The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble

The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble is a seasonal performance group that
provides a challenging, professional performance experience
for young female tap dancers ages 10-18. 
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Dancers audition in June 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 First Company dancer Kimberly Davidow who serves as the Youth Ensemble Rehearsal Assistant.

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.

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 third year running, our production will take place at the Suzanne Roberts Theater on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, thanks in part to a grant from The Philadelphia Cultural Fund.

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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 audition is to be taken seriously. 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
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
• Lady Hoofers T-Shirt
• A discount code to purchase additional tickets prior to public sale

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.

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, 2016

The Lady Hoofers has become Molly's second home. It has been a place where she is accepted and a part of a community that shares her passion for tap dancing. Being a part of the Youth Ensemble has pushed her to become a better dancer. Her goal in life now is to one day become a Lady Hoofer and continue promoting the art of tap. -Michelle Clancy, 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.

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

Learn More About Auditions & Pre-Register HERE

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. The Youth Ensemble allowed our daughter to broaden her experience in tap, and it was a joy to see the enthusiasm and friendships building among dancers from many different studios. We appreciated the positive mentoring of The Lady Hoofers throughout the season. They shared their talent and encouraged the Youth Ensemble to develop their tap technique through some fast and intricate choreography. 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

Performance Photos by: Bill Hebert