tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39965915124961592362024-03-04T22:30:35.629-08:00The Tap Factor BlogThe Tap Factor, founded by Christopher Erk, is a community dedicated to enriching the world through tap dance education and performance opportunities.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14886554102354774823noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3996591512496159236.post-58139467099299523442014-10-31T09:48:00.001-07:002014-10-31T09:53:04.068-07:00The Tap Factor Resonates with Harwood Middle/High School<div class="MsoNormal">
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I saw The Tap Factor for the first time at the Best Buddies
International Leadership Conference at Indiana University and I was thrilled. They
were doing something very special. They were sharing their art – tap dance - with
students and adults of all shapes and sizes, of all abilities, of all ages, and
together they created, performed, and had fun. I saw how they are changing our
world one tap dance at a time, one friendship at a time. The Tap Factor showed
us how art can promote social change and equity for all. </div>
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So when a student who I brought to the Best Buddies conference
asked, “Wouldn’t it be great if they could come to our school assembly?” I knew
I had to pursue her idea. Their work supports our vision of building an
inclusive school and community. Christopher Erk, founder of The Tap Factor,
answered my email and was very open to all our ideas. </div>
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Two months later, they came to our school to workshop and perform
with our middle and high school students. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The workshops were instructive, accessible, and fun. During
the assemblies, the excitement was palpable. The students and staff on stage formed
a diverse group, all bubbling with energy and pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The students in the audience were entranced, and the faculty
and administration agreed it was one of our most powerful and creative school
assemblies ever. </div>
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Later that day, The Tap Factor visited a class and engaged the
students in a thoughtful exercise, asking them to reflect on what each
individual brings to the group. The answers were as diverse as the students and
their take-away was we all bring different talents to the group. Likewise, The
Tap Factor definitely brought something unique to our school! </div>
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For bookings: thetapfactor@gmail.com</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Maureen
Charron-Shea, M.S., CCC-SLP<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Speech-Language
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Harwood Union
High School<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">458 VT RTE
100<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">South
Duxbury, VT 05660<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Tel. (W)
802-882-1147 (m) 802-371-8360<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">(W) </span><a href="mailto:mcharron@wwsu.org"><span style="color: #193aa2; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">mcharron@wwsu.org</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14886554102354774823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3996591512496159236.post-37485845305589376752014-06-12T13:05:00.000-07:002014-06-12T13:05:01.207-07:00A Parent's View - a response to the Tap Factor's collaboration with Best Buddies NY and the FREE Players<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>A Parent's View </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Helene Linden</b> is the mother of Eric Linden. Eric was one of our participants and member of the FREE Players. The Tap Factor collaborated with Best Buddies NY and the FREE Players to form a tap dance immersion program that ended on stage at Carnegie Hall, May 21, 2014, in Elaine Kwon and Friends, a benefit concert supporting Best Buddies NY. Below is an account of her experience with the Tap Factor. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYMDA-cUhlOezIO0CI1YS2phWf1fYaFsNNcfzoIg5U8MBQrgE_cb5WDTzFisuF0XrVc3O955DXjBJ55LPJyH22uw5COakgPEQVQe5qSP8buzTyciXWrHH59d1I4HUS5Dl8MiJOpBlkg/s1600/picture1402602116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYMDA-cUhlOezIO0CI1YS2phWf1fYaFsNNcfzoIg5U8MBQrgE_cb5WDTzFisuF0XrVc3O955DXjBJ55LPJyH22uw5COakgPEQVQe5qSP8buzTyciXWrHH59d1I4HUS5Dl8MiJOpBlkg/s1600/picture1402602116.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">[When we were first approached about dancing with the Tap Factor at the Best Buddies gala, my initial thought was, “WOW Carnegie Hall! When will this kind of experience ever present itself again?” For a boy who dreams of being a star on Broadway, this is a pretty amazing opportunity. But will he actually learn tap dance in a few short weeks?</span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-ffb887df-91a2-8884-d701-8895cf4f671f" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When we first met Chris Erk, creator of the Tap Factor, he shared his vision for this project. His enthusiasm was contagious as he spoke about tap as an expression or a conversation. After a brief meeting I was feeling very pumped about the project and less concerned about the “limitations” I often let creep into my thoughts as a result of having a child with special needs.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At the first rehearsal, we met the Tap Factor field dancers. Generally, Eric is very open and excited about meeting new people…especially when they are beautiful women! This introduction was no different. What was immediately clear was that these five dancers and our dedicated percussionist were equally excited about the opportunity to make new friends with people who share a love of tap dance.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now Eric has always been a dancer, a lover of music, and musicals. However, he had very little exposure to tap so I began showing Eric tap dancing in movies and on YouTube. By the time the group performed at the Buddy Walk - an annual fundraiser supporting Best Buddies, I knew that Chris’ vision was spot on. The kids all rose to the occasion, but even better was the response from the crowd. They ALL wanted to join in and experience what the Tap Factor was putting out there. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Perhaps the biggest change I noticed in Eric was in his expression of dance altogether. He is always the first one on the dance floor but now I noticed him paying attention to the other dancers in addition to the music; having those “conversations” Chris spoke about. For a person who often has trouble expressing himself, it was so rewarding to see this development.