NJTAP is New Jersey’s first statewide tap dance company dedicated to the preservation and promotion of rhythm tap dancing. Founded by professional tap dancer Deborah Mitchell in 1994, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is one of the few nationwide that has kept the legacies of master tap dancers born in the 19th and 20th century alive - names like Sammy Davis, Jr, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Buster Brown, and Leslie “Bubba” Gaines. In addition to honoring the masters of rhythm tap, the New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble has paid forward their works and traditions. As we approach 25 years of service, we look proudly upon our history and our contribution to a tap renaissance.
NJTAP serves as a mentorship for artists of all ages - our dancers are all trained, developed, and guided by Deborah Mitchell, enabling alumni to launch dynamic careers and become some of the most sought out tap dancers in today’s industry. The First Company of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble is an active professional company that performs at prestigious venues across New Jersey, while NJTAP2 is a company of young artists ages 12-17 who are given the opportunity to develop and refine their skills, learn tap history and develop their own personal style under the guidance of the professional tap artists of the First Company.
In preserving and promoting the art form that is tap dance, the New Jersey Tap Ensemble has gone into communities throughout the state with workshops, concerts, master classes, performances, and we offer free classes to military families. Twice a month, the members of the First Company offer open tap classes and workshops as well as classes for adults, the elderly, and the challenged. Our artists are extremely generous with their time and knowledge; the organization pays them small teaching fees, but that figure is greatly eclipsed by the rising costs of studio space - a basic need in order for our outreach classes to continue.
In past years, financial support for our community outreach has primarily come from private foundations and state grants. However, due to the current economic and political climate, funding support from these resources have decreased; it is has become a near impossibility to pay for space to continue teaching the public and developing new works to keep the traditions and roots of tap dance alive. More than anything, we do not want to close our doors. Students of all ages - from children to the elderly - are very committed to our classes, and regularly use them as an opportunity to celebrate the beloved American art form and share in the culture of tap dance.
A donation from you now in any amount would help the New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble tremendously. As the Founder and Artistic Director of NJTAP, I can assure you that any amount will be truly appreciated. With the current state of things, our organization’s future is bleak beyond December 31, 2017. I know times are difficult, but I remain stoically committed our mission and to the promise I made to the master hoofers who entrusted me with the art form’s legacy. Please, make a donation of any amount today, so that our doors may remain open.
Thank you for your support,
Deborah Mitchell
www.njtap.org
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