Artistic Director

Tamera Dallam is a performer and teacher who put on her first pair of tap shoes in 2004 and hasn’t stop tapping since. Performance credits include: Koresh's Come Together Dance Festival, the Kimmel Center's Fall Arts Fest, and That Which Connects Camden. In her free time, Tamera attends tap festivals up and down the east coast where she has taken master classes with Chloe Arnold, Jason Samuel Smith, Dianne Walker, and Sarah Reich. Tamera joined The Lady Hoofers in 2015 as a First Company Dancer and was promoted to Youth Ensemble Rehearsal Assistant in 2018 and then Associate Director in 2021. She has also served as a Teaching Artist for The Lady Hoofers' Outreach Residency program at Moffet Elementary School. In 2024, Tamera assumed the role of Artistic Director, succeeding the company's founder Kat Echevarría Richter. In addition to directing The Lady Hoofers, she currently teaches rhythm tap at Parkside Academy of Music and Dance.

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Managing Director

Katie Budris, MFA hails from Chicago, Illinois where she trained in multiple forms of dance and began cultivating her love for tap as a founding member of Footprints Tap Ensemble. She minored in dance at NASD accredited Hope College where she performed with InSync Dance Theatre, Michigan’s only professional tap and jazz company (now H2Dance Company). Katie’s prior tap performance credits include: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Nutcracker on Broadway, Walt Disney World’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, Dance Chicago, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and Chicago Tap Theatre’s Liason. Katie joined The Lady Hoofers in 2012, and quickly advanced to Assistant Director, and now Managing Director. Her choreography “Unchain My Heart” was selected for performance at the DanceUSA Conference in 2013. In addition to directing The Lady Hoofers, Katie is an Associate Teaching Professor in Writing Arts at Rowan University.​

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First Company Dancers

Brittany Beatty a Philadelphia native, joined The Lady Hoofers as an Apprentice in 2016 and was promoted to First Company in 2019. Additional performance credits include The Bucks County Playhouse, The McCarter Theater and Nantucket Dreamland Theater. She started her dance training at Kay’s Act II Dance Studio, where her passion for tap began. Brittany is a graduate of Muhlenberg College, where she earned a double B.A. in Theater and Dance. During her collegiate years, Brittany studied under Shelley Oliver, performed in numerous faculty pieces, and was selected to perform in the Muhlenberg Tap Ensemble. Brittany also performed in multiple Main Stage Theater and Muhlenberg Summer Theater productions, where she worked with New York artists such as Germaine Salzberg and Jason Edwards. Highlighted roles include Becky Two-Shoes in Urinetown and Prudie in Pump Boys in Dinettes. ​

Caitlyn Crompton, from Sewell, New Jersey began her dance training at the age of two and has trained in various styles of dance at Dancesations Studio of Performing Arts. In 2019, Caitlyn was invited to perform at Koresh Dance Company’s artistic showcase where she performed a tap solo choreographed by her mentor and former dance instructor, Nicole Billow. Caitlyn has participated in various tap workshops and intensives led by Hillary-Marie, Aaron Tolson, Jason Samuel-Smith, Derick Grant, and Sarah Reich. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology from Rowan University in May 2024 where she was a part of RU Hoofers Club and Rowan’s contemporary company, Dance Extensions. In December 2023, Caitlyn was honored to perform in Rowan’s mainstage performance Convergence, choreographed by Corinne Karon whom she studied under during her time at Rowan as well. Caitlyn now works as a Registered Behavior Technician and a dance instructor where she spreads her love of dance. She joined the Lady Hoofers as an Apprentice in 2024.

Katherine Moore is a percussionist with decades of tap dance and music experience. At the University of Pennsylvania studying Cognitive Science and Music, she was the director of Soundworks Tap Factory, choreographed multiple pieces, and performed with Da Boom Dance Company. Also at Penn, Katherine learned tabla (Indian) drums and played percussion in the Penn Band. Later, she was a member of both Taps and Steppin’ Out at Yale University. In 2015, Katherine returned to Philadelphia and joined The Lady Hoofers. Outside of the ensemble, Katherine occasionally dances as part of the jazz concert series at Arcadia University, where Katherine is a Professor. At Arcadia, she teaches Psychology of Music, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Neuroscience, Perception, and Research Methods, and is the faculty advisor for the Scarlet Steppers. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and dancing with her husband and three children.

