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2026 World-Renowned Artist Lineup
We are committed to bringing the best of the best to Orange County! The Orange County Tap Festival welcomes tap dancers from around the world to learn from, connect with, and be inspired by some of the most respected and accomplished tap artists in the world. Our diverse, world-renowned faculty includes Emmy nominees, top television and industry choreographers, acclaimed Broadway performers, and international master teachers—some of the world’s best, all in one place.
The lineup is just getting started, with new artist announcements coming regularly - check back frequently!
Linda Sohl-Ellison
Photo by: Jack Hartin
Linda Sohl-Ellison is Artistic Director, choreographer and soloist with Rhapsody In Taps, a Long Beach based tap dance and live music company that she co-founded in 1981. The company celebrates its 45th Anniversary in 2026 with the release of an exciting tap archive project featuring RIT and guests: RHAPSODY IN TAPS, The First 35 Years! Video Anthology (screenings TBA); also, the New York Public Library’s release of Linda Sohl-Ellison’s Dance Oral History Project Interview (Steve Zee, interviewer), plus RIT’s Annual National Tap Day Celebration, classes and tap workshops. For more than 35 years Linda and Rhapsody In Taps created an extensive tap and live music repertoire, presented annual seasons in downtown Los Angeles, Orange County and theatres throughout California, as well as U.S. and international touring-- making a significant contribution to the field of tap, and providing training to many tap dancers.
Linda has a BFA from Ohio University in Dance and Graphic Design and an MA from UCLA. Her training includes studies under the great tap masters Foster Johnson, Eddie Brown, Honi Coles, Gregory Hines and Buster Brown. She collaborated with Gregory Hines, staging and performing in his first choreographic work, Toeing the 3rd and Fifth, made for Rhapsody In Taps in 1990. Linda has toured the United States, Mexico, Asia, France and Germany teaching and performing as a soloist, with Rhapsody In Taps, and with her husband, percussionist Monti Ellison. Professor of Dance Emeritus at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA (1978-2015), Linda, taught many dance forms and mentored dancers in pursuit of professional dance careers. She is passionate about teaching, choreography and the creative process and continues to teach int/adv tap at OCC, now in her 48th year!
Recognized for her choreographic innovation in tap, Linda has been awarded five Choreographers’ Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, two Irvine Fellowships in Dance (1999, 2001) and a 2006 Dance: Creation to Performance grant from the James Irvine Foundation. In 1999 Linda was nominated for the prestigious Alpert Award in Dance. She has received Artist Fellowships from the California Arts Council, Arts Council for Long Beach, Public Corporation for the Arts, National Association for Regional Ballet and California Community Foundation for her choreography. Ms. Sohl-Ellison received a 1st place choreography award from the Palm Desert Choreography Festival (2003), a Lester Horton Dance Award for Outstanding Choreography from the Dance Resource Center, Distinguished Alumni Award from Ohio University (2006), Milestone Award from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for more than 25 years of performances, programs and arts leadership in Los Angeles (2007), Tapestry Award from Soul to Sole Tap Festival in Austin, Texas (2010), Hoofer Award from American Tap Dance Foundation in New York (2021), and a Legacy Award from Orange County Tap Festival in California (2022). Her film credits include the movie TAP, and four documentaries: Tappin’: the Making of Tap The Movie, Thinking on their Feet: Women of the Tap Renaissance, You Gotta Move, and Juba! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance.
Linda Sohl-Ellison is Artistic Director, choreographer and soloist with Rhapsody In Taps, a Long Beach based tap dance and live music company that she co-founded in 1981. The company celebrates its 45th Anniversary in 2026 with the release of an exciting tap archive project featuring RIT and guests: RHAPSODY IN TAPS, The First 35 Years! Video Anthology (screenings TBA); also, the New York Public Library’s release of Linda Sohl-Ellison’s Dance Oral History Project Interview (Steve Zee, interviewer), plus RIT’s Annual National Tap Day Celebration, classes and tap workshops. For more than 35 years Linda and Rhapsody In Taps created an extensive tap and live music repertoire, presented annual seasons in downtown Los Angeles, Orange County and theatres throughout California, as well as U.S. and international touring-- making a significant contribution to the field of tap, and providing training to many tap dancers.
