Tap dance is both movement and music. This philosophy guides how we teach and create.

We invite dancers to deepen their understanding of this relationship, its history and how it continues to evolve today. Our approach offers a rich, in-depth exploration of tap dance.

Here are some of our unique focus areas that set our program apart:

TECHNIQUE & MOVEMENT

Strong technique helps us to express ourselves. ORI classes develop clarity, coordination, balance, sound, control and rhythmic precision and expression. We use and go beyond tap dance vocabulary, understanding and creating rhythm through the whole body. We also explore rooted jazz dance aesthetics and its relationship to the tap dancer, emphasizing stylistic and vernacular nuance.

LIVE MUSIC

While the ORI works with both recorded and live music—it’s our connection with live music that sets us apart.

ORI’s tap dance classes with live music give you practical experience listening, communicating and creating with musicians. Working with musicians helps you to become a more confident, expressive and responsive tap dancer. It deepens our connection to time, groove, phrasing, dynamics, tone, and musical conversation, alongside technique and vocabulary.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Understanding where tap dance comes from deepens how we dance it.

We emphasize its history and cultural roots, exploring the trailblazers and innovators who shaped the art form and who are evolving its approach and traditions. You will gain a deeper understanding of our local, national and international community – present and past.

IMPROVISATION & VOICE

At the ORI, there is no single way a tap dancer should sound or move. We encourage every dancer to develop their own voice and style.

In a collaborative, safe and supportive space, we experiment with rhythm, enabling you to adapt and respond in the moment and make creative choices. Improvisation is integral to tap dance. It is at the core of its creation. It builds confidence to help you discover what you want to express.

COMMUNITY

Tap dance has always grown through connection, exchange and shared rhythm.

ORI brings together people from different backgrounds, abilities, experiences and goals. Our program offers welcoming opportunities for everybody and every body to learn, to learn from one another, and become part of Ottawa’s tap dance community.

We also have our finger on the pulse of what’s happening in our local jazz dance and music scenes. We inform and encourage our students to engage in these opportunities to enrich their tap dance experience.

ARTISTS WHO TEACH

ORI tap dance educators are also artists who bring lifelong experiences, ongoing study, creative practice and performance experience into our classes.

They draw extensively from tap dance, rooted jazz forms and other movement practices, music and theatre experiences. Their experience working within the “tap dance is movement and music” relationship, including with live music, shapes how they teach rhythm, movement and musicality.

GUEST ARTISTS AND COLLABORATIONS

ORI classes may occasionally welcome other local, or national and international guest dancers, musicians and educators. Guest artists offer fresh ideas and inspiration. Some may be included in session fees; others may cost extra.