Class to be Taught by Three Nationally Renowned Instructors

Live Oak Conservatory is proud to announce that it will conduct a Tap Master Class at the Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34601 on January 19 from 1 pm to 4 pm. The Tap Master Class will also include a tap demonstration and showcase by Jane Goldberg and Friends at 7 pm. Students will participate in the finale. The cost is only $25 per student and it is open to all ages.

To register, call the box office at 352-593-0027 or email liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com.

The Tap Master Class will include three separate classes for all levels of tap skills ranging from beginner to professional. Students will be taught by the legendary Jane Goldberg as well as well-known instructor and long-time associate Sarah Safford, and local celebrity artist Ashlyn Bolton.

The “Jane Goldberg & Friends Tap Showcase” will be performed at 7 pm at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center for the Arts. Admission for those who are not participating in the master class is only $15.

About Jane Goldberg

Jane Goldberg is a “rara avis” – a dancer who is also a writer. She has been one of the most prolific voices in the field of tap dancing for the last three decades. She was a good friend of the late Gregory Hines, the actor/singer/tap dancer. She is also regarded as his official chronicler.

In the 1980s Goldberg apprenticed herself to many old classic hoofers while at the same time interviewing and documenting their work. She was best known for teaching students in her Bleeker Street basement, including master choreographer, singer, writer Meredith Monk. Over the years her universal appeal attracted Japanese scholars, doctors, lawyers and “closet hoofers” to Goldberg’s underground quarters.

An artistic director of Changing Times Tap, a non-profit preservation, promotion and performing entity, Goldberg taught also at New York University and has given workshops and master classes to college and serious dance students. Her acclaimed memoir, Shoot Me While I’m Happy:  Memories from the Tap Goddess of the Lower East Side with an introduction by Gregory Hines, will be available for purchase along with a bonus DVD.

Some of Jane’s archives reside at the New York Public Library’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Gregory Hines Collection.

Known as “the hoofer with angst” Goldberg has performed her comedy/tap act, rhythm and schmooze, topical tap with running commentary over the feet in countless jazz, contemporary and experimental venues throughout the United States.

About Sarah Safford

Sarah Safford is a rhythm tap dancer, choreographer and songwriter who was part of the tap revival in the 1980s, which brought women to the foreground. She connected with Jane Goldberg pioneering tap in the 80s and joined Jane Goldberg’s changing times That Tap Company cowriting and appearing in such shows as The Depression’s Back and So is Tap and The Tapping Talk Show and Shoot Me While I’m Happy.

About Ashlyn Bolton

Ashlyn Bolton is a local (Brooksville artist) known nationally for her work, both teaching and performing. Patel Conservatory trained since the age of 7, Ashlyn has traveled extensively to further her training, including training with the Rockettes by invitation. She has choreographed and performed in two music videos and has film and television credits. She is the director of the Rhythm & Soul Tap Ensemble.

About Live Oak Theatre Company (LOT)

Live Oak Theatre Company (LOT) is a not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) company, located at 21030 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, FL 34601.  The Live Oak Theatre Company exists to enrich families, individuals and the community by providing positive artistic experiences in the Performing Arts – including excellent, affordable, and edifying family friendly entertainment, performance, and educational opportunities for Theatre patrons and participants of all ages.

For more information about the Live Oak Theatre Company, including sponsorship and audition opportunities, call 352-593-0027, email  liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com , or go to www.LiveOakTheatre.org.   Visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LiveOakTheatre.