Linda has a BFA from Ohio University in Dance and Graphic Design and an MA from UCLA. Her training includes studies under the great tap masters Foster Johnson, Eddie Brown, Honi Coles, Gregory Hines and Buster Brown. She collaborated with Gregory Hines, staging and performing in his first choreographic work, Toeing the 3rd and Fifth, made for Rhapsody In Taps in 1990. Linda has toured the United States, Mexico, Asia, France and Germany teaching and performing as a soloist, with Rhapsody In Taps, and with her husband, percussionist Monti Ellison. Professor of Dance Emeritus at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA (1978-2015), Linda, taught many dance forms and mentored dancers in pursuit of professional dance careers. She is passionate about teaching, choreography and the creative process and continues to teach int/adv tap at OCC, now in her 48th year!
Recognized for her choreographic innovation in tap, Linda has been awarded five Choreographers’ Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, two Irvine Fellowships in Dance (1999, 2001) and a 2006 Dance: Creation to Performance grant from the James Irvine Foundation. In 1999 Linda was nominated for the prestigious Alpert Award in Dance. She has received Artist Fellowships from the California Arts Council, Arts Council for Long Beach, Public Corporation for the Arts, National Association for Regional Ballet and California Community Foundation for her choreography. Ms. Sohl-Ellison received a 1st place choreography award from the Palm Desert Choreography Festival (2003), a Lester Horton Dance Award for Outstanding Choreography from the Dance Resource Center, Distinguished Alumni Award from Ohio University (2006), Milestone Award from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for more than 25 years of performances, programs and arts leadership in Los Angeles (2007), Tapestry Award from Soul to Sole Tap Festival in Austin, Texas (2010), Hoofer Award from American Tap Dance Foundation in New York (2021), and a Legacy Award from Orange County Tap Festival in California (2022). Her film credits include the movie TAP, and four documentaries: Tappin’: the Making of Tap The Movie, Thinking on their Feet: Women of the Tap Renaissance, You Gotta Move, and Juba! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance.
Sam Weber
Sam Weber is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed performing artist, master teacher and choreographer who regularly appears throughout the world. A protege of Stan Kahn in San Francisco, Sam Weber has appeared with such tap legends as Charles "Honi" Coles, Steve Condos, Jimmy Slyde, Gregory Hines and the Nicholas Brothers. Sam's versatility has led him to performances in musical theater and television, where he has worked with such stars as Burt Lancaster, Bob Hope, Andy Williams, Pat Boone and Sara Vaughn. Sam co-starred in the award-winning German short film "Zwei Im Frack," directed by Christian Stahl in September, 2000. Sam has also performed with the San Francisco Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Peninsula Ballet Theatre and Smuin Ballets/SF. Sam Weber was frequently seen on PBS's "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" television show and is featured in the documentary "Juba! Masters of Percussive Dance" on Public Television.
Sam is one of the few tap dancers in the world currently performing Morton Gould's "Tap Dance Concerto" and was the first tap dancer to receive a "Bessie" award, presented in New York City in 1993 in recognition of outstanding creative achievement. In addition to his solo tap dancing career, Sam has toured internationally since 1986 as a principal dancer and choreographer with the Jazz Tap Ensemble.
Sam Weber has performed and taught at tap dance workshops and festivals worldwide. These have included the Chicago Human Rhythm Project as well as tap festivals in Boulder, CO, Portland, OR, St. Louis, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, Vancouver, B.C., Atlanta, Houston, Austin, Boston, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Prague, Kiev, Heidelberg, Freiburg, Wuerzburg, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin, Duesseldorf, Zurich, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Rio De Janeiro, San Antonio, TX, Gainesville, FL and the San Francisco Tap Festival.
Sam has taught in the dance departments of UCLA, Cal State University, L.A., Long Beach City College, Cal State Fullerton and San Francisco State University.
Sam appears as tap dance artist in residence with Sierra Nevada Ballet www.sierranevadaballet.com.
Sam Weber frequently performs the work of German composer/violinist/tap dancer Andreas Daenel. The two dancers have performed Daenel's compositions for tap dancers and orchestra "Kontralog" and "SignADiapunktur," which premiered in the U.S. with the San Francisco Bay Area's Peninsula Symphony Orchestra in 2005.
