Why I do what I do

I’ve raised 2 dancers within the competition world and the tap festival experience. Like many of you, I struggled to find options that developed the person inside the dancer. I wanted to find opportunities that my kids could relate to as dancers that also exposed them to life outside of dance.

If you kow me at all, you know that all of the programs that I’ve developed were designed as experiences that I wished I had access to a a young dancer. RIFF Dallas was created so that local students who either couldn’t travel because of time constraints or budget, had access to first class tap dancers and teachers. The Woodshed Experience grew out of a need that I saw in high level tap dancers. This event offered the possibility of escaping the distractions of everyday life and diving deep into the art of tap dance. All of this while being mentored by top industry professionals who demonstrated not only the highest of skills but also embodied the mentor role to its fullest.

And now, The Mini Shed - a tap camp for young tap dancers! Camp provides experiences of outdoor learning, adventures, and expression. Students can take part in activities such as:

• zip line

• horseback riding

• archery and axe throwing

• mini golf

• gaga ball

• tennis

• swimming (in door pool)

• hikes in the mountains

And of course there is tap dancing throughout the week. The Mini Shed concludes with the Share Experience, which is an opportunity for the students of both the Woodshed Experience and the Mini shed to share some of their works from the week. AND, the Share is open to the public!

I wanted to thank everyone who has supported me, my efforts, and tap dance through the years. I truly could not have done all of this without you. Hope to see you at the Mini Shed!