Deonna Powell, from Middlesex, NJ, began her training at age 4 at Chez Renee the Studio of Dance. Studying tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, acrobatics, and contemporary, it became clear her passion and talent lies within the style of tap when awarded her first solo in 2013. Deonna graduated with a dual-degree at Stockton University in May of 2023 where she majored in Psychology (B.A.) and Health Sciences (B.S.), while minoring in Dance. She has taken master classes with Chloe Arnold, Maud Arnold, Mark Orsborn, Nathaniel Hunt, Tiffany Mills Company, among many more. Her notable performance credits include two invitations to PowerPak, multiple competitions, and Stockton University’s “Spring Dance Concert”, "Fall Choreography Project", and "Emerging Choreographers Showcase". One of her biggest accomplishments during her collegiate dance career was having her self-choreographed tap solo entitled, "can you hear me now?" selected to perform in the "Emerging Choreographers Showcase" in April of 2023. Outside of rehearsals and performances, you can find her reading, dancing, going to the gym, or working at one of her many jobs. Deonna joined The Lady Hoofers as an Apprentice in 2021 and was promoted to First Company in 2023.

Meg Sarachan is a dancer, choreographer, and dance filmmaker who specializes in dance films and has worked with many Philadelphia-area dance groups, including The Lady Hoofers, Pennsylvania Ballet, BalletX, Dancefusion, Tap Team Two, Uniting Colleges Through Tap, the Bryn Mawr College Dance Program, and Group Motion. She edited the documentary Black Ballerina (2016), which aired on PBS and explores issues of diversity in American classical dance. Her stage performance style has been described as “playful,” “nearly maniacal,” and “kind of like a muppet.” Meg joined the Lady Hoofers in 2012, and no one has managed to get her to leave. If you think she dances well, credit goes to Cassidy Dance Studio, Brown University’s What’s On Tap?, for which she served as co-director, and hoofer Corinne Karon.  If you’re not impressed, that’s all on her. She can take it. Visit her online at: http://www.megvideo.net/

Mia Valeriote has been training in many styles of dance for 15+ years and continues to further her dance skillset. She has worked alongside numerous professionals, specifically in rhythm tap, and has performed with multiple professional tap dance companies including Tap Life with Anthony LoCascio and Sole Talk Youth with Chloe and Maud Arnold. In addition to The Lady Hoofers, she currently performs with Tonality run by Ryan Fiedel, and a Hip Hop Crew out of South Jersey, both affiliated with Flair Dance Company. Mia graduated from Archbishop Wood High School in 2022 and is now a trained Airline Attendant and a competitive instructor at Dance Arts Conservatory. She began with The Lady Hoofers as a member of the Youth Ensemble from 2016-2020 and is so excited to rejoin the company in 2024 as a First Company dancer!

Sarah Vogan began her training at a young age. Her performance highlights include: ABC Boscov's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Sunoco Welcome America 4th of July Parades, Republican National Convention, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell Inauguration Parade, and in 2003, Sarah made her debut dancing at Carnegie Hall in concert with Janellen Farmer. While acquiring her BA in dance at Mount Holyoke College, she choreographed an adjudicated piece for the American College Dance Association national festival. In 2007, she traveled to Ireland to teach American tap dance, while studying Irish step dance with international champions, Jim Hickey and Justin Walsh. Sarah teaches at many dance studios in the greater Philadelphia area and choreographs musicals for local schools and community theaters, including the Barn Playhouse and Forge Theater. She was most recently recognized by Camille Bacon-Smith of Broad Street Review as the "star turn" of The Lady Hoofers' annual spring concert, On Tap, performing "Booty Swing," a solo choreographed by Artistic Director, Kat Richter. Sarah joined The Lady Hoofers as an Apprentice in 2016 and was promoted to First Company in 2019.

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Apprentice Dancers

Alani Bell, from Westampton NJ, began dancing at the age of 5 at Dance Xperience in Mount Laurel, NJ where she discovered her love for tap dance. Now, Alani studies tap under the direction of Nicole Billow at DanceSations Studio of Performing Arts in Sewell, NJ where she also studies and competes in jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop. She is a member of youth groups Tap Impact with Nicole Billow and Sole Talk with the Syncopated Ladies and has been recognized for her tap technique and attention to detail by artists such as Chloe Arnold and Jason Samuels Smith. Alani joined the Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2023 and was offered an apprenticeship in 2024.

