San Antonio based Youth Tap Ensemble RPM provides opportunity for young hoofers to work with some of the most renowned tap dance masters & choreographers from around the country. The company provides educational, leadership and performance opportunities for San Antonio area youth ages 12-18, exploring this unique American art form and its musical roots.
RPM was chosen as one of six youth ensembles to participate in the first Youth Tap Ensemble Conference held at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project 2002. They appeared in "Great American Youth Tap Ensembles Concert" sharing the stage with five diverse youth ensembles from across the U.S. The conference was established to ensure the preservation of this unique American art form, through an understanding of its history and the passing on of historical works. RPM is recognized as one of the founding companies and participated in the international conference in August of 2003 appearing with 12 other youth ensembles from across the globe.
The company’s diverse repertoire includes works by tap masters Lane Alexander, Acia Gray, Steve Zee, Dianne Walker, Nicole Hockenberry, Jason Samuels, Heather Cornell, Barbara Phillips, Jason Janas, and the legendary Honi Coles. The dancers have studied with many of the great contemporary artists of our time, including Jason Samuels, Sam Weber, Lane Alexander, Dianne Walker, Heather Cornell, Acia Gray, Buster Cooper, Jay Fagan, Mark Yonnally, Sarah Petronio and Brenda Buffalino.
RPM Youth Tap Ensemble made its debut performance at the Dallas National Tap Dance Day in 2002. They have appeared at Third Coast Rhythm Project, Soul to Sole Festival Showcase, and Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s “ Great American Youth Tap Ensembles Concert”. They shared the stage with Austin’s Visions in Rhythm and presented their first solo concert in May 2003, celebrating National Tap Dance Day. Their performance itinerary for 2004 includes a guest appearance with Austin's Visions in Rhythm- www.tapestry.org on April 30th, National Tap Dance Day, San Antonio in May, Soul to Sole Festival Showcase www.soultosole.org, June 4th, Third Coast Rhythm Project www.thirdcoastrhythm.com, July 22-25, and Chicago Human Rhythm Project www.chicagotap.com, August 2 through August 9.
The company is dedicated to the legacy of the masters and passing it on to the next generation. Preserving, Sharing, and Celebrating TAP! |
