About the Dance Company
About the Dance Company
The Bay Area Rhythm Tap (B.A.R.T.) Company is an eclectic group of
dedicated and exuberant advanced-level dancers who share a love of tap dancing
and performing. With an age range of sweet 16 to 71-years-young, these talented
and enthusiastic dancers bring the joy of rhythm tap to special events, fundraisers,
and community organizations. By day, their demanding jobs range from emergency
room doctor to lawyer, from longshoreman to Pilates instructor. But, "after five, they
come alive!" and immerse themselves in the fascinating rhythms of tap.
The company is dedicated to bringing the joy of tap dance to the community,
through such programs as customized school performances and shows for senior
communities and hospitals. Shows are also created for groups with special needs,
such as blindness and deafness. These shows tend to be interactive, with the
audience becoming a part of the show.
B.A.R.T. is recognized throughout the Bay Area for its generous donations of
entertainment for such organizations as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation and Children’s Hospital in Oakland. In 2006, they were honored with
an invitation to the home of Ann Getty for their show "Dance for the Cure," created
in support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s "Race for the Cure."
While maintaining the classic roots of tap, B.A.R.T. performs both traditional and
contemporary pieces, showcasing the work of some of today’s most outstanding
choreographers. Our shows are fun, entertaining and inspiring for people of all
ages. Highlights include 71-years-young Phil Trau tapping up and down a set of
tiny stairs with the ease of a kid and 16-year-old tap sensation Tal Oppenheimer
dancing with some of the fastest feet in the business ! Other special guest
performers include Elizabeth Homer-Smith, a former cast member of "Stomp," and
Namita Kapoor and Jessi Bolton, formerly with L.A.'s Jazz Tap Ensemble.
dedicated and exuberant advanced-level dancers who share a love of tap dancing
and performing. With an age range of sweet 16 to 71-years-young, these talented
and enthusiastic dancers bring the joy of rhythm tap to special events, fundraisers,
and community organizations. By day, their demanding jobs range from emergency
room doctor to lawyer, from longshoreman to Pilates instructor. But, "after five, they
come alive!" and immerse themselves in the fascinating rhythms of tap.
The company is dedicated to bringing the joy of tap dance to the community,
through such programs as customized school performances and shows for senior
communities and hospitals. Shows are also created for groups with special needs,
such as blindness and deafness. These shows tend to be interactive, with the
audience becoming a part of the show.
B.A.R.T. is recognized throughout the Bay Area for its generous donations of
entertainment for such organizations as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation and Children’s Hospital in Oakland. In 2006, they were honored with
an invitation to the home of Ann Getty for their show "Dance for the Cure," created
in support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s "Race for the Cure."
While maintaining the classic roots of tap, B.A.R.T. performs both traditional and
contemporary pieces, showcasing the work of some of today’s most outstanding
choreographers. Our shows are fun, entertaining and inspiring for people of all
ages. Highlights include 71-years-young Phil Trau tapping up and down a set of
tiny stairs with the ease of a kid and 16-year-old tap sensation Tal Oppenheimer
dancing with some of the fastest feet in the business ! Other special guest
performers include Elizabeth Homer-Smith, a former cast member of "Stomp," and
Namita Kapoor and Jessi Bolton, formerly with L.A.'s Jazz Tap Ensemble.