Mads Braverman, from Warrington, PA, starting dancing at age 4 at Elite Dance Academy, where she spent 10 years studying tap, ballet, and jazz, with 2 years on the competitive tap team. Currently, Mads trains at Ascend Dance Center, where she has added modern and hip hop to her repertoire. While at Ascend, she has performed at various community and holiday events and performed at the Pennsylvania Youth Dance Festival. When not in the studio, Mads practices independent tap study through Rod Howell’s United Taps website. Outside of dance, Mads performed in her school’s theater renditions of SpongeBob Squarepants, Mary Poppins, and played in the pit orchestra of The Music Man. She also plays the clarinet and alto saxophone in the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Marching Band, where she soloed on the soprano saxophone this past season. She joined The Lady Hoofers in 2023 and was offered an apprenticeship in 2024.

Lindsey Clark began dancing at the age of 3 at her home studio, Danceworks, in Denville, NJ. She studied ballet, lyrical, and jazz, but found a special appreciation for tap at the age of 11. She continued dancing into her adult years with a heavy emphasis on learning tap. She is currently a sophomore at Stockton University obtaining a BS degree in Business Management and minoring in Dance. Lindsey joined The Lady Hoofers as an Apprentice dancer in 2023.

Mara Fricker, from Dresher, PA, began dancing at the age of 4. She currently dances at Dance Time Dance Academy, studying many styles of dance including ballet, lyrical, hip hop, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, pointe, with a focus on tap. Mara is a member of her studio’s competition team and participates in her school's show chorus. She has been recognized at many dance intensives and conventions with scholarships, especially in the area of tap. Mara joined the Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2022 and was offered an apprenticeship in 2024.

Julia Gregg, from Fort Washington, PA, began dancing at the age of 3. She currently dances at Dance Time Dance Academy where she is on the competition team and is a student teacher. Julia studies jazz, ballet, pointe, musical theater, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, and tap. She has been recognized for her tap dancing at many intensives and conventions, most recently being awarded a tap scholarship from Sarah Reich at DancerPalooza in Burbank, CA. Outside of dance, she enjoys photography and music and currently attends guitar lessons. Julia joined the Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2022 and was offered an apprenticeship in 2024.

Aubree Hankinson, from Morgantown, PA, began her dance training at the age of 3. She currently dances at The Next Step Dance Studio in Birdsboro, PA. Tap quickly became her favorite style of dance, but she also trains in ballet, jazz, and lyrical, and is part of the studio's Company Tap class. She has competed in many solos and groups throughout the past 8 years. In addition to her dance studies, Aubree enjoys musical theater and has been a part of her school musical for the past two years. She joined The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2022 and was offered an Apprenticeship in 2023.

Julianna Herrera from Ventnor, NJ, began her dance training at the age of 7. She is trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and hip hop, but discovered her affinity for tap early on. Throughout high school, Julianna competed with TLC Academy of Dance, where she competed multiple tap solos. She is currently attending Rutgers University, New Brunswick, majoring in Landscape Architecture and considering a minor in Dance. Julianna joined The Lady Hoofers as an Apprentice in 2022.

Ava Keagle, from Downingtown, PA, began dancing at the age of 3. She currently trains at Lionville School of Dance in ballet, jazz, contemporary, musical theater, and tap. Her love of tap started at age 5, and she is grateful for her tap teachers, Sarah Vogan and Kathy Mallek, for helping to fuel her passion. Outside of her studio’s competition team, Ava is a member of Nicole Billow’s youth tap group, Tap Impact. She participates in Tap Ties tap workshops and has taken master tap classes from Maud Arnold, Lisa La Touche, Jason Janas, Michael J. Love, Robyn Watson, and Jason Samuels Smith. When she is not dancing, Ava enjoys hanging out with friends and family. Ava joined The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2023 and was offered an apprenticeship in 2025.

Paige Krissinger has been dancing since she was three years old at Parkside Academy of Music and Dance, where she studies tap, ballet, jazz, and modern. Her current tap teacher is Tamera Dallam, whom she looks up to very much. She participates on her high school dance and field hockey teams, and enjoys hanging out with her friends and family outside of school. She joined the Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2022 and was offered an apprenticeship in 2024.

Olivia Levitsky discovered her love for tap dance at the age of 3 in a small dance studio in Philadelphia. Currently residing in Quakertown, PA, Olivia joins the Lady Hoofers with over 25 years of dance experience and an unwavering passion for the art form. Throughout her dance career, Olivia has studied multiple dance styles and continues to enhance her skills by taking master classes. Since 2017, she has been a dedicated company member of Tap Ties, based in Allentown, PA, performing both traditional and original pieces across the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas. Olivia has had the privilege of studying under renowned tap masters such as Germaine Salsberg, Karen Callaway Williams, Michelle Dorrance, and the Syncopated Ladies, among others. In addition to her dance career, Olivia is a licensed massage therapist and a registered yoga instructor. She finds joy in integrating her diverse expertise in dance, massage therapy, and yoga, creating a harmonious blend of movement and well-being.​

