Debbi Dee has earned the honor of being referred to as a “teachers” teacher.  She is known as a true technician as well as a Dynamic Stylist, Innovative and whose Energy is unsurpassed. Her expanding knowledge can be seen on platforms through-out the United States and has taught Internationally as a “Master Teacher” in Japan, France, South America and Canada. Debbi has been a guest faculty for “Tradition-In-Tap” in New York, National Tap Dance Day in Dallas, St. Louis Tap Festival, Motor City Tap Festival, So Flo Tap Festival and The Big Apple Tap Festival, where she has also been given the honor of hosting the history talks for many years.  Along with many other tap events through-out the U.S., she has held choreography positions as well as being a “Master Teacher” at Walt Disney World, Florida. Debbi currently works on Convention Platforms for many major dance organizations.  Some of these organizations, past and present include: Dance Masters Of America, Florida Dance Masters, Dance Olympus, Dance Educators of America, Tap Dance Detroit, Sheer Talent, Dance Teacher Summit, Intrigue, NADAA, DanZa, Northeast Workshop For Dancers, Dance Power Express, Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Dance Makers, Dance Teachers Club of Boston and New Jersey, San Diego Civic Dance Association and many more.  She also has held guest positions at OCU (Oklahoma City University), University of Buffalo, many performing arts schools, private studios, and was Artist in Residence at Palm Beach Atlantic University where she continues to do master classes. She is also guest artist for Maltz Jupiter Theatre Conservatory program. Debbi was the first to hold “Tap Intensives” in Florida known as the “Debbi Dee Tap Intensive”.  These intensives were exclusively for dance teacher, assistants and advanced tap dancers and was recognized by Dance Teacher Magazine as a higher education course for teachers. This program was a certified program that Debbi continues to bring to private studios through-out the U.S. upon request. During her prestigious teaching career, Debbi owned and operated her own dance studios in upstate NY.  Her technique has been documented on over 25 educational DVD’s and written training aids for teachers and are still sold through-out the world.  Debbi orchestrated and produced 27 LP’s, cassette and CD’s for Statler Records, and wrote 3 Manuals to go along with her tap intensive workshops. She is currently working on a Tap Workbook and also gives lectures on Tap and its rich history. Debbi’s teaching career also brought her to faculty positions at some of the most prestigious dance studios in New York.  She held these faculty positions at Henry LeTang Studios, Hines and Hatchett, and Broadway Dance Center where she continues to be a guest faculty when her schedule allows, and Steps On Broadway as a guest teacher.  Debbi is a protégé” of Henry LeTang and cherished working side by side with him.  Debbi has won numerous awards for her choreography.  She also had the honor of choreographing and or assisting with countless Off Broadway Shows, Off Off Broadway shows, community theater as well as touring companies.  She choreographed routines for Star Search, Disney, Night Club Acts, fashion shows, Industrials, pageants, health clubs and or private coach to many stars and dancers.  She has worked with some of the biggest names in show business and values all of these adventures in her teaching career.  Earlier in her teaching career Debbi specialized in teaching special needs students and has always maintained that they taught her how to develop the Debbi Dee technique that she still uses today. She taught at Dance Camps, Eastman School of Music and hundreds of private studios.  She is proud of her many students and their accomplishments as they now own studios of their own along with careers on Broadway, Disney, Las Vegas, Rockettes, TV, Movies and World Cruises. Debbi has received many honors for her teaching career. In 2020 Debbi will receive the LifetimeAchievement Award from the prestigious DMA Dance Master of America. In March 2011, Debbi was Honored with “The Living Treasure In American Dance Award” from OCU. (Oklahoma City University) She was also honored for her contribution in Tap Education from The Northeast Workshop For Dancers.  In 2015 Debbi was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from NADAA.  In 1980 Debbi was given the key to the city in Cartagena, Colombia when she was a judge for the Miss Colombia Pageant.  In 2016 she was given recognition from DanZa for her teaching career and most recently in September 2017 Debbi was given a Lifetime Achievement Award from ADCC, (the Association of Dance Conventions & Competitions). Debbi has graced the covers of Dancer Magazine, Dance Teacher Magazine and The Dance Magazine of Florida.  She has also had numerous feature stories in Dance Magazine, Dance Spirit Magazine, Dance Teacher,  On Tap, Dancer, Dance News & Reviews, Inside Dance, Dance Studio Life along with many newspapers through-out the US and has been published in many of those same publications.  Debbi’s body of work and life’s story in dance is currently being archived in The Library Of Congress.  This body of work and story spanning from 1958-present will be available world wide for dancers and teachers. Debbi has performed professionally as a Soloist on National Tours, Off Broadway, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, In Las Vegas at the Flamingo Hilton, The Dunes and The Jockey Club where she performed as an opening act for various stars.  She performed at USO shows, as well as touring on the State Fair circuit with “The Count Basie Orchestra and The Lawrence Welk Orchestra.  She performed on numerous television shows including the Original Ted Mack Amateur Hour at the young age of 8 years old.  She was featured with Frank Sinatra Jr. in his Celebrity Cabaret Night Club Live Show in Las Vegas. Debbi’s nightclub act took her to various stages through-out the U.S. where she sang and danced.  She experienced working on several movies and television sets. Debbi turned professional at 13 years old and although performing was a learning experience for Debbi, her heart was always intrigued behind the scenes from a very early age and loved the process of creating and or teaching.  Although tap has always been her first love, Debbi studied extensively in Ballet, Jazz and Voice training.  She also studied, baton twirling, (which today helps her with teaching and using props), piano, acting, and even did drum corps (where she learned how to do formations). She has taught for over 50 years and yet feels that when you are doing something you love, it seems like just yesterday.  Debbi is now working with dance studios and their owners developing and or helping with their syllabus in tap and working along with their tap teachers in helping with their personal needs in teaching this great “art form”  Debbi’s DVD collection, CD collection and written material is now part of The Jerome Robbins Dance Division at Lincoln Center, New York Public Library.  Her DVD collection has also been donated to: University Of Buffalo, Oklahoma City University, Pace University, Maltz Conservatory, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Boynton Beach High School Magnet Program and various dance schools through-out the US. Her professional reviews have often compared her to Eleanor Powell and Ann Miller, yet she has her own magical style.  Debbi continues to challenge herself and others to be the best they can be. As a teacher, you are always learning, and it is in that learning process you are able to pass down your craft.   She is often copied, but never duplicated, Debbi Dee is truly…Born Too Tap.

