Youth Tap Ensemble
Take your tap dancing to the next level! KSR’s Youth Tap Ensemble (YTE) was created in 2002 to provide a professional experience for passionate tap dancers. Members of our ensemble receive professional level training and experiences, work with leading artists in the industry and have ample performance opportunities.
We are the perfect complement for studio dancers looking for something more and we accommodate and work with competition / convention schedules. During the school season, all of our practices/rehearsals are held on Sunday afternoons. Unlike dance studios, we do not hold recitals or require expensive costumes. Instead, we perform at a variety of community shows throughout the year, such as at the St. Paul Winter Carnival, National Tap Dance Day, and the Twin Cities Tap Festival.
We are looking for eager, committed tap dancers, ages 8 - 18, to join us. We take pride in offering an inclusive and respectful environment. At KSR, we don’t just develop tap dancers. We build lasting friendships and create a supportive tap family.
Our YTE Members:
- Train in a professional environment, learning artistry, technique, choreography, music theory, and improvisation
- Study the rich history of tap dance
- Learn company repertoire
- Learn choreography set by master guest choreographers and work with leading artists in the industry
- Study and learn historical tap dance pieces
- Attend tap dance festivals and events
- Perform at local & destination events
- Grow as individual artists, as well as within an ensemble, in a professional environment
"KSR Youth Tap Ensemble gave me a sense of community. Without realizing it, I learned what it takes to earn the respect of others in order to lead. On the surface it is just a dance troupe, deep down it is much more."
Thomas, Youth Tap Ensemble Alumnus
Company Levels
Intermediate
This is a fast-intermediate tap experience that consists of technique, choreography, and improvisation.
Students work on technique for a deeper complexity of tap, while also creating an ear for longer phrases. Students also develop an understanding of swing, polyrhythms, and let’s not forget…timing.
This group is fun and fast paced.
(Commitment: 2 hrs per week)
Advanced / Pre-Professional
This level is for the technically accomplished dancer looking to expand and improve their musical skills.
Students develop a keen ear for polyrhythms, syncopation and odd and even time signatures. Members deepen their understanding of music and how, as a tap dancer, they “fit” into the music. Technique, combinations, and improvisation are core for this level.
(Commitment: 4 hrs per week)
*Note: During the school year, all YTE practices are held on Sundays so as not to interfere with classes at your home studio.
Auditions
Auditions for YTE are held each year, in late summer. Tap dancers ages 8 – 18 are invited to take part.
We will be holding auditions for the 2023-2024 season in late August. You do not need to prepare anything in advance. Just bring your tap shoes!
Can’t make one of our auditions? Please contact us to set up an alternate audition. Interested in joining mid-year? Please contact us!
