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OFFICIAL MASTER TEACHERS FOR 2020 VIRTUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TAP SERIES

ERICA SUMMERLIN:

Erica Bava Summerlin has been involved in the dance industry for over 30 years. She has danced her way across the country from California to North Carolina and everywhere in between. During her years as an award winning competition dancer, she was also a competitive gymnast, high school cheerleader, actress and choreographer for her high school musicals. As a young teen she was selected as a member of the prestigious North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble under the direction of Gene Medler. After high school graduation Erica went on to attended UNCC where she was a member of the 2001 NDA Division 1 National Champion dance team shown on ESPN.

Not only is Erica an accomplished dancer and performer, but for the past 15 years she has become a well known and highly accomplished teacher and choreographer. Her students have won many awards on both regional and national levels and her creative and energetic choreography is consistently recognized with special awards and accolades from well respected professionals in the industry. 

In addition to being the Director of Competitive Dance at ExtravaDance & Tumble, she also directs the TUTU Express Daycare Dance Program which allows her the opportunity to share her upbeat personality and extensive training with very young dancers. Even though Erica stays very busy with her commitments at ED&T, she keeps herself involved in other activities that she feels are beneficial to her students. She travels the U.S. judging for national dance competitions. She teaches and choreographs for other well known studios. Throughout the year she travels to New York and California to take classes and stay up to date on the latest trends in dance. She is also the head coach of a high school dance team. 

Erica loves sharing her talents with children of all ages. Her main goal is to set a positive example for all her students and encourage them to be the best they can be!

JAMES TUNSTEAD (AUSTRALIA):

My name is James Tunstead, I’m originally from Perth, Western Australia, but now live in Sydney. I’ve been tap dancing since I was 8 years old and through that time I have changed lots as a dancer. I started at a very old school studio, which developed a very strong technique, and after 6 years changed to a studio that had more of a street tap style. This change set in motion my style of tap which is heavily inspired by the ‘Tap Dogs’. In 2016 I was lucky enough to win a trip through the company ‘Get the Beat’ to come over to the states and compete at the KAR nationals in Las Vegas. I have recently finished 2 years of full-time dance training at ‘Dance Force’ in Tweed Heads, NSW, and have made the move to Sydney, NSW, to try and make a career through dance. I’m super passionate about tap dancing and nothing makes me more excited than an awesome rhythm that’s executed perfectly. Super excited to meet and work with you guys!

MARK ORSBORN (USA):

Mark Orsborn is a tap dancer, teacher, and choreographer from Washington, DC.  Mark grew up training as a member of the pre-professional tap company “Tappers With Attitude” and is a former soloist with the Tap America Project (TAP).  Mark co-founded his company, The JaM Project, in 2007 and has been recognized by The Washington Post, Dance Spirit Magazine, and numerous film festivals across North America for his work.  The JaM Project was a finalist at the 2016 Capezio ACE Awards, which recognizes the top emerging choreographers in the commercial dance industry.  The JaM Project was also featured in Season 2 of World of Dance on NBC.  Mark is the founder and director of The JaM Youth Project, which has attracted young tap dancers from all over the United States and received support from multiple news outlets as well as national recording artists, The Doobie Brothers.  The company’s dance film projects with Dancinema have screened at several different film festivals and featured in Dance Teacher Magazine.  Mark was recognized by the Young Choreographer’s Festival in 2015 and he co-choreographed the closing number at both the 2015 and 2016 Fred & Adele Astaire Awards in NYC.  Most recently, he was a contributing choreographer for YouTube’s Brandcast at Radio City Music Hall.  Mark has been on faculty for numerous festivals and conventions including DC Tap Fest, Jersey Tap Fest, Orlando Tap Fest, OC Tap Fest, and Rhythm in Fusion Festival (RIFF). 