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Needless to say there was some anxiety about performance day. It was going to be a long day and sometimes, Eric can simply shut down when it all gets to be too much. I knew he was in good hands but still those self imposed “limitations” started to creep in. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then suddenly there they all were, on stage at Carnegie Hall. They brought the house down. After the performance, Mariana (Eric’s buddy) told me that Eric started to show signs of anxiety just before taking the stage. I know it was the relationship with his new friends and their experience that helped him through and go on to shine. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m not sure we have completely come down from the high of the performance yet. I know both Eric and I miss our Saturday rehearsals with our Tap Factor friends. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So now I can say my son danced at Carnegie Hall and learned that dreams really do come true. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But really this experience was about so much more.</span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was about creativity, confidence, and inclusion. It was about the privilege of meeting wonderful people who share a love of dance. People who are kind, patient and incredibly talented. People Eric and I now call friends. </span></span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After all this project was always about “best buddies” and the wonderful relationships that they facilitate. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for the experience!]</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Follow this link to view our short documentary highlight some of the field work and impact of the project with Best Buddies and the FREE Players! </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.545454025268555px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNUPuI4PMO8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNUPuI4PMO8</a></b></i></span></span></div>
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<b>Christopher Erk - </b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christopher-Erk/254534271328957" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <b><span style="color: #999999;">|</span></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/erkc738" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <b><span style="color: #999999;">|</span></b><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">347-525-4201 </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">|</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;" /><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Founder - The Tap Factor </span><b style="color: #999999; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">|</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.thetapfactor.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.thetapfactor.com</a> <span style="color: #999999;"><b>|</b> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/TheTapFactor" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <b><span style="color: #999999;">|</span></b> <a href="http://instagram.com/thetapfactor" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <b><span style="color: #999999;">|</span></b> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tap-Factor/370090879776716" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="color: #999999;"><b> |</b></span><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14886554102354774823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3996591512496159236.post-56527169360380585112014-01-22T08:39:00.001-08:002014-01-22T08:39:59.328-08:00The Tap Factor - Feist's 1 2 3 4 with Laura Bowman in NYC!<br /><br />
NYC - We love an impromptu performance! When my friend Lucian Smith contacted me about tap dancing in his acoustic evening at the Theater Under St. Marks in the East Village of NYC, I immediately said yes!<br /><br />
Then he suggested further that he see if any of the other performers might want to collaborate with me. I said, "Perfect!"<br /><br />
When I heard back from singer song writer about performing to the Feist song, 1 2 3 4, I said, "No problem!"<br /><br />
After a few phone calls and and 4 hours of rehearsal, we were ready to go!<br /><br />
Check out what we were able to get together. It was a great evening for all in attendance. I hope you enjoy! <br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JmD-S8IdLoo" width="480"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14886554102354774823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3996591512496159236.post-81891057394079625772014-01-22T08:26:00.002-08:002014-01-22T08:26:23.398-08:00Brooklyn School of Languages Taps!<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.brooklynschooloflanguages.com/" target="_blank"><img class="rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRSCdvnWJIpIpZLsJ3tYowMIBY9SdUyw3ow6QOl4TvnwiZzgoId" data-sz="f" name="U_YhqtmvYg_I_M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRSCdvnWJIpIpZLsJ3tYowMIBY9SdUyw3ow6QOl4TvnwiZzgoId" style="height: 60px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 180px;" /></a></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-39889731-bac3-c97c-34bd-7534ed3857e8" style="font-weight: normal;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Brooklyn School of Languages Taps!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By: Christopher Erk</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In October of last year, a good friend from high school, Dennis Chase, contacted me about speaking with students from the </span><a href="http://www.brooklynschooloflanguages.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brooklyn School of Languages</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> during their Broadway-themed week. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3996591512496159236" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3996591512496159236" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Brooklyn School of Languages works with adult learners from all over the world and offers them classes in English as well as exposure to the rich resources of knowledge and culture that New York City has to offer. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I didn’t think twice about participating and was incredibly excited to meet these students! For The Tap Factor, it was a great opportunity to engage with a body and organization that was less likely to be exposed to </span><a href="http://www.thetapfactor.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">tap dancing</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in the way that we like to present it. We find that everyone has an inner-tap-dancer and we aim to expose that resonance with whom we cross paths.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I proposed to Dennis that I not only talk about my career as a dancer, but end the talk with a tap dance workshop, he was all for it! </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The idea was that we would teach the students The Tap Factor way: They would be introduced to tap dancing basics and then learn how to make their own music - improvise - within moments after learning their first steps. This would provide an excellent forum for communication and discovery without using words. </span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was amazing to introduce tap dance to the students using this method- no words, just sounds- especially where languages are vastly diverse and can create a barrier. I was very proud of the students’ willingness to participate and step outside of their comfort zone to try something new. </span></div>