 Melissa Tannús Cited as one of “Tap’s Leading Ladies” by Dance Spirit Magazine, Melissa Tannús is a world renowned professional tap dancer, teacher and choreographer. Originally from Brazil, she moved to the United States at an early age to follow her dream of becoming a professional tap dancer. She was very fortunate to integrate established tap companies such as Chloe Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies and Tapestry Dance Company and perform at major events and venues such as Universal Studios Hollywood and the US Open. Additionally, Melissa made several TV appearances on shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, The Late Late Show, America’s Got Talent, and other local news shows. She was also featured in articles on the New York Times, LA Times, DanceSpirit Magazine, Dance Magazine and other blogs. One of her greatest passions is to share her love for tap dance and she is honored to have been invited to teach and choreograph all around the world including places like: Australia, the UK, Guatemala, Chile, Brazil and more. Melissa also loves giving life to her creative vision, which she has done by directing adult dance companies like Tapestry Too and her own company, Tap Com Mel. In 2023, she produced the first annual San Francisco Tap Festival, joined the faculty of the dance convention Immerse Artists Experience and started teaching Tap at the University of California San Diego. Her goal is to continue traveling the world to train and inspire young dancers to go after their dreams, like she did.

Ashlyn Bolton is the Director and Owner of Tampa Bay Taps - Center for Tap Dance; which includes its performance companies Rhythm and Sole and the Youth Tap Crew, along with the Tampa Bay Tap Festival. Ashlyn represents So Danca as a Tap Ambassador and she is the co-founder and co-director of the Southern Open Rhythm Collective and a Leader for its Florida Chapter.  Instructor, Choreographer, Dancer: Ashlyn teaches Ballet, Tap, Precision, and Jazz across the Tampa area and is currently an instructor at the Patel Conservatory and All American Dance Factory. Ashlyn is part of the USA Cheerleaders and served as Captain for the MASL Florida Tropics as a Professional Cheerleader. Ashlyn is a member of Aaron Tolson’s company, Speaking In Taps. She was named Best Local Dancer and Best Local Choreographer in Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay; has trained with the Radio City Rockettes through their invited intensive program; has performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; had a role in "Contest: The Movie;” danced in numerous local professional gigs; and has been an intern for Chloe and Maud Arnold during their DC Tap Fest. More recently, Ashlyn has started a professional tap company called “Project: Rhythm.” This company made its debut at the Gasparilla Music Festival. Since then they have performed at the Music Festival twice, performed in “Copasetic” as well as at the Florida Strawberry Festival.  Ashlyn started training with the Patel Conservatory at the age of 7 and grew up in Patel’s Dance, Music, and Theater programs. Ashlyn’s Tap teachers and mentors include Aaron Tolson, Derick Grant, Jason Samuels Smith, Dormeshia, Jumaane Taylor, Thommie Retter, and Mark Goodman. Ashlyn has been accepted into numerous dance training programs; such as American Ballet Theater’s Summer Intensive, Tap Kids, The Intensive, Woodshed Experience, and Tap City. She continues private coaching with Rhonda Malkin and Heather Osarczuk. Throughout Ashlyn’s time directing the Ensemble, the Ensemble has performed at Disney Springs, Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios, Dancing For Diabetes, the Florida Strawberry Festival, the Florida State Fair, and numerous other local shows as well as fully produced tap dance shows annually. Ashlyn strives to shed light on tap dance in her own community, as well as those surrounding. 