TIFFANY SCHLATER (USA):

Tiffany Fairchild-Schlater has had extensive training in all genres of dance. She won many Competitive Titles, was nominated as a Who’s Who of American High School Students and at the age of 17 received a full scholarship to the prestigious Gus Giordano Dance Center in Chicago, Illinois. She has performed at the Capital Building in Washington D.C., the Chicago Theater, in the promotional tour for the movie “TAP”, various industrials, charity events and on television. Tiffany has performed with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Savion Glover, Star Dixon, the late Gregory Hines and was an original member of the “ETC” Tap Company in Chicago. While teaching and choreographing across the country, she has captured many top awards including the titles Teacher Of The Year and Elite Top Choreographer Of The Year on a National Level. Her choreography has been featured in the New York City, Tap Extravaganza and in the final top 5 at the Industry Dance Awards in Las Vegas and Hollywood, CA. She has been recognized by the Stanford Who’s Who Of America as an artist, the Ohio House of Representatives and is a member of the International Tap Association. Currently, Tiffany proudly serves as an Ambassador for the Tap Legacy Foundation NYC, International Adjudicator, Convention/Tap Festival teacher and is the Elite Company Director at JDSD in Columbus, OH. Her students can be found on television, Broadway, movies and professional dance companies. Tiffany continues to travel the country and is committed to sharing her love of dance through mentoring, educating, teaching proper technique and most importantly, to defy gravity and live your dream every day.

MICHELLE MINER (USA):

Originally from San Diego, Ca., Michelle grew up training extensively in ballet, tap and jazz.  As an adult, Michelle was drawn into the tap world and has been an accomplished tap choreographer for over 18 years.  Michelle has trained with such tap masters as Brenda Buffalino, Mike Minery, Sam Weber and the late Gregory Hines.  Her choreography is sought after all over the country and her students can be seen dancing for Fox, Disney, ESPN and in “Dance Teacher” and “Dance Spirit” magazine.  She has also trained the 2006 World Dance Champion, who became the youngest ever intern for the NYC Rockettes and her students have danced for such artists as Rihanna and Britney Spears.   You can see her choreography on Fox and numerous music videos.  Michelle is proud to have won the Industry Dance Award for “Best Tap Dance” two years in a row!

Official Judges for 2020 Virtual World Championship Tap Series

MARK ORSBORN (USA):

Mark Orsborn is a tap dancer, teacher, and choreographer from Washington, DC.  Mark grew up training as a member of the pre-professional tap company “Tappers With Attitude” and is a former soloist with the Tap America Project (TAP).  Mark co-founded his company, The JaM Project, in 2007 and has been recognized by The Washington Post, Dance Spirit Magazine, and numerous film festivals across North America for his work.  The JaM Project was a finalist at the 2016 Capezio ACE Awards, which recognizes the top emerging choreographers in the commercial dance industry.  The JaM Project was also featured in Season 2 of World of Dance on NBC.  Mark is the founder and director of The JaM Youth Project, which has attracted young tap dancers from all over the United States and received support from multiple news outlets as well as national recording artists, The Doobie Brothers.  The company’s dance film projects with Dancinema have screened at several different film festivals and featured in Dance Teacher Magazine.  Mark was recognized by the Young Choreographer’s Festival in 2015 and he co-choreographed the closing number at both the 2015 and 2016 Fred & Adele Astaire Awards in NYC.  Most recently, he was a contributing choreographer for YouTube’s Brandcast at Radio City Music Hall.  Mark has been on faculty for numerous festivals and conventions including DC Tap Fest, Jersey Tap Fest, Orlando Tap Fest, OC Tap Fest, and Rhythm in Fusion Festival (RIFF). 

JAMES TUNSTEAD (AUSTRALIA):

My name is James Tunstead, I’m originally from Perth, Western Australia, but now live in Sydney. I’ve been tap dancing since I was 8 years old and through that time I have changed lots as a dancer. I started at a very old school studio, which developed a very strong technique, and after 6 years changed to a studio that had more of a street tap style. This change set in motion my style of tap which is heavily inspired by the ‘Tap Dogs’. In 2016 I was lucky enough to win a trip through the company ‘Get the Beat’ to come over to the states and compete at the KAR nationals in Las Vegas. I have recently finished 2 years of full-time dance training at ‘Dance Force’ in Tweed Heads, NSW, and have made the move to Sydney, NSW, to try and make a career through dance. I’m super passionate about tap dancing and nothing makes me more excited than an awesome rhythm that’s executed perfectly. Super excited to meet and work with you guys!