Emma Riddell began studying dance at age four under the direction of Barbara Moschetta and Jaqueline Moschetta-Warren at Moschetta’s Performing Arts Center in Washington, PA. In addition to being a member of the competition team at Moschetta's, Emma had the opportunity to train in various styles of dance, although tap has always held a special place in her heart. Currently, she attends Drexel University in their BS/MS program for biomedical engineering. She is also pursuing a dance minor and is a member of the Drexel Dance Ensemble. Emma joined the Lady Hoofers as an Apprentice in 2024.​

Celeste Sanchez began her dance training at the age of 7 at DanceSations Studio of Performing Arts where she studies ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, hip hop, and tap. She is also a student teacher and a member of the DanceSations competition team. At Washington Township High School, she is a proud member of the dance, drama, and music programs. Celeste has had the opportunity to attend dance conventions and workshops with Preston Mui, Joshua Burrage, Tricia Miranda, Jason Janas, Thayne Jasperson, Rochelle Haynes, Karen Cleighton, Connor Kelly, and Erin Nipps, among others. She is also a member of Tap Impact Youth Ensemble under the direction of Nicole Billow. Celeste joined The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2024 and was promoted to Apprentice in 2025.

Frankie Stokes, a Northeast Philadelphia native, started her dance journey at the age of 4 with Step by Step Dance Center, where she was a Senior Company member until graduating in 2010. After high school, Frankie spent two years with Uniting Colleges Through Tap before pursuing a BA in Mass Communications with a Minor in Dance at Bloomsburg University. There, Frankie was also a member of the Bloomsburg University Dance Team and a member of the Bloomsburg University Dance Ensemble where she performed with the advanced hip hop class and was the tap instructor. She received her MBA with a concentration in Leadership from Thomas Jefferson University in December 2021. Frankie joined The Lady Hoofers as an Apprentice in 2023.

Sarah Taylor, from Philadelphia, PA, began her tap training at age 3. She currently lives in Delanco, NJ and studies at Parkside Academy of Music and Dance under Tamera Dallam. In addition to tap, Sarah has also trained in jazz, musical theater, lyrical, hip hop, modern, ballet and pointe. When she is not tapping, Sarah cheers and runs track at Riverside High School. She joined The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2020 and was offered an Apprenticeship in 2022.

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Associate Dancers

Kennedy Barnes, from Bear, DE, started dancing at the age of 2. Her first role was “Molly” in the Everette Theatre’s production of Curtain Up in the Annie section. She started dancing at Delaware Arts Conservatory in 2008 and joined their competitive dance team in 2010. In 2016, Kennedy was awarded a Priscilla Payson Scholarship for her tap performance. She used the scholarship to continue her training at the New Jersey Tap Festival and the Big Apple Tap Festival, and joined Delaware Arts Conservatory's pre-professional company that same year. As part of the Musical Theatre program at Delaware Arts Conservatory, she was cast as “Alice” in their adaptation of Alice in Wonderland – Jr. She has choreographed numerous productions for Wilmington Friends School including Guys and Dolls, Bye Bye Birdie, Shrek: The Musical, The Addams Family, and The Music Man. In 2017, Kennedy studied under Robin Passmore, dance captain of Apartment 33, as a member of Sole Talk Youth Company, directed by Chloe and Maud Arnold. Kennedy is currently studying at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY.​

Ricki Dallam began studying dance at the age of three and is pursuing a full-time career in dance and entertainment. Ricki is currently cruising with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines performing in Hairspray as Lorraine/Little Inez Understudy. During her fifteen years of training at Parkside Academy of Music and Dance in Parkside, PA, Ricki regularly performed solos and was featured in lead roles with Parkside Performing Arts Company, including Sleeping Beauty as the Lilac Fairy. In 2017, she originated the titular role in The Lady Hoofers' annual production of The Tapcracker. She received her BPA from Oklahoma City University for Dance Performance in 2023. Ricki’s past credits include Finding Christmas (Rand Productions), Cats, Ragtime, and Beauty and the Beast (Music Theatre Wichita). Ricki joined The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble as a member of the Youth Ensemble in 2016 and was promoted to Apprentice in 2018. She is currently a performer with Royal Carribbean Cruise Lines.​

​Jessica Dodds, from Chester Springs, PA began her dance training at the age of 4. She currently trains at Lionville School of Dance where she studies tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, musical theatre, and contemporary dance. Beyond weekly training, Jessica assists with classes and performs her own choreography. Jessica has attended masterclasses with Aaron Parkhurst, Jason Janas, Mike Minery, and Anthony Morigerato. She joined The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2018 and continued her training with the company as an Apprentice, including performing with the company at Koresh’s Come Together Dance Festival (2019). She completed the CLI Conservatory pre-professional dance program in Easthampton, MA in 2024 and is currently a performer on Disney's cruise line Wish.