Sam is the recipient of several awards, including the "Hoofer Award," from the American Tap Dance Foundation, the "Legacy Award," from San Antonio's "Third Coast Rhythm Project," the "Giant Steps" award for his lifelong contribution to the development of tap dance in the San Francisco Bay Area, and he has also received the prestigious "Juba" award from the Chicago Human Rhythm Project in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the art of tap dance. In 2021, he received the Legacy Award from the Orange County Tap Festival and the Inspiration Award from Chicago Tap Theatre. In 2023 he received a lifetime achievement award from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. He e is on NY Times critic Brian Seibert's list of the 25 most important tap dancers of the 20th century (see link below).
Most recently, Sam was honored to receive San Francisco's Isadora Duncan Award (Izzie) and the Legend Award at the San Francisco tap festival.
Sam is one of the few tap dancers in the world currently performing Morton Gould's "Tap Dance Concerto" and was the first tap dancer to receive a "Bessie" award, presented in New York City in 1993 in recognition of outstanding creative achievement. In addition to his solo tap dancing career, Sam has toured internationally since 1986 as a principal dancer and choreographer with the Jazz Tap Ensemble.
Sam Weber has performed and taught at tap dance workshops and festivals worldwide. These have included the Chicago Human Rhythm Project as well as tap festivals in Boulder, CO, Portland, OR, St. Louis, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, Vancouver, B.C., Atlanta, Houston, Austin, Boston, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Prague, Kiev, Heidelberg, Freiburg, Wuerzburg, Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin, Duesseldorf, Zurich, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Rio De Janeiro, San Antonio, TX, Gainesville, FL and the San Francisco Tap Festival.
Sam has taught in the dance departments of UCLA, Cal State University, L.A., Long Beach City College, Cal State Fullerton and San Francisco State University.
Sam appears as tap dance artist in residence with Sierra Nevada Ballet www.sierranevadaballet.com.
Sam Weber frequently performs the work of German composer/violinist/tap dancer Andreas Daenel. The two dancers have performed Daenel's compositions for tap dancers and orchestra "Kontralog" and "SignADiapunktur," which premiered in the U.S. with the San Francisco Bay Area's Peninsula Symphony Orchestra in 2005.
Sam is the recipient of several awards, including the "Hoofer Award," from the American Tap Dance Foundation, the "Legacy Award," from San Antonio's "Third Coast Rhythm Project," the "Giant Steps" award for his lifelong contribution to the development of tap dance in the San Francisco Bay Area, and he has also received the prestigious "Juba" award from the Chicago Human Rhythm Project in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the art of tap dance. In 2021, he received the Legacy Award from the Orange County Tap Festival and the Inspiration Award from Chicago Tap Theatre. In 2023 he received a lifetime achievement award from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters. He e is on NY Times critic Brian Seibert's list of the 25 most important tap dancers of the 20th century (see link below).
Most recently, Sam was honored to receive San Francisco's Isadora Duncan Award (Izzie) and the Legend Award at the San Francisco tap festival.
Anthony Morigerato
Anthony Morigerato is a tap dancer, producer, director, content creator, writer, and Emmy nominated choreographer. Anthony is the executive producer and artistic director for AM Dance Productions. AM Dance Productions, short films include The Text (2015), The Subtext (2018), and the award winning When Snow Falls (2020). AM Dance Productions live theatrical shows include AM Dance Project (2006-2008), Matt and Anthony (2009), flood (in the dark corner) (2017), flood (redux) (2020), and Alternate Spaces (2021). In 2014, Anthony founded and is currently the co-director and managing partner of Operation: Tap, an online forum that is dedicated to immersing tap dancing into the public’s consciousness. In 2019, Anthony created CODA, Break The Floor’s online dance competition scoring system that provides dancers with genre specific score sheets, homework video content to improve their performance, and data analytics. Anthony worked as a tap dance teacher, performer, and adjudicator for NUVO Dance Convention from 2010-2020. As a performer, Anthony was a soloist and member of Michael Minery’s Tapaholics (2002-2012), a soloist and associate choreographer for Stacey Tookey’s Still Motion, and a soloist for various tap dance festivals, benefits, industrials, seminars, and performances since 1999. He has appeared as a choreographer and/or a performer on television shows including The Tony Danza Show (2005), America’s Got Talent (2009), The Arsenio Hall Show (2013), So You Think You Can Dance (2013-2018- Emmy Nomination 2016). Anthony holds the world record for “most tap sounds in one minute” having made 1,163 sounds. Anthony is an accomplished dancer in multiple disciplines, having trained at Marymount Manhattan College, where he performed the works of Robert Battle, Elizabeth Higgins, Jiri Kylian, David Parsons, Katie Langan and William Soleu. He has recently done choreographic residencies at Marymount Manhattan College (2014, 2016, and 2019), Pace University (2019), and is an artist in residence at the American Tap Dance Foundation (2020). Most recently Anthony performed and had choreography featured in Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic (2021), presented by the Joyce Theater in NYC. Anthony continues to travel as a teacher and choreographer for dance organizations, festivals, competitions, theater schools, and dance studios all over the world.
