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Tommy Wasiuta, described as a "breath of dance freedom" (New York Times) is a tap dance artist based in New York City. Inspired by the musicality of tap dance, Tommy released “Drum Shoes” (2024), a tap-only album that explores the tap shoes as a stand-alone instrument. He also wrote a coinciding book; Drum Shoes: The Transcription Book....Read more
Tommy Wasiuta, described as a "breath of dance freedom" (New York Times) is a tap dance artist based in New York City. Inspired by the musicality of tap dance, Tommy released “Drum Shoes” (2024), a tap-only album that explores the tap shoes as a stand-alone instrument. He also wrote a coinciding book; Drum Shoes: The Transcription Book. His stage credits include The Joyce Theater, 92NY, Little Island, Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and American Dance Festival, performing under the direction of artists like Michela Marino Lerman, Max Pollak, Luke Hickey and Elizabeth Burke, Claudia Rahardjanoto, and Ulysses Owens Jr. Tommy has also choreographed and performed the entirety of the Tap Dance Concerto with the Saint Joseph Symphony.
Tommy’s passion for tap dance is shared through his work as an educator, teaching for institutions such as the Joffrey Ballet School, and OneBeat Dance Brands. He has been a guest instructor for Operation: Tap, Sarah Reich’s Tap Music Project, The Institute for American Musical Theatre, Dance Masters of America, Tap the Map, and dance schools across the United States, as well as a guest choreographer for the St. Louis Rhythm Collaborative (STLRC), Keane Sense of Rhythm, and Detroit Tap Repertory.
Hailing from St. Louis, MO, he trained under the direction of Tracy Davenport and Anthony Russo, and is co-founder of the STLRC. He is an alumnus of the Tap Program at the School at Jacob’s Pillow and the University of Missouri - St. Louis.
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Class Descriptions
Tommy's tap classes provide a well-rounded experience of strengthening your tap technique, learning about musicality, and exploring your individual artistry. He prioritizes an "open floor" policy, encouraging students to share their thoughts, breakthroughs, and questions with the room to allow for a unified learning experience. You can expect fun challenges like counting as you dance, playing a polyrhythm, and syncopation exercises that challenge your brain. A small piece of choreography will be taught that encapsulates the topics covered during class. He loves to bring new music into the classroom that he is inspired by at the moment. Join Tommy today to strengthen your skills, prepare for an upcoming audition, and develop your voice as a tap dancer!