Community Classes – Fall 2026 (Sept 14 – Dec 3)

Classes are designed for adults and open to students ages 16+.

REGISTRATION & FEES Session and drop-in rates available. E-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. See below for class, session and drop-in rate information.

Finances shouldn’t keep you from dancing. Need options? Email ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com — we’re happy to help and look forward to dancing with you!

Location: Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre (CDCC) – an ORI community collaborator.
Room 15/16, 2nd floor. Enter at 290 Lisgar Street. Paid parking on site. Free street parking after 7PM.

TAP CLASSES

MONDAYS | Sept 14–Nov 30 | 11 weeks | No class Oct 12 (Thanksgiving)
Session fee: $270 ($250 + $20 annual administration fee)
Drop-in rate: $30 | $35 for live-music classes
New! Live music on Oct 5 & Nov 2

Monday Schedule-At-A-Glance

StartEndLevelInstructorRoom
5:45 PM6:45 PMIntermediateD. Lafleur15/16
6:45 PM7:45 PMAdvancedD. Lafleur15/16

Intermediate (7-10+ years experience) | 5:45PM – 6:45PM | Instructors: David Lafleur with pianist Deniz Lim-Serzan (Oct 5, Nov 2)

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 keen to learn more about tap dance history. Expect friendly, fun classes with others who are eager to be challenged to improve time + groove, musicality, tone, clarity, and artistry. Session Fee: $270 ($250 + $20 annual administration fee). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. Include student name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

Advanced (10-15+ years of experience) | 6:45PM – 7:45PM | Instructors: David Lafleur with musician Deniz Lim-Serzan (Oct 5, Nov 2)

A fast-paced advanced class for seasoned tap dancers. You have a solid grasp of complex technique, music theory and improvisation. You make clear musical choices and quickly pick up new, challenging material. 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 with a chill vibe! Session Fee: $270 ($250 + $20 annual administration fee). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. Include student name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

THURSDAYS | Sept 17–Dec 3 | 12 weeks
Session fee: $290 ($270 + $20 annual administration fee)
Drop-in fee: $30 | $35 for live-music classes
New! Live music on Sept 24, Oct 1 & 15, Nov 12

Thursday Schedule-At-A-Glance

StartEndLevelInstructor Room
5:45 PM6:45 PMLow IntermediateCA Piccinin15/16
7 PM8 PMAdv BeginnerCA Piccinin15/16
8 PM9 PMBeginnerH. Stapley15/16

Low Intermediate (5+ years experience)  |  8:15PM – 9:15PM | Instructors: Carole Anne Piccinin with musicians Deniz Lim-Serzan (Oct 1, Nov 12) & Rebecca Cowal (Sept 24, Oct 15, Nov 12)

You’re solid on technique fundamentals and ready to go deeper. You’re comfortable with short rhythmic combos and routines, and eager to take on more complex and advanced rhythms and progressions—but you need a bit more repetition to lock them in. You’re building confidence in music theory, musicality, and improvisation. Maybe you’ve studied tap for 5+ years…or returning after a break, or are 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: $290 ($270 + $20 annual administration fee). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. Include student name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

Advanced Beginner (2-5 years experience) | 7PM – 8PM | Instructors: Carole Anne Piccinin with musicians Deniz Lim-Serzan (Oct 1, Nov 12) & Rebecca Cowal (Sept 24, Oct 15, Nov 12)

You’ve had 2–5 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 more 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: $290 ($270 + $20 annual administration fee). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. Include student name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

Beginner | 8PM – 9PM | Instructor: Hazel Stapley [with Carole Anne Piccinin and musicians Deniz Lim-Serzan (Oct 1, Nov 12) & Rebecca Cowal (Sept 24, Oct 15, Nov 12)]

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 instructor during your first class. Session Fee: $290 ($270 + $20 annual administration fee). To confirm your spot, e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. Include student name and class in the message box. See below for full registration details.

REGISTRATION + DROP-IN 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?
First email ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com with your name and class choice. Then e-transfer your payment to the same email. Include your name and class in the message. We’ll confirm your registration before classes begin.

RETURNING student?
E-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. Include your name and class in the message. We’ll confirm your registration before the session begins.

Other registration + drop-in rate info:

  • Try a class: Pay the drop-in rate. If you register, we’ll apply it to your session fee.
  • Drop-in class: $30 | Drop-in class with live-music: $35 (only on Sept 24, Oct 1 & 15, Nov 12)
  • E-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com to secure your class
  • Starting later in the session? Your session fee will be prorated.
  • Annual admin fee: $20 Paid once per year (Sept 1–Aug 31). This fee supports our operations.

Refunds & Cancellation Policy:

  1. No refunds for missed classes or cancelled registrations.
  2. Classes may be cancelled due to inclement weather or emergencies.
  3. Substitute teachers may teach without notice.
  4. If an ORI or venue closure is mandated, classes may move online at the same fee as our operational costs will not change.

Questions?  Email ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest programming information.

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

Winter 2027 classes start January 2027. More information, coming soon.