Michela Marino Lerman is a world-renowned tap dance instructor and educator. Michela began her professional teaching career as a teenager, starting with her first master class at 15 years old. From that point on she has taught in over 15 countries, over 30 different tap and dance festivals, multiple universities including Yale, Tulane, Kean, and Hampshire, and numerous workshops and intensives throughout the world. She has been part of the Jazz For Young People educational series run by Jazz at Lincoln Center. Michela is also Associate Producer of the new tap dance documentary “American Tap,” described by the Hollywood Reporter as “providing a comprehensive cultural history of the dance form.” It encompasses the rich history of tap dancing in America and its relationship to jazz music and the socio-political climate of the country. Education and sharing the gifts and rich history of tap dance, which was so generously passed on to her from the masters, is a deep passion for Michela.
Michela can offer a number of educational services for all ages and skill levels. Michela has taught children as young as 3 years old, done introductory courses for absolute beginners of all ages, taught private lessons and worked with advanced professionals. We are happy to create an educational program that works specifically to your needs.
Some options are:
Introductory Courses
These are perfect for an individual who has never tap danced before or has not danced for several years. This could be structured for any age.
Dance Courses
These are great for a dance school or university looking to have a workshop or intensive. They could span anywhere from one class to an entire weekend of technique and/or repertory. All levels are welcome from absolute beginner- advanced professional. These can also be structured to the needs of the students weather its technique or improvisation (my personal favorite ☺)
Film Showing + Lecture/Demo
This option is for the venue that is looking for mostly a historical event. We can do a screening of the “American Tap” documentary followed by a discussion, Q & A, and a small performance.
Here is a snapshot of my work in education:
Stockholm Tap Festival • Sweden
Tap City • New York, NY
Turin Tap Festival • Italy
Barcelona Tap Festival • Spain
Jazz at Lincoln Center Education
Tulane University • New Orleans, LA
Hampshire College • Amherst, MA
Kean University • Union, NJ
Yale University • New Haven, CT
Broadway Dance Center • New York, NY
Steps on Broadway • New York, NY
Alvin Ailey • New York, NY
Third Coast Rhythm Project • San Antonio, TX
Beantown Tap Festival • Boston, MA
Shanghai Tap Festival - China
San Diego Tap and Jazz Festival • San Diego, CA
Tap Oslo • Oslo, Norway
About the Swing • Harlem, NYC
Mark Morris Dance Center • Brooklyn, NYC
Herrang Dance Camp • Sweden