The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble is comprised of young women, ages 10-18, who excel in tap and want to continue their training alongside professional dancers. Students from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware audition in the summer and accepted dancers rehearse with the company through the fall, culminating in our annual production of THE TAPCRACKER at The Suzanne Roberts Theatre on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. Advanced dancers who demonstrate the requisite technique and maturity may also be invited to perform in The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble's annual spring concert ON TAP as Apprentice Dancers.
PicturePHOTO BY: BILL HEBERT
Dancers audition in April for placement into the Youth Ensemble and rehearse from September through December. The ensemble is led by company directors, Katie Budris and Kat Richter, and Youth Ensemble Rehearsal Assistants Tamera Dallam and Mary Kate Selby.

Rehearsals focus on choreography, and all dancers are expected to continue taking tap technique classes at their home studio. They are also encouraged to take ballet and/or jazz classes.

2020 Virtual Auditions

Due to social distancing needs, our first round of auditions will be conducted virtually.
​Interested dancers must: 1) Complete the online intake form; 2) Upload a headshot; 3) Record and submit an audition video via email

All audition materials are due Sunday, April 26th.

Performance

The Youth Ensemble performs in The Lady Hoofers' annual professional production of THE TAPCRACKER, a full-length, all-tap version of the classic holiday favorite. Set to the music of both Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington, THE TAPCRACKER transports audiences to Paris, where an infestation of rats has thrown the city into chaos. Toy soldiers guard the Eiffel Tower, mice wreck havoc in the Metro, and frazzled chefs prefer for a feast at the magical palace of Versailles, featuring characters from the beloved Land of the Sweets. For the fourth year running, our production will take place at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, thanks in part to grant support from The Philadelphia Cultural Fund and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
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PHOTOS BY: SA'MANTHA SAYTEN
The Youth Ensemble was the perfect performance opportunity for my tap-loving dancer! She studies tap at her performing arts school but doesn’t have many chances to perform for the general public . . . The dancers were expected to work hard at rehearsals. But The Lady Hoofers were great role models of passion and professionalism. My daughter came out of the experience with a great sense of accomplishment having learned and performed challenging choreography. She thoroughly enjoyed performing in front of new audiences and was thrilled to make new tap friends. -Missy Layden, Youth Ensemble parent

Rehearsal Fees

The rehearsal fee for participation in The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble is $450.  A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.  Please email katie@ladyhoofers.org for further information.  DVDs of the performance, program advertisements or notes of congratulations, and additional Lady Hoofers merchandise will also be available for purchase.
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Accepted Youth Ensemble dancers will receive:
  • Three months of instruction
  • Experience working with professional choreographers
  • Training in technique, performance, musicality, and improvisation
  • A professional performance opportunity at a major theatre on Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts​
  • A discount code to purchase tickets prior to public sale​ ​​
The Lady Hoofers are very polished, professional, and detail-oriented. Every aspect of the experience was well-organized from the audition to the final performance . . . Additionally, The Lady Hoofers, with all of their personal accomplishments in education, careers, motherhood, etc., represented how tap can still fit into the fullness of a woman's life and be generously shared with the community and younger generation. Very inspiring! -Emelyn Hatch, Youth Ensemble parent

Shoes & Costumes

Costumes and accessories will be supplied by The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble and will remain property of the ensemble. Dancers are expected to provide their own shoes and undergarments but no additional costume fees will be charged; for a complete list of required undergarments and recommended shoes, download our costume details here.
The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble was a great experience for Journey. She got a unique opportunity to learn from and dance alongside of tap professionals. Her performance quality, confidence, and motivation (as well as tap technique) have definitely improved because of this experience. -Adrienne Orcutt, Youth Ensemble parent
I just have to tell you that not only does Daelyn LOVE being a part of The Lady Hoofers, Dana and I truly appreciate all of the TIME, EFFORT and HARD WORK you ladies dedicate to the organization.  Your professionalism, organization, and friendliness are exceptional and I only wish more organizations ran like yours! Being a dad of two girls, I am always looking for positive role models for my daughters to emulate. Unfortunately, these days it's a little difficult find which is why I am so grateful that Daelyn is part of The Lady Hoofers. - Dan Phelan, Youth Ensemble parent
Did you miss auditions for our
2020 Youth Ensemble?
Email info@ladyhoofers.org
for future opportunities
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble