ORI classes are designed for adults but open to students 16 and up.

Finances shouldn’t keep you from dancing. If you need to explore options, email us at ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com — we’re happy to help and look forward to dancing with you!

Room 15/16 (2nd floor). Entrance at 290 Lisgar Street. Paid parking is available at CDCC, or there is ample street parking on Lisgar Street (metred timeslots vary; free after 5:30PM).

Registration: e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com with your class name in the message box. See below for rates, including session and drop-in rates, and details.

Winter 2026 classes run on Mondays and Thursdays. This session starts on Monday, January 12 and ends Thursday, March 12, 2026. (FYI, our Spring 2026 session will run March 16-May 25, and wraps up with our community celebration of Tap Dance Day on May 25. Registration for our Spring session will open at the end of February 2026).

TAP CLASSES

MONDAYS – WINTER SESSION:  Jan 12 – Mar 9 (8 weeks – no class on Family Day). Session fee: $160

Monday Schedule-At-A-Glance

Start	End	Level	Teacher	Room
5:45 PM	6:45 PM	Intermediate	D. Lafleur	15/16
6:45 PM	7:45 PM	Advanced	D. Lafleur	15/16

Intermediate (7-10+ years experience) | 5:45PM – 6:45PM | Instructor: David Lafleur

You’ve got a very good technical, music and rhythmical foundation. You want to explore more intricate rudiments, rhythmical progressions and combinations, improvisation and advanced technique. You are also keen to learn more about the tap dance history. Expect friendly and fun classes with others who are eager to be challenged to improve your time + groove, musicality, tone, clarity, and artistry. Session Fee: $160 ($20/class × 8 weeks = $160) + $20 annual admin fee if you did not pay this fee in September 2025.) To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com and include your name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

Advanced (10-15+ years of experience) | 6:45PM – 7:45PM | Instructor: David Lafleur

This fast-paced advanced class is for seasoned tap dancers. You have a solid grasp of complex technique, music theory and improvisation. You can make clear musical choices and can quickly pick up new and challenging material. You can expect a deep dive into various techniques, choreography and improvisation, and an in-depth exploration of jazz music and its relationship to tap dance – but most importantly it’s a fun and friendly class!  Session Fee: $160 ($20/class × 8 weeks = $160) + $20 annual admin fee if you did not pay this fee in September 2025.) To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com and include your name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

THURSDAYS – WINTER SESSION: Jan 15 – Mar 12 – Dec 4 (9 weeks) | Session fee: $180

Thursday Schedule-At-A-Glance

Start	End	Level	Teacher	Room
5:45 PM	6:45 PM	Advanced Beginner	CA Piccinin	15/16
7:00 PM	8:00 PM	Beginner Plus	CA Piccinin	15/16
8:15 PM	9:15 PM	Intermediate	CA Piccinin	15/16

Advanced Beginner (3-5 years experience) | 5:45PM – 6:45PM | Instructor: Carole Anne Piccinin

You’ve had 3–5 years of tap classes and you’re ready for more! In this class, you’ll deepen your understanding of rudiments, rhythm, musicality, technique, and improvisation, while expanding your movement vocabulary and exploring tap history in greater depth. Classes are upbeat and designed to keep you progressing in your tap dance journey with others who love to tap dance, too! Session Fee: $180 ($20/class × 9 weeks = $180) + $20 annual admin fee if you are new to this class/did not pay this fee in September 2025) admin fee). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com and include your name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

Beginner Plus | 7PM – 8PM | Instructor: Carole Anne Piccinin (Note: This class is a continuation from our Fall 2025 Beginner session. If you have some beginner tap dance experience we welcome you to join! Our new Beginner class will start September 2026. If you’d like to join the mailing list, please email ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com)

Expect to move like a tap dancer from the get-go! You will learn the basics of music theory, rhythm and tap dance technique. You will be introduced to the traditions and history of tap dance and its connection to jazz music and culture. Expect to be in the room with others who are just as excited about exploring tap dance as you are! Tap shoes are not necessary (a hard-soled, lace-up shoe will do – but not running shoes), are encouraged. Questions about shoes? Send us an email or speak to your teacher during your first class. Session Fee: $180 ($20/class × 9 weeks = $180) + $20 annual admin fee if you are new to this class/did not pay this fee in September 2025) admin fee). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com and include your name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

Low Intermediate (5+ years experience)  |  8:15PM – 9:15PM | Instructor: Carole Anne Piccinin

You’re solid on technique fundamentals and you’re are ready to go deeper. You’re comfortable with short rhythmic combos and routines, and you’re eager to take on more complex progressions and advanced rhythms—but you need a bit more time or repetition to lock them in. You’re building confidence in music theory, refining your musicality, and growing your improvisation chops. Maybe you’ve studied tap for 5+ years…or maybe you’re returning after a break, or feel a bit rusty and want to brush up! Either way, this class will challenge and support you. Expect a welcoming atmosphere with dancers who share your passion for rhythm-filled fun! Session Fee: $180 ($20/class × 9 weeks = $180) + $20 annual admin fee if you are new to this class/did not pay this fee in September 2025) admin fee). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com and include your name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

The ORI is backed by a small-but-mighty volunteer admin team! Our response rate is generally within 48 hours.

NEW to the ORI?
Email us at ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com to let us know which class you’d like to take. Then, e-transfer your payment to the same email and include your name and class in the message box. Once we receive your payment, you’re in! We’ll send you a confirmation email just before the session starts. Then, we’ll see you in class!

RETURNING student?
Just e-transfer your payment to ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com with your name and class in the message box. Once we receive your payment, you’re in! We’ll send you a confirmation email just before the session starts. Then, we’ll see you in class!

Other registration stuff, and drop-in rate info:

• If you register for the session and do not start in the first class, we will prorate your fee to your start date.
• The annual session $20 admin fee (charged Sept 1-Aug 31 annually) helps to cover some of our operating costs. If you are registering for a winter or spring session, and have already paid the admin fee during the fall session, you won’t pay it again until the following fall session.
• Drop-in rate: $30/class, via e-transfer to ottawarhythminitative@gmail.com
• You can try a class! Just pay the drop-in rate. If you decided to register for the session, your drop-in class will go towards your session fee.

Cancellation Policy: 

1. No refunds are issued for cancelled or missed classes, or if you choose to cancel your registration before or during the session. 
2. Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or other unforeseen emergencies.  A substitute teacher may be provided from time to time and without notice.
3. If the ORI or venue shutdown is mandated by the government or Carleton University, classes may resume online. There will be no discount for online classes as the teacher expertise, class content and our overhead costs remain the same.

Questions?  Email ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com

Future classes? Put your name on our waiting list! Tell us what level you want and we’ll notify you when your class is available. Email us at ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com

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Interested in our Spring 2026 session, running March 16 – May 25? Stay tuned for more information, coming soon!