Sarah Reich
Sarah Reich/ @sourtaps (Performer, Choreographer, Instructor, Composer) is a trailblazer in
the world of tap dance, captivating audiences with her innovative approach. A Los Angeles
native, Sarah has performed, choreographed, and taught in over 40 countries, shaping the next
generation of tap dancers.
In 2015, she skyrocketed to international fame while touring with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern
Jukebox, earning millions of YouTube views and critical acclaim. She has graced iconic stages
such as Radio City Music Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her Tap Music Project, Sarah continues to inspire dancers to
explore musicality and collaborate with musicians. Her 2018 debut album, New Change, features
original compositions that fuse percussive tap rhythms with live instrumentation, creating a
distinctive sound. Sarah’s ambition is clear: “I want to be the first tap dancer to win a Grammy
Award!”
In summer 2024, Sarah expanded her reach by launching It’s Tappening, a TV series that
highlights tap dance culture across the globe. Sarah is currently faculty at NUVO Dance
Convention traveling the country and sparking a love for tap amongst children. Discover more at
www.SarahReich.com
the world of tap dance, captivating audiences with her innovative approach. A Los Angeles
native, Sarah has performed, choreographed, and taught in over 40 countries, shaping the next
generation of tap dancers.
In 2015, she skyrocketed to international fame while touring with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern
Jukebox, earning millions of YouTube views and critical acclaim. She has graced iconic stages
such as Radio City Music Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her Tap Music Project, Sarah continues to inspire dancers to
explore musicality and collaborate with musicians. Her 2018 debut album, New Change, features
original compositions that fuse percussive tap rhythms with live instrumentation, creating a
distinctive sound. Sarah’s ambition is clear: “I want to be the first tap dancer to win a Grammy
Award!”
In summer 2024, Sarah expanded her reach by launching It’s Tappening, a TV series that
highlights tap dance culture across the globe. Sarah is currently faculty at NUVO Dance
Convention traveling the country and sparking a love for tap amongst children. Discover more at
www.SarahReich.com
Max Pollak
Max Pollak is an Austrian-born virtuoso who’s redefining the boundaries of rhythm. A master musician, band leader, percussive dancer, composer, and educator, Pollak seamlessly blends tap dance, body percussion, and singing into a singular, electrifying performance. He treats the body as a legitimate, versatile instrument, making it an integral voice in any ensemble. Pollak has worked across the globe, collaborating with titans in jazz, classical, and Latin music. His extraordinary musicianship has put him on stage with legends like Ray Brown, Chucho Valdés, Paquito D'Rivera, Pedrito Martinez, and Danilo Pérez, and even classical superstars like Diana Damrau and Zubin Mehta. He's a true genre-buster, equally comfortable collaborating with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas as he is with the Bavarian State Opera Orchestra. A testament to his impact, Max Pollak is featured on the U.S. Postal Service Forever Stamp honoring Tap Dance. An award-winning performer and the co-creator of the hit off-Broadway show Carmen - To Havana and Back, Pollak's dynamic artistry has graced prestigious venues like Vienna's Konzerthaus and Zurich’s Tonhalle. His debut CD “RumbaTap” was released in 2015.
Cartier Williams
Cartier Williams is a hoofer, choreographer, filmmaker, and performer hailing from Washington, D.C
Cartier kicked off Paris Fashion Week 2020 with a spectacular star turn for Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh, the culmination of his 25-year ascendance to the stratosphere of tap superstardom. Williams, began his tap-dancing career at the age of four when his grandmother, Audrey Williams, taught him his first steps.
Two years later, six-year-old Cartier won the Apollo Kids competition at the iconic Apollo Theater and became the youngest inductee in the Apollo Legends. Later that year Cartier danced at the Kennedy Center Honors alongside Robert Downey Jr. Mr. Williams studied at the prestigious Washington School of Ballet under the tutelage of Mary Day.
