As a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble produces original works of choreography while preserving the tradition of improvisation in American rhythm tap, bringing innovative percussive dance to diverse audiences. Founded in 2011, the Philadelphia-based ensemble centers the work of women in tap through performance, education, and community outreach. The ensemble is currently led by Artistic Director and co-founder Kat Echevarria Richter, Managing Director Katie Budris, and Associate Director Tamera Dallam. Performance: The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble produces a bi-annual mainstage concert series including ON TAP and our original annual holiday production, THE TAPCRACKER. We also produce short dance films, perform at private events, and give a number of free community performances each year through partnerships with local schools, libraries, museums, civic groups, and cultural organizations. Mentoring and Training: The Ensemble provides service to the broader tap community through college and university residencies, workshops taught by our First Company dancers and teaching artists for local schools and studios, an annual Summer Intensive for both students and teachers, a weekly Open Company Class for professional/pre-professional advanced tap dancers, and master classes that are open to the public taught by guest artists. We also mentor the next generation of tap dancers through our Youth Ensemble and Apprentice Company, providing students from PA, NJ, and DE with pre-professional performance training. Community Outreach: Established in 2013, our residency program at John Moffet Elementary School provides the entire fifth grade class with free tap shoes and free tap shoes, culminating in a year-end performance for family and friends. We also currently offer financial assistance and need-based scholarships for pre-professional dancers.