While ORI classes are geared to adults, they are open to students 16 years of age and older.  

Class location (an ORI community collaborator):

Studio 1516, 2nd floor – entrance at 290 Lisgar Street. Paid parking is available at CDCC, or there is ample street parking (metred timeslots vary, and it’s usually free after 5:30PM) on Lisgar Street.

To register: e-transfer ottawarhythminitiative@gmail.com. See more details below.

Schedule-At-A-Glance

TAP CLASSES

MONDAYS – FALL 2023 SESSION:  11 WEEKS | SEPT 18 – DEC 4, 2023 (no class on Thanksgiving – Monday October 9)

Tap Dance 101 | 5:30PM – 6:30PM | Instructor: David Lafleur

This is your first ever tap class (hurray!) and you are looking forward to it! Or, you’ve tried a couple of tap dance classes and you want to come back to it. Or, you’re coming back to tap dance after not having danced in long time, and want the rudimentary basics. We will introduce you to music theory, rhythms, technique, movement and tap dance history to start you successfully off on the “right foot”. Expect to have fun, learn a lot, and move, think and sound like a tap dancer from the get-go! Session fee: $20/class x 11 weeks = $220 + $20 (one-time annual admin fee) = $240. 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 | 6:45PM – 7:45PM | Instructor: David Lafleur

This fast-paced advanced class is for seasoned tap dancers who have significant experience. 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 11 weeks = $220 + $20 (one-time annual admin fee) = $240. 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 – FALL 2023 SESSION:  12 WEEKS | SEPT 21 – DEC 7, 2023

Beginner 2 | 5:30PM – 6:30PM | Instructor: Carole Anne Piccinin

You’ve had about a year of tap dance classes and are ready to continue! Or, you have a year or so of tap dance experience, 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 12 weeks = $240 + $20 (one-time annual admin fee) = $260. 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.

Intermediate (7-10+ years experience)  | 6:45PM – 7:45PM | Instructor: Shawna Halikas

You’ve got a very good technical, music and rhythmical foundation. You want to explore more intricate rudiments, rhythmical combinations, improvisation and advanced technique. You also have a keen interest in learning about and connecting to the history of tap dance. Expect friendly and fun classes with others who are eager to be challenged to improve your time, musicality, tone, clarity, and artistry. Session fee: $20/class x 12 weeks = $240 + $20 (one-time annual admin fee) = $260. 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 (4-5+ years experience)  |  8:00PM – 9PM | Instructor: Carole Anne Piccinin

You’ve mastered the basic rudiments and fundamentals and are ready to do more. You’re dancing short rhythmical combinations and routines. You’re eager to try more advanced rhythms and longer progressions, but need more repetition or to work more slowly to get them. You almost have 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 a while 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: $20/class x 12 weeks = $240 + $20 (one-time annual admin fee) = $260. 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

• If you are a NEW ORI student, send us an email to confirm the class(es) you want to take, and then 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 and send you an email confirmation. Then, we’ll see you in class!
• If you are a RETURNING ORI student: To register for your class(es) and secure your spot, 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 ORI is backed by a small-but-mighty volunteer admin team. Our response rate is generally within 48 hours.

• The annual $20 admin fee (charged Sept 1 and ends Aug 31 annually) helps the ORI cover some of our operating costs.

• Drop in rate: $30/class via e-transfer to ottawarhythminitative@gmail.com

• Cancellation Policy: 

1. No refunds are issued for missed or canceled 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 due to 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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Winter 2024 classes? Stay tuned for more information, coming soon.