Northwest Tap Connection

For residents of Washington, particularly within Seattle's diverse Rainier Beach community and beyond, Northwest Tap Connection (NTC) stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and social change. More than just a dance studio, NTC is a dynamic hub where the rhythmic artistry of tap dance, alongside other forms, converges with a profound commitment to race and social justice. Founded by the visionary Melba Ayco, NTC has cultivated a unique environment that nurtures young dancers, instills self-confidence, encourages achievement, and raises a generation of socially conscious artists.

At its core, Northwest Tap Connection is driven by a mission to provide quality dance and job opportunities to underserved communities, working tirelessly to "close the gap" for people of color in the dance world by making classes affordable and accessible. This commitment ensures that dance, a powerful form of expression with deep historical roots, is available to all. Customers consistently laud NTC as an "AMAZING" place, describing it as a "big family" that offers unwavering support and fosters sisterhood and self-love among its young female students. The dedication of instructors, including Ms. Melba herself, is evident in their knowledgeable teaching and commitment to excellence, ensuring that students not only develop impressive technical skills but also grow as individuals. NTC's philosophy is that dance enriches lives by developing self-discipline, fostering self-confidence, and encouraging goal setting, all within a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.

Northwest Tap Connection is strategically located at 8732 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, USA. This address places the studio firmly within the heart of Seattle's Rainier Beach neighborhood, an area known for its rich cultural diversity and strong community spirit. The location on Rainier Avenue South makes it highly accessible for residents of South Seattle, including areas like Columbia City, Skyway, and Beacon Hill, as well as those commuting from further afield within King County.

Rainier Avenue South is a major thoroughfare, providing straightforward access by car, with street parking typically available in the vicinity. Furthermore, the studio's location is well-served by Seattle's comprehensive public transportation network. Numerous bus routes run along Rainier Avenue S, offering convenient connections to downtown Seattle and other parts of the city. This accessibility ensures that students and community members from various backgrounds can easily reach NTC's facilities for classes, performances, and community events. The studio itself boasts "beautifully clean facilities" with dedicated spaces for different dance forms, including a specific area for tap and another with smooth flooring for non-tap styles like modern and ballet, creating an optimal environment for all dancers.

• Rhythm Tap Specialization: NTC is renowned for its specialization in rhythm tap, a dance form with deep historical and cultural significance, particularly within the African American experience.
• Diverse Dance Forms: In addition to tap, the studio offers a variety of other dance styles, ensuring a well-rounded dance education and catering to various interests. These include:
  • Modern
  • Ballet
  • African Dance (including traditional and Afrifit, a fusion of traditional African dance movements to modern African American music)
  • Hip Hop
  • Jazz
• Youth Dance Programs: Programs designed for young dancers, instilling discipline, self-confidence, and a love for dance from an early age.
• Adult Dance Classes: Opportunities for adults of all skill levels to engage in various dance forms, fostering fitness, artistic expression, and community connection.
• Social Justice-Oriented Curriculum: Integrates discussions and explorations of race and social justice issues into the dance education, aiming to raise a generation of socially conscious artists.
• Enrichment Programs: Beyond dance technique, NTC offers programs that combine dance with education and social justice, helping students learn professional and leadership skills.
• Performance Opportunities: Students participate in various performances, including mainstage productions, community events, and collaborative projects, often addressing social justice themes. Notable past performances include "Hell You Talmbout," which went viral.
• Community Events: NTC regularly hosts a variety of community events, welcoming "all ages." These include:
  • Open Mic Nights
  • Karaoke
  • Poetry Readings
  • Seattle Gullah Geechee Festival (NTC is actively involved in this cultural celebration)
  • And much more, fostering a vibrant cultural hub.
• Cultural Education: Through dance and associated programs, NTC aims to define and share the African American experience, bringing dance to underserved and underrepresented communities in the arts.
• Job Opportunities: Committed to providing quality dance and job opportunities to underserved communities.

• Social Justice Mission: Northwest Tap Connection is a unique "race and social justice oriented dance studio," actively working to "close the gap" for people of color in the dance community by providing affordable and accessible classes.
• Inspirational Founder, Melba Ayco: Led by Ms. Melba, who is praised for teaching young girls about "sisterhood and loving yourself," and for her long-standing support for everyone. Her background includes being a 31-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department, with a goal to give underprivileged youth an alternative to being on the streets through dance. She's also a Gullah Geechee storyteller and historian.
• Family-Like Community: Consistently described by patrons as a "big family," fostering a supportive and nurturing environment where students feel a strong sense of belonging.
• Exceptional and Knowledgeable Instructors: Teachers are noted for their commitment to excellence, providing high-quality instruction across various dance forms.
• Diverse Dance Offerings: A wide range of styles including rhythm tap (their specialty), modern, ballet, African, and hip hop, catering to a broad spectrum of interests and ensuring a comprehensive dance education.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The studio boasts "beautifully clean facilities" with distinct spaces for tap and non-tap dance, indicating a professional and comfortable learning environment.
• Platform for Social Commentary: NTC empowers its dancers to produce works that foster change, using dance as a powerful tool to address social issues and raise awareness, such as their viral "Hell You Talmbout" protest dance.
• Vibrant Community Hub: Beyond classes, NTC hosts a variety of community events like Open Mic, Karaoke, and Poetry Readings, creating a lively cultural space for "all ages." They are also integral to the Seattle Gullah Geechee Festival.
• Holistic Student Development: Focuses not just on dance technique but also on developing self-discipline, instilling self-confidence, encouraging achievement, and fostering leadership skills.

Address: 8732 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, USA

Phone: (206) 915-1364

Mobile Phone: +1 206-915-1364

For residents across Washington, particularly those in Seattle's South End, Northwest Tap Connection is far more than just a dance studio; it's a profound community institution. Its strategic location in Rainier Beach makes it highly accessible for local families, ensuring that quality dance education is within reach.

What truly distinguishes NTC and makes it exceptionally suitable for locals is its unique blend of artistic excellence and deep-rooted commitment to social justice. In a region that values community engagement and cultural diversity, NTC stands out as a place where dance is a vehicle for empowerment, self-expression, and positive change. Parents consistently rave about the "amazing" and "supportive" family environment, highlighting how Ms. Melba and her team teach vital life lessons about self-love and sisterhood alongside dance technique. The studio's diverse offerings in tap, modern, ballet, African, and hip hop mean that there's a place for every interest and skill level, while the emphasis on affordability and accessibility ensures that financial barriers are minimized. Furthermore, NTC's role as a vibrant community hub, hosting open mics, poetry readings, and being a key organizer of the Seattle Gullah Geechee Festival, provides countless opportunities for locals to engage culturally and socially. For Washingtonians seeking a place where their children, or even themselves, can not only learn dance from knowledgeable instructors but also grow as confident, socially conscious individuals within a nurturing and inclusive community, Northwest Tap Connection is an unparalleled local treasure.

Northwest Tap Connection

8732 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, USA