At the age of ten, Cartier co-starred with tap royalty Buster Brown, Jimmy Slyde, and Dianne Walker in the International tour of Footnotes. Mr. Williams considers it a blessing that he danced and shared the stage with tap pioneers and masters Peg Leg Bates, The Nicholas Brothers, and Gregory Hines.
Cartier performed for two U.S. Presidents: Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. In 1998, he co-starred in the PBS Special: In Performance at The White House with President Clinton. He toured the U.S. and Japan in the Tony Award-winning Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk, co-starring with Savion Glover. Williams performed at The Joyce Theatre, New York City Center, and the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles at The AFI Awards: A Tribute to Tom Hanks. Other appearances include: Usher's birthday bash in New York City, and at the headquarters of the FCC, the CIA, the State Department, and the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. In May 2011, Cartier choreographed and directed Cartier Williams Rhythm Refix at Joe’s Pub at New York’s Public Theater.
In 2014, Cartier formed The Cartier Williams Dance Theatre, whose credits include: New York Botanical Gardens, ZIGITYBOP! (Oslo and Zurich), Children's Museum of Manhattan, Faison's Firehouse Theater in Harlem, Le Bain at the Standard Hotel in New York, and Black Coffee's music video Come With Me sponsored by Smirnoff. Cartier also performed at The Opening of the Cannes Film Festival for Moulin Rouge. Additional credits include; The Palms Hotel/Resort in Las Vegas with Super-DJ Chew FU, National Tap Dance Day at Macy’s, Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra, Philadelphia Pops Orchestra and The New York City Pops Orchestra. Cartier also attended The New York Film Academy studying directing. Other credits include Phone Bait, The Violinist, and My Love Awaits all written, directed and produced by Williams. He’s also appeared in Spike Lee’s Bamboozled and Tales of Poe (available on itunes).
Cartier kicked off Paris Fashion Week 2020 with a spectacular star turn for Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh, the culmination of his 25-year ascendance to the stratosphere of tap superstardom. Williams, began his tap-dancing career at the age of four when his grandmother, Audrey Williams, taught him his first steps.
Two years later, six-year-old Cartier won the Apollo Kids competition at the iconic Apollo Theater and became the youngest inductee in the Apollo Legends. Later that year Cartier danced at the Kennedy Center Honors alongside Robert Downey Jr. Mr. Williams studied at the prestigious Washington School of Ballet under the tutelage of Mary Day.
At the age of ten, Cartier co-starred with tap royalty Buster Brown, Jimmy Slyde, and Dianne Walker in the International tour of Footnotes. Mr. Williams considers it a blessing that he danced and shared the stage with tap pioneers and masters Peg Leg Bates, The Nicholas Brothers, and Gregory Hines.
Cartier performed for two U.S. Presidents: Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. In 1998, he co-starred in the PBS Special: In Performance at The White House with President Clinton. He toured the U.S. and Japan in the Tony Award-winning Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk, co-starring with Savion Glover. Williams performed at The Joyce Theatre, New York City Center, and the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles at The AFI Awards: A Tribute to Tom Hanks. Other appearances include: Usher's birthday bash in New York City, and at the headquarters of the FCC, the CIA, the State Department, and the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. In May 2011, Cartier choreographed and directed Cartier Williams Rhythm Refix at Joe’s Pub at New York’s Public Theater.
In 2014, Cartier formed The Cartier Williams Dance Theatre, whose credits include: New York Botanical Gardens, ZIGITYBOP! (Oslo and Zurich), Children's Museum of Manhattan, Faison's Firehouse Theater in Harlem, Le Bain at the Standard Hotel in New York, and Black Coffee's music video Come With Me sponsored by Smirnoff. Cartier also performed at The Opening of the Cannes Film Festival for Moulin Rouge. Additional credits include; The Palms Hotel/Resort in Las Vegas with Super-DJ Chew FU, National Tap Dance Day at Macy’s, Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra, Philadelphia Pops Orchestra and The New York City Pops Orchestra. Cartier also attended The New York Film Academy studying directing. Other credits include Phone Bait, The Violinist, and My Love Awaits all written, directed and produced by Williams. He’s also appeared in Spike Lee’s Bamboozled and Tales of Poe (available on itunes).
