urban tap squad

the urban tap squad was started in 1999 by Artistic Director, Jennifer Bishop. Since it's inception it has taken many different approaches to promoting the art of tap through the diversity of its collaborative environment. Likened to"The Buena Vista Social Club" of the tap dance world, UTS members have contributed to the creative process of the company as well as independently pursuing & developing some of the most vibrant, up and coming tap in North America. It is a fabulously textured tree trunk from which the richest of blossoms bud. The repertoire consists of pieces created by the company as well as work by guest choreographers. Being the founding members of The West Coast Tap Dance Collective, The Urban Tap Squad plays a very active role in the preservation of Tap Dance in Vancouver. As well as performing at local schools & charity events, several of the company members connect with local musicians to bring the communities together. Individually the company make up a large part of the dance community in the lower mainland reaching students from over 15 studios. NOW, due to the bonus of having our own *portable tap floor*, we hope you will find us tapping in some less predictable spaces! Keep your ears open!

STUDIO SPACE online dance magazine says about the urban tap squad.....

"BRING IN DA NOISE performed by guest artists the urban tap squad was a stand-out for professionalism. Obviously their fine-tuned rehearsal brought this number to the stage "filled with exhuberance and readiness" to take it to the "NEXT LEVEL!!" Both male and female dancers bantered (with their footwork) back and forth with professional ease - absolutely amazing work!"

For more information on the company members..click here..

the urban tap squad is a company of professional dancers dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the art of tap dance. Our diverse background in dance shines through our broad range of repertoire. From body rhythm to classic tap, our style spans it all!!

Past performances have included:

2004 "Release Yourself"              M.A.D.D. Rhythms Canada, Calgary, AB

2004 "Dances At Dusk"              Ceperley Park, Vancouver, BC
2004 "The Spirit Of Tap" The 2nd Annual Tap Dance Celebration - Surrey Arts Centre

2003 "Shall We Dance"                Scotiabank Dance Centre/Four Seasons Hotel
2003 "Tap Is...." The Inaugural Tap Day Celebration - The Scotiabank Dance Centre

2003 "Vancouver Tap Festival"             Hot Jazz Club

2003 Simon Fraser University               Chancellor Gymnasium
2003 Theatre Cares "Gershwin Valentine"          Arts Club Theatre/Valerie Easton

2003 Chutzpah Festival "SPLOOSH"                  Norman Rothstein Theatre

2002 Theatre Cares "A Broadway Valentine "         The Arts ClubTheatre/Bill Millerd

2002 The Chutzpah Festival "Whiplash"                The Jewish Community Centre

2001 BC Children’s Hospital Gala "Sensations"     Van. Trade & Convention Centre

2001 Harmony Arts Festival                             Opening/Mainstage Ambleside Park, West Van

2001 Eatons - Summer & Winter Promo             Pacific Centre, Vancouver

2001 Intern. Festival of Dance "Encore"             Guest Artists Trois Rivieres, Quebec

2000 Harmony Arts Festival "A Little Light Music"     Ambleside Park, West Vancouver

2000 The Vancouver Tap Festival                     Guest Artists James Cowan Theatre, Vancouver

2000 Intern. Festival of Dance "Encore"         Guest Artists Trois Rivieres, Quebec

As well as performing, our company members have been guest instructors in hip hop, tap, musical theatre, jazz and body percussion throughout North America.

We are available for functions of any sort(we don’t discriminate!! Have floor - will tap dance!).

active company members

Jennifer Bishop    Laura Bishop     Amy Burns

Shelley Hunt     Miyuki Ishizaki    Kerry Lackner

Keri Minty

past company members

Carmelle Cachero    Jenny Davies     Melissa Frakman

Melissa Lipkowski     Matthew Rossoff    David Raymond

Kim Sato     Niki Vandusen     Tracie Zonta

the repertoire   ever expanding!....................
(we currently have several works in progress)

Our repertoire currently consists of over an hours worth of material. We can even custom tailor our show to suit any event. As well as performing choreographed works, we are improv enthusiasts. Occasionally we sit in with The Lache Cercel Roma Swing Ensemble at Kino Cafe on Cambie Street; we have also stepped in as accompanist to spoken word artists at Thundering Word Heard, an open mic series at Cafe Montmartre on Main Street.