So Flo Tap

SEASON 10 IS UPON US…. STAY TUNED FOR MANY GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO TRAIN

A Decade of So Flo Tap Fest: Celebrating Unity and Dance

Ten years ago, the So Flo Tap Fest was nothing more than a simple idea, a spark that ignited a journey fueled by love, passion, and dedication. This vision was shared by Jack Bloeser and Andrea LaMaina, driven by their profound love for tap dance and dance education. Their mission was evident from the outset: to break the stigma of competition between dance studio owners and, instead, focus on providing more opportunities for dancers in South Florida.  It was the love of tap dance and dance education that brought them together to Co-Produce and become the Co-Founders of So Flo Tap Fest.

From the very beginning, the goal was clear—never to outdo one another but to create a platform where every dancer, regardless of their studio affiliation, could shine and grow. The founders believed in the transformative power of unity and community, and this belief remains at the core of the So Flo Tap Fest's spirit.

A decade later, this mission is not only alive but thriving. As you can probably imagine, an undertaking of this nature came with its challenges.  Jack Bloeser, our co-founder and dear friend, faced health issues and eventually relocated out of state. Covid brought about another roadblock and forced us to re-invent how we structured our event.  Nevertheless, we found a way to bring tap dance to South Florida and Jack continues to check in and offer his praise for our ongoing efforts—a testament to the enduring impact of his vision.

To carry the torch forward, Nicole Smith graciously stepped up to co-produce the event. Sharing the same passion and dedication as Jack and Andrea, Nicole has played a crucial role in nurturing the So Flo Tap Fest, ensuring that it remains a shining beacon of opportunity and community for all dancers in South Florida.

As the 10th season commences, the So Flo Tap Fest takes a bold step by departing from the traditional format of one large event. Instead, multiple events and increased opportunities will be offered. Reflecting on the extraordinary faculty and tap dance artists who have generously shared their time, skills, and invaluable lessons over the last decade, a sense of overwhelming pride and joy fills the hearts of all involved.

The So Flo Tap Fest owes its success to the support of its community. Each and every individual who has joined us on this incredible journey has played a crucial role in its accomplishments. Your commitment to our cause has been the driving force behind our success, helping us establish a thriving community where dancers receive elite training right here in South Florida.

As we bring you multiple pop up events for our special 10th season, we invite everyone to join us not only in celebrating a decade of hard work but also in embracing the incredible spirit of unity that defines the So Flo Tap Fest. Together, we will continue to foster talent, create magical moments, and inspire the next generation of tap dancers in South Florida.

Bravo to everyone who has been a part of this rhythmic journey with us! THANK YOU for dancing.

With love,

Andrea LaMaina

Feeling lucky?

WE ARE!

Join us for the first of a series of pop-up intensives to celebrate 10 years of So Flo Tap.

SAVE THE DATE as we flap into pop-up #1 on October 7, 2023.

The wood is waiting…come and train!

So Flo Tap - giving dancers opportunities in the art of tap dance for a full decade.

#tapfest #soflotapfest #firstinaseries #tapdance #southflorida #meetusonthewood #soflotapest2014

scroll for the So Flo Tap Festival event Archives….

So Flo Tap Fest 2022

WORKSHOP ON THE WOOD 2021

AN EXCLUSIVE EVENT WITH CHOREOGRAPHERS:

John Manzari AND Kurt Csolak

This season Workshop on the Wood will expose you to talented choreographers that will challenge and push your artistry to produce a professional concept video starring YOU!  Dancers will be given choreography videos prior to event start date and upon the choreographers arrival to the event the magic will begin.  Plan to fine tune incredible choreography with like-minded peers in a professional setting.  Learn what it takes to move “steps” into a performance that can be shared with the masses through a digital platform.  Being a part of a production and learning the behind the scenes operations and all that it takes to bring choreography to life in video format!  Your generation of dance artist needs these tools to be successful and viable moving into this new era of performance art. 

The event will take place on Friday August 13th through Sunday, August 15th in Lake Worth, Florida.Dancers will rehearse at That’s Dancing (6169 Jog Road A-15) and shoot “on location”. (many details will follow after your application, acceptance and registration!)

It is our feeling that the Workshop on the Wood is the ideal place for serious tap dancers who are prepared to work hard.  We seek students that are dedicated, disciplined, and show a passion for the art of tap dance.  The program is designed to give tap dancers a more intimate approach to their training by:  refining technique and performance, broadening understanding of improvisation and making friends in the tap community.  

season 6 of so flo tap festival

SEPTEMBER 28 + 29, 2019

saturday + sunday

 #SOFLOTAPFEST

CLASS LEVELS:

- Breakthrough Rhythm Technicians (Intermediate Advanced)
This level is designed for dancers with at least 4 years of tap experience and recommended for ages 10 & up.

- Cutting Edge Rhythm Creators (Advanced)
This level is designed for dancers with at least 5 years of tap experience and recommended for ages 12 & up.

- Dedicated Professional Rhythm Track (Pre-Professional) 
This level is designed for dancers and teachers with at least 6 years of experience who currently or desire to teach or work professionally in the field.

So FLO TAP FEST NEWS:

PAST EVENTS:

2019 Events

2018 Events

2017 events

2016 events

2015 Events

2014 EVENTS