​Molly Layden, originally from Honolulu, HI, discovered her love of dance at the age of three. Since moving to Pennsylvania, she has trained in many styles of dance including tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, and modern. Notable performance credits include the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival and the debut cabaret for The Company Theatre in Chester Springs, PA. Molly began with The Lady Hoofers in 2016 as a member of the Youth Ensemble and was invited to continue as an Apprentice in 2018. She received her B.A. in both Dance and Media & Communications at Muhlenberg College as a member of the class of 2024, and is currently an artist-in-residence at accademia dell'arte in Arezzo, Italy.

Molly Penhale from King of Prussia, PA, started dancing at the age of 3 at Upper Merion Dance and Gymnastics Center. Tap dancing has long been her favorite form of dance, but she is also trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and hip hop. In 2015, she performed as Clara in her studio company’s annual Nutcracker performance. Notable performances include the annual Tap Ties’ concert in the Lehigh Valley, and the 2021 Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival. She has taken master classes with Dolores Sanchez, Caleb Teicher, and Michele Dunleavy. Outside of dance, she was a member of her high school’s color-guard and she currently attends the University of Delaware. Molly joined The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2015 when she was 10 years old, and was invited to become an Apprentice in 2021.

Sammie Smith, from Worcester Township PA, started dancing at the age of 4. She trained at The Dance Centre, located in Skippack, PA, where she was a member of X-tensions Dance Company. She has trained in styles such as ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, and hip hop, however tap has always been her favorite. Sammie has been recognized at various dance conventions including Excel in Motion and Jump. She also has attended various Tap Ties workshops, and performed at their National Tap Dance Day Showcase. She is a current student at Muhlenberg College, where she is majoring in dance and studying tap under Robyn Watson. Sammie joined The Lady Hoofers Youth Ensemble in 2021, and was offered an Apprenticeship in 2022.​

Mia Spallina, from Manahawkin, NJ, began her dance training when she was 3 years old. In the past, she attended Movement Dance Academy for several years where she took classes in tap, contemporary, jazz, and ballet. Mia also studied under Deborah Mitchell with the New Jersey Tap Ensemble as a part of their NJTAP2 program. In addition to her dance studies, she is a trained vocalist and cellist who enjoys musical theatre and playing on her school field hockey team. Mia joined The Lady Hoofers as a Youth Ensemble dancer in 2017 and was invited to become an Apprentice in 2020. She is currently pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Syracuse University where she is a founding member of SUTap.

​Abigail Stinson, from Stewartsville, NJ, joined The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble as a Youth Ensemble member and quickly transitioned to Apprentice in 2019. She began dancing at two years old at Showbiz Kidz Dance Center and since then, she has studied ballet, tap, acro, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and modern. Performance credits include dancing with the Rutgers Junior Knights Dance team in 2017 and 2018 as well as training and performing with the Tap Ties Company. She is currently studying Marketing and Business Analytics at Villanova University and continues to tap in college through the Nova Noise Tap Ensemble.

Tara Tucci, from Pilesgrove, NJ, began tap dancing at the age of 3. She studied and competed in dance at Adams Dance Academy and South Jersey Dance Center. Currently, she is pursuing a BA in Dance, a BS in Environmental Sciences, as well as a minor in Biology at Rowan University, where she is also part of Dance Extensions, a contemporary company, and the Vice President of Hoofers Club, a tap club on campus. Some notable awards include winning 3rd place overall at Believe National Talent competition in 2021, and being the 2022 recipient for the Rita Hamilton Memorial Scholarship in Dance. She has taken master classes from Michael Minery, Savion Glover, Jared Grimes, Sarah Reich, and many more. Tara joined The Lady Hoofers as an Apprentice in 2022.

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Youth Ensemble Dancers

Taylor Adams

Lena Bailey

Catherine Clark

Ella Deviney

Micaela Kline

Erin Knight

Rebecca Knob

Elizabeth Kramer

Kierstin Kramer

Alysia MacGregor

Aria McGill

Claire Riley

Arabella Squilla

Serenity Terrell

Lucia Whalen

All photos by: Wide Eyed Studios

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