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/htb6qYemCf_N8qQSbTZDnxAgJbR_hW3Iggu4sWg-n1gpTihlAlYpeezenMViHQEfTyGBicCinj_WgkwWzvUahRJQhIGDqUzid--FLWm3F8h9L7Pw1kd-PxKG3HlpaRF-OA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/htb6qYemCf_N8qQSbTZDnxAgJbR_hW3Iggu4sWg-n1gpTihlAlYpeezenMViHQEfTyGBicCinj_WgkwWzvUahRJQhIGDqUzid--FLWm3F8h9L7Pw1kd-PxKG3HlpaRF-OA" style="border: 0px solid transparent;" width="320px;" /> </a></div>
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Tap dancing in the lobby of Brooklyn School of Languages! <br /> </div>
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<a href="http://www.brooklynschooloflanguages.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://www.brooklynschooloflanguages.com/</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></a></div>
<br /><a href="http://www.brooklynschooloflanguages.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></a><br /><a href="http://www.brooklynschooloflanguages.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></a><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more of the experience, see Dennis Chases' contributed statement further down the blog!</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14886554102354774823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3996591512496159236.post-13906172100563390982013-12-23T14:12:00.001-08:002014-01-21T13:39:40.705-08:00NYC - Christopher Erk engages with Flamenco at Alegrias<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IqgU9Qcjk44" width="480"></iframe><br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.988636016845703px;">I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness the work that is being done at Alegrias on 14th Street in NYC. They were kind to have me get up at the end of the set to tap.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14886554102354774823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3996591512496159236.post-49584129300033445482013-11-30T19:19:00.001-08:002013-12-24T10:01:02.458-08:00BroadwayWorld.com Press Release!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sharonecooper.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/broadway-world-logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://sharonecooper.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/broadway-world-logo1.jpg"></a></div>
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Here is the press release from BroadwayWorld.com announcing <a href="http://www.thetapfactor.com/" target="_blank">The Tap Factor</a> - Sarasota. With the help and resources of the <a href="http://www.asolorep.org/" target="_blank">Asolo Repertory Theater</a> in Sarasota, Florida, <a href="http://www.thetapfactor.com/" target="_blank">The Tap Factor </a>founder Christopher Erk was able to orchestrate a program that got Sarasota youth tap dancing out in the public and on a professional stage. By the end of the four meetings, the participants earned the opportunity to join the cast of Noah Racey's Pulse on stage immediately following one of their performances. It was a memorable experience for all!</div>
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<a href="http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwdance/article/Asolo-Rep-Sponsors-Tap-Factor-Community-Workshops-with-Christopher-Erk-20130605">http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwdance/article/Asolo-Rep-Sponsors-Tap-Factor-Community-Workshops-with-Christopher-Erk-20130605</a><br>
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<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14886554102354774823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3996591512496159236.post-91000598734159671442013-11-30T19:05:00.002-08:002013-12-24T10:00:09.297-08:00Thank you Dayton!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://snobbybeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/MostMetro1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://snobbybeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/MostMetro1.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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Follow the link below to a wonderful piece from <a href="http://mostmetro.com/" target="_blank">Dayton Most Metro</a> that sums up the work of <a href="http://www.thetapfactor.com/" target="_blank">The Tap Factor</a> and it's founder Christopher Erk in its flagship city of Dayton. </div>
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Currently Christopher continues to center his eduction and work around the development of <a href="http://www.thetapfactor.com/" target="_blank">The Tap Factor</a> and its initiative to education the world through tap dance education and performance opportunities. </div>
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<a href="http://mostmetro.com/performing-arts-theater/move-on.html">http://mostmetro.com/performing-arts-theater/move-on.html</a></div>
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<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14886554102354774823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3996591512496159236.post-43261211823872393922013-11-30T18:42:00.001-08:002013-11-30T18:42:47.976-08:00The New School and The Tap Factor: Intro to Tap/Street Performance Workshop Follow the blog link below. It was written and posted by Emilie, a participant in <a href="http://www.thetapfactor.com/" target="_blank">The Tap Factor</a>'s Intro to Tap/Street Performance Workshop. Students learned to improvise within a classroom setting, then put those skills to work immediately after in Washington Square Park with Colin "The Crazy Piano Guy" Huggins. The entire process was documented as a project of the Media Design class at The New School in New York City. <br />
<br />
Blog:<br />
<a href="http://elkiaer.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/the-street-performer/">http://elkiaer.wordpress.com/2013/10/20/the-street-performer/</a><br />
