While ORI classes are geared to adults, they are open to students ages 16 years and up.
Sometimes finances can be a barrier to joining dance classes. If you need to discuss options for participation, please don’t hesitate to email us at ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. We’re here to help and look forward to dancing with you!
Class location (an ORI community collaborator):
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 and note in the Message which class you are registering for. See registration and drop-in rate details below.
Spring 2025 session starts Monday, March 17 and ends Thursday, May 22. Classes run on Mondays and Thursdays. There are no classes on Easter Monday (April 21).
TAP CLASSES
MONDAYS – SPRING SESSION: Mar 17 – May 12 (8 weeks). No class on Easter Monday (Apr 21) | 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: $20/class x 8 weeks = $160 (+ $20 one-time annual admin fee if you are a NEW student = $180.) To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com putting your name and desired class in the “Message” box. See below for more 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: $20/class x 8 weeks = $160 (+ $20 one-time annual admin fee if you are a NEW student = $180.) To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com putting your name and desired class in the “Message” box. See below for more registration details.
THURSDAYS – SPRING SESSION: Mar 20 – May 22 (10 weeks | Session fee: $200
Thursday Schedule-At-A-Glance
| Start | End | Level | Teacher | Room |
| 5:45 PM | 6:45 PM | Beginner 2 | CA Piccinin | 15/16 |
| 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Beginner (Continuation of Beg from Fall) | CA Piccinin | 15/16 |
| 8:15 PM | 9:15 PM | Slow Intermediate | CA Piccinin | 15/16 |
Beginner 2 (2+ years experience) | 5:45PM – 6:45PM | Instructor: Carole Anne Piccinin
You’ve had 2-3 years of tap dance classes and are ready to continue! Or, you haven’t tap danced in a long time, and want to go back to the basics. You’ll continue learning about music theory, rhythms, technique, movement, improvisation and tap dance history. Expect to have fun, learn a lot, and continue your tap dance journey with others who love to tap dance, too! Session fee: $20/class x 10 weeks = $200 (+ $20 one-time annual admin fee if you are a NEW student = $220). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com putting your name and desired class in the “Message” box. See below for more registration details.
Beginner (Continuation of Fall 2024 Beginner ) | 7PM – 8PM | Instructor: Carole Anne Piccinin
This is a continuation of the Fall 2024 Beginner class. Expect to move like a tap dancer from the get-go! You will learn the basics of music theory and 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 (not running shoes)], but are encouraged. Questions about shoes?: Send us an email or speak to your teacher during your first class. Session fee: $20/class x 10 weeks = $200 (+ $20 one-time annual admin fee if you are a NEW student = $220). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com putting your name and desired class in the “Message” box. See below for more registration details.
Slow Intermediate (5+ years experience) | 8:15PM – 9:15PM | Instructor: Carole Anne Piccinin
You’ve mastered the technique fundamentals and are ready to do more. You’re dancing short rhythmical combinations and routines with ease. You’re eager to try more advanced rhythms and longer progressions, but need more repetition or to work more slowly to get them. You’re getting music theory basics down. You’re developing your musicality and your improvisation skills, and are interested in tap dance history. You’ve studied for at least 4-5 consecutive years…or are maybe a bit rusty after some time away from tap dance and need to brush up your skills. Most of all, you can expect a friendly and fun class with others who love to tap dance! Session fee: Session fee: $20/class x 10 weeks = $200 (+ $20 one-time annual admin fee if you are a NEW student = $220). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com putting your name and desired class in the “Message” box. See below for more registration details.
REGISTRATION DETAILS
The ORI is backed by a small-but-mighty volunteer admin team! Our response rate is generally within 48 hours.
If you are a NEW ORI student: Send an email to ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com telling us the class(es) you want to take. Then, send your payment via e-transfer to ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. In your e-transfer “Message” box, tell us the class(es) you want to take. When we get your payment, we’ll put you on a class list. Then, we’ll see you in class!
If you are a RETURNING ORI student: To register for your class(es) send your payment via e-transfer to ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. In your e-transfer “Message” box, indicate the class you want to take. When we get your payment, we’ll put you on a class list. Then, we’ll see you in class!
- If you register for the session and do not start at the first class, we will prorate your fee to your start date.
- The annual $20 admin fee (charged Sept 1-Aug 31 annually) helps the ORI 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 have to pay it again until the following fall session.
- Drop in rate: $30/class via e-transfer to ottawarhythminitative@gmail.com
Cancellation Policy:
- No refunds are issued for cancelled or missed classes, or if you choose to cancel your registration before or during the session.
- 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.
- If the ORI or venue shutdown is mandated by the government (i.e., re: Covid-19) classes will resume via Zoom. There will be no discount for Zoom classes as the teachers’ 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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Summer 2025 classes? Stay tuned for more information, coming soon.