Woodshed Experience

A tap dance mentorship experience & retreat

August 2-9, 2026

Granby, Colorado

 
 
 
 

Applications for Woodshed Experience 2026 open August 15th!

 
 
 
 
 
 

We are excited to be back in the majestic Rocky Mountains for our 9th Woodshed Experience. We will have our mentor announcements coming soon!!

August 2-9, 2026 in Granby, Colorado

An all-inclusive experience and retreat for the serious tap dancer. Created for teenagers and young adults who are wanting to dive deeper into the tap dance experience.

We are so excited to introduce THE MINI SHED for tap dancers 11-14 years old. Held separately from The Woodshed Experience, the Mini Shed is a tap camp for experienced yet younger tap dancers. Join us in the Rocky Mountains this summer!

AUGUST 4-9, 2026

The Woodshed Experience 2025 Mentor Announcement…

Coming Soon!

What is Woodshed?

Simply put, this is a mentorship and retreat program designed for high level tap dancers looking to not only improve their skills, but to become more connected to the tap community. Dancers work directly with industry professionals to learn their techniques, philosophies, and their pathways as an artist. All of this is set in an environment of like minded tap dancers in the mountains of Colorado, away from the distractions of the world. Isn’t it time to go to the shed? 

What are your tap dance goals?

If you are looking for a unique experience, one that will help you develop your voice as a tap dancer and push you to your technical limits, then The Woodshed Experience is the perfect event. Set in a retreat atmosphere, dancers are able to focus on their own goals and aspirations with the guidance of some of the top dancers of our time.

How do I get to Woodshed?

Follow the steps below to begin your journey to the Woodshed Experience.

step one

Apply - Fill out the online application and submit the $30 application fee.

step two

Upload - Submit a video demonstrating technique, musicality, and improvisational skills.

step three

Email - If this is your first Woodshed, submit a letter of recommendation from your current teacher or mentor.

step four

Receive - An email confirmation will be sent to you confirming your application and details moving forward.

Woodshed 2026 is in Granby, Colorado!!!

 
 

“Created for high level tap dancers as a retreat to work on their craft with the guidance of top level tap professionals.”

malana murphy  |  Founder

 
 

This video was created by 2024 Woodshed alumni, Michael Dascomb in Estes Park, Colorado…enjoy!

 
 
 

History

I created the Woodshed Experience in 2018 for the same reason I have created all of the other events that I produce…to provide opportunities for tap dancers that didn’t exist or were inaccessible when I was young. I wanted to have a program that allowed students to shed their daily distractions by retreating to the mountains, and to literally walk in the footsteps of their mentors. This unique opportunity allows these students to train with the best mentors of our generation and ask all of the tough questions about tap dance and their future as tap dancers.


To be honest, this experience has surpassed even my initial dreams and expectations. We have had the honor of working with mentors who give so graciously of their talents, time, and support to the these students. And I have seen life-long friendships develop through this process. I am honored to be able to hold this event each year and couldn’t do it without the support of my friends, family, and the tap community.

The Experience

Created especially for the serious tap dancer looking for emersion into the tap world, this experience will dive into the complexities of the processes of their mentor and develop relationships that will last a lifetime. 

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 8-Day residency and retreat with your Mentor

  • Classes throughout the week with all Mentors

  • Discovery classes (past classes have included history, film, teaching, etc)

  • Performance sharing opportunity

  • Time to explore National Rocky Mountains

  • Variety of group activities

  • 8 days and 7 nights of lodging

  • All meals while at camp

  • Shuttle transport to and from Denver airport (times are restricted)

  • Woodshed T and gear

  • Relationships and experiences that will last a lifetime

DISCOVERY CLASSES

  • Technique

  • Musicality

  • History

  • Film

  • Teaching Tap

  • Strong focus on improvisation and developing your own voice as a tap dancer

A glimpse into Woodshed!