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One of the projects from the Media Design class:<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbpM0yZD8os">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbpM0yZD8os</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14886554102354774823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3996591512496159236.post-60718133199439629512013-11-30T17:48:00.002-08:002013-12-23T20:47:49.041-08:00The impact at the Brooklyn School of Languages: the Director of Studies feeds back<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%;">
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<a href="http://brooklynschooloflanguages.com/assets/img/BSL-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://brooklynschooloflanguages.com/assets/img/BSL-Logo.png" /></a></div>
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Brooklyn School of Languages (BSL)
is interested in pursuing an innovative method of language teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While most educational institutions
have at least partially adopted communicative methods, BSL has entirely
embraced this form of instruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have also integrated Content-Based Learning (CBL) into our
semi-intensive English language program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The idea behind CBL is to focus on the materials presented and topics
addressed as opposed to the technical aspects of language acquisition. The
result is our cutting edge enrichment program, a series of afternoon classes
structured around a specific topic which changes weekly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As a result of this vision, our
English as a Second Language (ESL) students have toured gourmet kitchens with a
chef, taken pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge with a professional photographer,
and, most recently, learned about the fusion of sound and movement from a
world-renowned tap dancer, Christopher Erk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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In my role as Director of Studies
here at BSL, I am in charge of developing the curriculum, and I take this very
seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past six
months the enrichment program has grown and flourished thanks to dedicated,
talented teachers and enthusiastic students eager to increase their knowledge
of unfamiliar subjects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
created a class focusing on the world of New York theatre, I knew we needed to
incorporate dance into the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I immediately thought of my old high school classmate, a generous
performer that I knew would use his energy and experience to connect with the
students on many levels.</div>
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From the moment Chris arrived at
the school he commanded the students’ attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Initially, he shared some personal experiences of his
childhood, learning to dance, becoming great at it, and eventually leaving
school to do it professionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
passion for dance and performance was obvious, and his audience, ranging from
18 to 45 years old and speaking five different languages, sensed this
immediately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris spoke a lot
about aspirations, his own as well as the language learners’, and regardless of
English levels, everyone understood all that he said.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
Eventually the group moved into a
larger space and Christopher arranged them in a circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he put on his tap shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Classrooms and offices emptied as the
entire school tried to catch a glimpse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After this demonstration, the students were ready to try it on their
own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No special equipment, or even
rhythm, was necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chris urged
each individual to explore his or her own expression through movement and
sound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dance, for him, is a means of
communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a group of ESL
learners living in New York City, this is very relevant. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
Afterwards, Chris brought the
students back together and asked them to relive the experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of them had ever tap-danced
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One student referred to
Chris’ tap shoes as “his instrument” and confessed he had no idea what
tap-dancing was before the workshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Later, another student compared the different styles of tap Chris had
demonstrated to different accents in language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was an extremely positive and eye-opening experience
for our students.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: right;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: right;">
Dennis
R. Chase</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: right;">
Director
of Studies</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: right;">
Brooklyn
School of Languages</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.brooklynschooloflanguages.com/">http://www.brooklynschooloflanguages.com/</a></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; tab-stops: 67.05pt;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%;">
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o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
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<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
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<w:TrackFormatting/>
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<w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
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<w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
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<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276">
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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
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mso-style-noshow:yes;
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mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
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<![endif]-->
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
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