During our class time together we will work on basic tap steps and technique, while having a blast playing with the sounds and rhythms we can create with our feet. We’ll learn a little bit about the history and evolution of tap dancing as an art form, as well as exploring tap as it relates to different styles of music. This class will be structured in a manner that will allow students who have never tapped before, students who are former tappers wanting to get back up to speed, and students who are experienced tappers wanting to have fun and clean up their sounds to all learn and work together while having a fantastic time!

Things to Bring: Tap shoes are recommended (heeled or flat). However, if you are in the mindset of trying this out for fun, sneakers are fine, too; it will just be harder to hear the sounds.  

Instructor: Jess Yahner

Instructor Bio: Jess Yahner is a Central PA native who has been a part of the local dance and theatre community for many years. Among various other positions, she has worked as a performer, choreographer, director, and stage manager for Gretna Theatre, Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg, Theatre Harrisburg, and Susquehanna Stage. Jess studied dance throughout Pennsylvania and Virginia, as well as in New York City, working in all disciplines but especially focusing on jazz and tap. She has taught at various area studios including The Movement Laboratory, E-Dance, Dance Envoy, Hershey School of Dance, and The Harrisburg Dance Conservatory.  Jess is thrilled to be teaching at Susquehanna Stage after choreographing productions including Big River, A Chorus Line, and Cabaret, and she is incredibly excited to be a part of the team for the upcoming winter musical production of 2022. In addition to dance and theatre, Jess has an extensive background working in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Special Education.  Her most important work is as the mom of an extraordinary teenage son.