Leo Manzari
Originally from Washington D.C., Leo Manzari is a Lucille Lortel award-nominated tap dancer and recording artist. Manzari has headlined in the touring and Off-Broadway productions of Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life, featured Guest Star on So You Think You Can Dance, The Mo’nique Show, The Kate TV, PBS NewsHour, Jerry Lewis Telethon, ABC’s The View, PBS’ Kennedy Center’s 50th anniversary, Dorrance Dance’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” Leo featured as a solo tap dance feature in Hozier’s music video “Almost (Sweet Music)” and performed alongside Grammy Award® winning band “The Free Nationals" in various virtual events. He also headlines alongside Byron Stripling and Grammy®-nominated Jazz vocalist, Carmen Bradford in a show called Uptown Nights, which has collaborated with multiple POPS orchestras across the world including The San Diego Symphony, The Florida Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, The Philly POPS, The Winnipeg Orchestra, The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and The Baltimore Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Ottawa Symphony, The Columbus Jazz Orchestra to name a few. He’s appeared in the Late Late Show with James Corden and Ariana Grande, and featured in The Harlem Globetrotters collaboration with the Philly POPS.
Manzari writes and records his own original music which can be streamed on all major music streaming platforms. Some of his original music performances headlined at prominent venues in Los Angeles like El Cid, Gold Diggers, Adults Only, The Sun Rose, Da Poetry Lounge, and The Hollywood Majestic. Leo’s music has been featured in major brand campaigns such as McDonald's, Ray-Ban, NFL’s “Zero to Hero” series, and Big 12 football and basketball leagues Spotify and Apple Music have also supported Leo’s music with placements on their highly streamed editorial playlists such as R&B Weekly, Fresh Finds, Day One, and Future Funk to name a few. Leo launched his company Breathe Easy Productions which is a cultural hub for all things music and dance.
In 2025, Leo launched a genre defying Tap and Music show called “KICK IN THE DOOR” that redefines how we think about music and tap dance. You can purchase his virtual educational platform “Tap Soul” on Teachable. For more information, follow Leo’s socials @leomanzari and @leochoreo and subscribe to his email list via his website: www.leomanzari.com
Manzari writes and records his own original music which can be streamed on all major music streaming platforms. Some of his original music performances headlined at prominent venues in Los Angeles like El Cid, Gold Diggers, Adults Only, The Sun Rose, Da Poetry Lounge, and The Hollywood Majestic. Leo’s music has been featured in major brand campaigns such as McDonald's, Ray-Ban, NFL’s “Zero to Hero” series, and Big 12 football and basketball leagues Spotify and Apple Music have also supported Leo’s music with placements on their highly streamed editorial playlists such as R&B Weekly, Fresh Finds, Day One, and Future Funk to name a few. Leo launched his company Breathe Easy Productions which is a cultural hub for all things music and dance.
In 2025, Leo launched a genre defying Tap and Music show called “KICK IN THE DOOR” that redefines how we think about music and tap dance. You can purchase his virtual educational platform “Tap Soul” on Teachable. For more information, follow Leo’s socials @leomanzari and @leochoreo and subscribe to his email list via his website: www.leomanzari.com
Steve Zee
Steve is a globe-trotting master tap dancer, teacher, musician and entertainer who has trained and performed with the Nicholas Brothers, Gregory Hines and countless other tap notables. He has taught and performed across the United States, Europe, South America and China and has been a member of the Jazz Tap Ensemble and Rhapsody In Taps.
As an historian, Steve teaches a tap dance history course in the Dance Department at CSU, Long Beach and has published four oral histories of significant tap dancers (Stan Kahn, Bob Scheerer, Fred Strickler, Sarah Petronio) that are housed at prestigious scholarly institutions (Jerome Robbins Performing Arts Division of the New York Public Library, Carson Dance Library, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum). Check out his Ted Talk "Tap Dancing Is The Story Of America" and his article published by Dance Magazine. Please also see the history lecture Steve gave at the Phoenix Tap Festival "What a Frog Can Teach Us About Tap Dancing."
Steve is the man behind Tap Academy Online, a subscription-based tap training program and currently teaches lessons in two languages to subscribers in 25+ countries on six continents.
Steve has taught at countless tap festivals both international and domestic such as Phoenix Tap Festival, LA Tapfest, Big Apple Tap Festival, OC Tap Festival, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Joinville Festival de Dança, Limoges Festival de Claquettes, China International Tap Dance Festival and many, many more. For almost 20 years, he was the lead tap teacher for The Gabriella Foundation that gives extremely low-cost dance lessons to under-served youth in Los Angeles.
When not traveling to teach and perform, Steve can be found in the Dance Departments at CSU, Long Beach and Loyola Marymount University and giving master classes at various dance studios in Southern California.
