx, New York. He began experiencing theater at the age of four and began his Tap training at the age of six at The Ruth Williams Dance School and The Dance Theatre Of Harlem.

At the age of 17 Jason made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-Winning musical Bring In Da' Noise, Bring In Da' Funk. In 2000, Jason made his feature film debut in The Spike Lee Film Bamboozled as J. Bunny.  

Deanna Doyle (she/her) is the fourth generation in her family to be a professional performing artist, starting with her great-great- aunts, who had a sister act on the vaudeville circuit.