The Philadelphia Community Tap Project

Introduction / Overview

For residents across Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and indeed for anyone passionate about the vibrant and rhythmic art form of tap dance, The Philadelphia Community Tap Project stands as a pivotal and inspiring initiative. This project is a testament to the dedication and vision of its founder, Pamela Hetherington, a master dance educator with over 26 years of experience, including her trailblazing work as the director of the Philadelphia Jazz Tap Ensemble and Sound Space Performing Arts. The Philadelphia Community Tap Project is more than just a series of classes; it's a profound effort to sustain and advance the rich legacy of Philadelphia tap dance, ensuring its future for generations to come.

At its core, the project is driven by a commitment to radical community access to the arts, particularly in North Philadelphia, and to preserving and advancing percussive dance. It aims to foster and sustain the vital connection between tap dance and jazz music in Philadelphia, actively working to remove barriers that might prevent the public from accessing tap dance as an improvisational jazz form. This dedication to inclusivity and artistic integrity means that The Philadelphia Community Tap Project is a place where aspiring and experienced tap dancers alike can immerse themselves in high-quality instruction and performance opportunities, all while contributing to a thriving local artistic community. From engaging workshops to captivating performances, the project enriches Philadelphia’s cultural landscape and provides a unique avenue for artistic expression and community connection.

Location and Accessibility

The Philadelphia Community Tap Project operates from a hub located at 2511 W Girard Ave #2, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA. This address places the project within a dynamic and evolving neighborhood of Philadelphia, specifically in the Brewerytown/Fairmount area. West Girard Avenue is a well-known artery, making the location generally accessible for residents throughout the city.

For those in North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and other central districts, the studio's location on Girard Avenue offers reasonable accessibility via Philadelphia's public transportation network. Various SEPTA bus routes likely serve this corridor, providing convenient options for students and community members. While street parking in urban areas can sometimes be a consideration, the neighborhood setting may offer more opportunities than denser commercial districts. The project's presence in this specific part of Philadelphia underscores its commitment to community engagement and making tap dance accessible to diverse populations within the city. This strategic location allows The Philadelphia Community Tap Project to serve as a vital cultural resource, easily reachable for many Pennsylvania residents passionate about percussive dance.

Services Offered

• Tuition-Free Tap Dance Training: Offers a significant program providing tap dance training at no cost, aiming to remove financial barriers to participation.
• Performance Ensemble Opportunities: Develops a performance ensemble (Philadelphia Youth Tap) for students to gain stage experience and showcase their skills.
• Legacy Preservation: Dedicated to sustaining and advancing the historical and cultural legacy of Philadelphia tap dance.
• Community Engagement: Actively fosters community involvement and provides radical community access to the arts.
• Connection to Jazz Music: Emphasizes the vital connection between tap dance and jazz music, promoting tap as an improvisational jazz form.
• Workshops and Jams: Organizes various gatherings, workshops, and jams for continuous learning, practice, and collaborative expression.
• Low-Stakes Performance Series: Provides informal performance opportunities to help dancers build confidence and experience performing.
• Master Classes: Hosts master classes with renowned tap dancers and artists, offering advanced training and inspiration.
• Mentorship and Leadership Opportunities: Likely provides pathways for older or more experienced students to take on leadership roles within the community.
• Event Production: Involved in producing tap dance and jazz music celebrations, such as the Brewerytown Tap Dance Festival.
• Commissioning New Works: Supports the creation of new choreography and compositions that expand the boundaries of jazz tap.
• Educational Outreach: Conducts presentations in various community settings, spreading awareness and appreciation for tap dance.

Features / Highlights

• Visionary Leadership: Led by Pamela Hetherington, a master dance educator and former director of the Philadelphia Jazz Tap Ensemble, known for her trailblazing work in tap dance.
• Commitment to Accessibility: Provides tuition-free training and focuses on removing barriers to public access, making tap dance available to a broader community.
• Preservation of Legacy: Dedicated to sustaining and advancing Philadelphia's rich tap dance history and its connection to jazz music.
• Holistic Artistic Development: Focuses on developing tap dancers not just technically, but also as improvisational artists and performers.
• Strong Community Focus: Actively builds a vibrant tap community through various events, jams, and performance series.
• Emphasis on Jazz-Tap Connection: Uniquely highlights the relationship between tap dance and jazz music, fostering a deeper understanding of both art forms.
• Experienced Instruction: Benefit from Pamela Hetherington's 26 years of experience in diverse learning environments, from public schools to universities.
• Inspiring Performance Opportunities: Creates platforms for students and professional artists to perform, including significant events like the Brewerytown Tap Dance Festival.
• Recognition and Accolades: Pamela Hetherington's work has been featured in national media and received commendations from government bodies, underscoring the project's impact.
• Creative Innovation: Involved in commissioning new works and exploring new dialogues between jazz music and tap dance, pushing artistic boundaries.

Contact Information

Address: 2511 W Girard Ave #2, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA

Phone: (267) 273-6937

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, particularly those with an interest in dance, rhythm, and local cultural heritage, The Philadelphia Community Tap Project is an exceptionally suitable and enriching local resource. Its location on West Girard Avenue places it within convenient reach of many city neighborhoods, emphasizing its commitment to accessible community engagement rather than an exclusive, high-cost model.

What makes this project truly ideal for locals is its profound dedication to revitalizing and sustaining the unique legacy of Philadelphia tap dance. Under the masterful guidance of Pamela Hetherington, it offers not just dance classes but a cultural immersion, often providing tuition-free training. This removes significant financial barriers, making high-quality tap instruction available to a much broader segment of the community, especially young dancers. For parents in Pennsylvania looking for an enriching activity that teaches discipline, rhythm, and artistic expression while connecting children to a vibrant local history, this project is invaluable. It’s a place where individuals can learn a captivating art form, join a supportive community, and even contribute to the preservation of a significant cultural heritage. By fostering the connection between tap dance and jazz, offering performance opportunities, and creating an inclusive environment, The Philadelphia Community Tap Project stands as a unique and essential gem for the arts-loving community of Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Community Tap Project

2511 W Girard Ave #2, Philadelphia, PA 19130, USA