As an historian, Steve teaches a tap dance history course in the Dance Department at CSU, Long Beach and has published four oral histories of significant tap dancers (Stan Kahn, Bob Scheerer, Fred Strickler, Sarah Petronio) that are housed at prestigious scholarly institutions (Jerome Robbins Performing Arts Division of the New York Public Library, Carson Dance Library, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum). Check out his Ted Talk "Tap Dancing Is The Story Of America" and his article published by Dance Magazine. Please also see the history lecture Steve gave at the Phoenix Tap Festival "What a Frog Can Teach Us About Tap Dancing."
Steve is the man behind Tap Academy Online, a subscription-based tap training program and currently teaches lessons in two languages to subscribers in 25+ countries on six continents.
Steve has taught at countless tap festivals both international and domestic such as Phoenix Tap Festival, LA Tapfest, Big Apple Tap Festival, OC Tap Festival, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Joinville Festival de Dança, Limoges Festival de Claquettes, China International Tap Dance Festival and many, many more. For almost 20 years, he was the lead tap teacher for The Gabriella Foundation that gives extremely low-cost dance lessons to under-served youth in Los Angeles.
When not traveling to teach and perform, Steve can be found in the Dance Departments at CSU, Long Beach and Loyola Marymount University and giving master classes at various dance studios in Southern California.
Leah Silva
A native of Southern California, Leah Silva is a sought-after international instructor and adjudicator, award-winning choreographer, artistic director, producer, and critically acclaimed performer.
Her dynamic career spans stage, television, and film, and was honored to become the first tap dancer invited to serve as an Artist-in-Residence at Zion National Park. Leah has taught, choreographed, and performed throughout Central America, including Brazil and Guatemala, as well as Australia, Canada, and across the United States, sharing her artistry with diverse audiences and students worldwide.
Recognized for her impactful and distinctive teaching style, Leah has trained and mentored many of today’s most promising tap dancers. Her students have earned prestigious international honors, including top recognition from YoungArts and the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards, as well as acceptance to Jacob’s Pillow. Many have gone on to study at the collegiate level and build successful professional careers in education, television, and touring with renowned artists and companies- an enduring testament to Leah’s commitment to excellence, artistry, and individualized mentorship.
Leah is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the acclaimed @reverbtapcompany, celebrated for its powerhouse tap dance performances and innovative dance-film productions. The company’s work has been recognized as an Official Selection at the Newport Beach Film Festival and has earned opportunities to perform at the Emmy Awards. Reverb Tap Company has presented full-length productions to sold-out audiences and has performed both internationally and on national television.
Her dynamic career spans stage, television, and film, and was honored to become the first tap dancer invited to serve as an Artist-in-Residence at Zion National Park. Leah has taught, choreographed, and performed throughout Central America, including Brazil and Guatemala, as well as Australia, Canada, and across the United States, sharing her artistry with diverse audiences and students worldwide.
Recognized for her impactful and distinctive teaching style, Leah has trained and mentored many of today’s most promising tap dancers. Her students have earned prestigious international honors, including top recognition from YoungArts and the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards, as well as acceptance to Jacob’s Pillow. Many have gone on to study at the collegiate level and build successful professional careers in education, television, and touring with renowned artists and companies- an enduring testament to Leah’s commitment to excellence, artistry, and individualized mentorship.
Leah is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the acclaimed @reverbtapcompany, celebrated for its powerhouse tap dance performances and innovative dance-film productions. The company’s work has been recognized as an Official Selection at the Newport Beach Film Festival and has earned opportunities to perform at the Emmy Awards. Reverb Tap Company has presented full-length productions to sold-out audiences and has performed both internationally and on national television.
Melissa Tannús
Melissa Tannús, cited as one of “Tap’s Leading Ladies” by Dance Spirit Magazine, is a world renowned professional tap dancer, teacher and choreographer. Originally from Brazil, she moved to the United States at an early age to follow her dream of becoming a professional tap dancer. She was very fortunate to integrate established tap companies such as Chloe Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies and Tapestry Dance Company and perform at major events and venues such as Universal Studios Hollywood and the US Open. Additionally, Melissa made several TV appearances on shows such as So You Think You Can Dance, The Late Late Show, America’s Got Talent, and other local news shows. She was also featured in articles on the New York Times, LA Times, DanceSpirit Magazine, Dance Magazine and other blogs.