RYAN LOHOFF (USA):

Master tap instructor and national award winning choreographer, Ryan, has trained for 30+ years developing a unique style of his own that is exciting for ALL audiences. Ryan is co-director of Tap Into The Network intensives along with Gregg Russell & Angela Carter. Ryan is founder, choreographer & director of a professional tap dance company based out of Los Angeles called Rithem Dance Company where he further expands his talents and skills by directing and creating tap choreography for film. Ryan’s industry credits include being a finalist on “Live to Dance” with Paula Abdul, FOX’s “30 Seconds to Fame”, “Mobbed” with Howie Mandell, Disney’s “The Princess and The Frog”, “Star Search” with Arsenio Hall, industrials for Adidas and Nike, Carvel Ice Cream, an alumni and founding member of Gregg Russell’s Tap Sounds Underground, the Buddy Epson Tribute Show in Los Angeles, Tampa Bay Tap Festival, the Jerry Lewis Telethon in Vegas, and performing at Broadway Dance Center in NYC. Ryan, who holds a B.S. in Visual Communication is CEO/creator of Neo Rythmo, Inc., a designer tap manufacturing company where has designed and produced the worlds FIRST & ONLY color taps including the sleek, matte black ProTones & the multi-colored, vibrant Melodies (TapInColor.com). Ryan has also produced numerous instructional videos and has designed Choreo Cards, an in-classroom game/choreography tool. Watch for this unique and fun addition to the classroom in late 2016.

ALL NEW VIRTUAL SERIES!

Kids Artistic Revue is so excited to announce we are adding to our Virtual Tour! This fall we are introducing a new type of event, the VIRTUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES. Want to be the Grand Champion of your style?! Here’s what you need to know!

There will be 4 different style competitions to choose from that take place over the next few weeks: 

Registration for all events opens on August 18th.

Studios outside of the United States and Independent dancers are more than welcome to compete. Dancers can be entered for as many styles as they choose, this is the perfect opportunity to show off your versatile skills! Entries for Solos, Duet/Trios, Small Groups, Large Groups, and Lines will be accepted. We will also be offering a solo Title Competition for every event. Before you enter please make sure your dance meets our style criteria:

  • TAP – Performance must use taps on shoes and display tap technique. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.

  • HIP HOP – Performance demonstrating street style jazz incorporating hip hop and/or funk choreography. Any number of acro/gymnastic tricks and breakdancing are permissible.

  • LYRICAL – Performance must have dynamic emotion and expressive movements demonstrated with fluidity, balance, extension and control. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.

  • MODERN – Performance must consist of interpretive movements using modern technique such as natural movements focused on the “core” of the body with coordination between breathing and movement as well as a dancer’s relationship with the floor. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.

  • CONTEMPORARY – Performance must consist of a combination of modern dance, lyrical and classical ballet elements. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.

  • JAZZ – Performance must consist of jazz technique. Up to three acro/gymnastic tricks are permissible.

An incredible VALUE ADD feature for each registered competing dancer is the ability to receive FREE MASTER CLASSES! The classes will be offered in Petite, Junior, and Senior levels for each respective style and will appear in the Parent Center the first day of competition. We have some amazing, renowned teachers and choreographers lined up for you to learn from in the comfort of your own home! 

Like our previous Virtual competitions, these events will be streamed live for free on our website and Facebook page. The High Point Overall Awards will be streamed live the following Monday after the event at 2 PM PST. Each first place winner for Solos, Duet/Trios, Small Groups, Large Groups, and Lines will be receiving a $100 cash prize and a Style Grand Champion flag to proudly display at your studio! 

Want to rep your favorite dance style?! We will be selling t-shirts featuring the styles for all four competitions AND the names of all dancers registered! The pre-order link will be available soon on our website and social media pages. 

We CANNOT WAIT to see who the KAR Style Grand Champions will be! For more information regarding registration please head to the Virtual tab on our website https://dancekar.com/virtual-competition or contact our team via email at virtual@dancekar.com. Let’s keep dancing dancers!!

Core Values