our history
Footprints Tap Ensemble began with just three dancers in 1995, with the vision to carry on the tradition and legacy of tap dance and to provide an opportunity for young dancers to achieve something great in the dance world.
Today, Footprints is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) production and performance company (and two training companies) of Chicago-area youth who actively choreograph, teach, perform and participate in all aspects of dance show production.
The ensemble is directed by the dancers themselves, whose ages range from 9 to 17. The organization is dedicated to carrying on the legacy of the great tap masters, educating others in the art and history of tap dance, and providing leadership and development opportunities to youth through tap dance production experience.
Today, Footprints is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) production and performance company (and two training companies) of Chicago-area youth who actively choreograph, teach, perform and participate in all aspects of dance show production.
The ensemble is directed by the dancers themselves, whose ages range from 9 to 17. The organization is dedicated to carrying on the legacy of the great tap masters, educating others in the art and history of tap dance, and providing leadership and development opportunities to youth through tap dance production experience.
Footprints’ annual production Tap Jam, held each November, hosts notable master tap dancers and draws a sell-out crowd.
In addition to their own productions, the ensemble has performed in The Nutcracker On Broadway, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project concerts since 1998, Dance Chicago concerts, Chicago Tap Theatre holiday concerts, and Walt Disney World's 25th Anniversary Celebration. They have been featured on WGN News, in Dance Spirit and Dance Teacher magazines, and in the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, Lakeland Newspapers and Pioneer Press. In December 2007, the Republic of China and the Chicago Human Rhythm Project sponsored members of Footprints for three collaborative performances in Beijing. |
Since 1995, members have performed alongside or trained with numerous master dancers, including Savion Glover, Jason Samuels Smith, Jimmy Slyde, Dianne “Lady Di” Walker, Sarah Petronio, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Lane Alexander, Ayodele Casel, Brenda Bufalino, Cholly Atkins, Leonard Reed, Robert Reed, Sam Weber, Ernest “Brownie” Brown, Omar Edwards, Bril Barrett, Martin Tre Dumas, Jay Fagan, Ted Levy, Prince Spencer, Henry LeTang, Greg Russell, Jason Janas, Acia Gray, Mark Yonally, Cait Jones and Sarah Cook. In New York City, Footprints was honored to dance at famed Cafe Forty-One for tap great Jimmy Slyde in a show hosted by him in their honor.
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Footprints has a diverse repertoire that includes everything from classic Broadway tap to funky hip-hop tap. Most members of Footprints took their early tap dance training with Shelley Hoselton, who takes pride in preparing young dancers to train with the masters. Footprints was founded by Artistic Director Sarah Cook, under the auspices of Shelley Hoselton's Talent Forum. Thanks to the support from the studio, Shelley, business managers Gerrie Reese-Jones and Lynn Columbus, the staff and parents, as well as the early training shared by Sarah, the company has received international accolades.
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Previous staff members:
SHELLEY PAGE HOSELTON
- Producer Since 1995 GERRIE "Mama" REESE-JONES - Business Manager, 2000-2010 LYNN "Little Mama" COLUMBUS - Business Manager 2008-2012 |
MARK YONALLY
- Teacher, Technician, Historian & Special Adviser Since 2000 CAIT JONES-SEEBACHER - Dancer / Rehearsal Director 1998-2005 - Teacher, Rehearsal Advisor & Workshop Director Since 2006 SARAH COOK MASON - Founding Artistic Director, 1995-2000 |