One of her greatest passions is to share her love for tap dance and she is honored to have been invited to teach and choreograph all around the world including places like: Australia, the UK, Guatemala, Chile, Brazil and more. Melissa also loves giving life to her creative vision, which she has done by directing adult dance companies like Tapestry Too and her own company, Tap Com Mel.
In 2023, she produced the first annual San Francisco Tap Festival which is a two-day event featuring classes, performances and jam sessions for the local tap community. This year, she also joined the faculty of the dance convention Immerse Artists Experience and will be traveling across the country to train and inspire young dancers to go after their dreams, like she did. Melissa is extremely thankful and excited to be teaching Beginning Tap at UCSD this Fall and hopes to make many other students fall in love with this beautiful African-American art form.
One of her greatest passions is to share her love for tap dance and she is honored to have been invited to teach and choreograph all around the world including places like: Australia, the UK, Guatemala, Chile, Brazil and more. Melissa also loves giving life to her creative vision, which she has done by directing adult dance companies like Tapestry Too and her own company, Tap Com Mel.
In 2023, she produced the first annual San Francisco Tap Festival which is a two-day event featuring classes, performances and jam sessions for the local tap community. This year, she also joined the faculty of the dance convention Immerse Artists Experience and will be traveling across the country to train and inspire young dancers to go after their dreams, like she did. Melissa is extremely thankful and excited to be teaching Beginning Tap at UCSD this Fall and hopes to make many other students fall in love with this beautiful African-American art form.
Bella Silva
Bella Silva is a dynamic Southern California–based artist, founding member, and principal dancer with Reverb Tap Company, and is currently on faculty at Avanti Dance Company, teaching tap.
Her performance career spans theater, television, and film. Credits include the “West Coast Desperados” music video directed by Derek Hough and choreographed by Kelsey McCowan; The Nutcracker with American Ballet Theatre starring Misty Copeland; the L.A. County Holiday Celebration on PBS at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion; and sold-out performances throughout Southern California with Reverb Tap Company, as well as Legends: An Original Musical at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. She was also a featured dancer in Kick In The Door- an original show by Leo Manzari, has performed as a soloist with renowned jazz vocalist Brenna Whitaker and appeared in projects for Telemundo, Macy’s, and Mattel. Additionally, she has performed in Mexico alongside Sarah Reich and in Canada with Reverb Tap Company.
In 2024, Bella was named a YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Dance- one of the nation’s highest honors for emerging artists and performed as a soloist at the New World Center during National YoungArts Week. She is also a Grand Prize Winner in Dance for the prestigious Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight program, performing as a soloist at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Her honors also include the Laguna Dance Festival Young Artist Scholarship, recognized as a 2025 Orange County Register Artist of the Year Finalist, and is a alumna of Jacob’s Pillow- one of the world’s foremost tap dance training programs.
Over the years, Bella has frequently been invited to assist renowned tap dance educators at festivals, conventions, and studio master classes. Through these experiences, she has cultivated a deep love, understanding and passion for teaching and inspiring young dancers.
Her performance career spans theater, television, and film. Credits include the “West Coast Desperados” music video directed by Derek Hough and choreographed by Kelsey McCowan; The Nutcracker with American Ballet Theatre starring Misty Copeland; the L.A. County Holiday Celebration on PBS at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion; and sold-out performances throughout Southern California with Reverb Tap Company, as well as Legends: An Original Musical at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. She was also a featured dancer in Kick In The Door- an original show by Leo Manzari, has performed as a soloist with renowned jazz vocalist Brenna Whitaker and appeared in projects for Telemundo, Macy’s, and Mattel. Additionally, she has performed in Mexico alongside Sarah Reich and in Canada with Reverb Tap Company.
In 2024, Bella was named a YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Dance- one of the nation’s highest honors for emerging artists and performed as a soloist at the New World Center during National YoungArts Week. She is also a Grand Prize Winner in Dance for the prestigious Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight program, performing as a soloist at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Her honors also include the Laguna Dance Festival Young Artist Scholarship, recognized as a 2025 Orange County Register Artist of the Year Finalist, and is a alumna of Jacob’s Pillow- one of the world’s foremost tap dance training programs.
Over the years, Bella has frequently been invited to assist renowned tap dance educators at festivals, conventions, and studio master classes. Through these experiences, she has cultivated a deep love, understanding and passion for teaching and inspiring young dancers.
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