Knock On Wood LogoKnock On Wood News
Tidbits for Tappers
August 2010
IN THIS ISSUE
-Knock On Wood Studio News
-Letter from Board of Directors
CALENDAR

August 23
Deadline for Early Registration
(Fall Session)


August 28
Performance Workshop Preview Class & Party

September 13
KOW Fall Session Begins
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KNOCK ON WOOD Studio News
FALL SESSIONKnock On Wood Tap Party (13-Weeks):
Sept. 13 - Dec. 11
We're gearing up for an exciting new season of TapHappiness at Knock On Wood. Be sure to visit our website for the full fall schedule. Sign up by August 23 and receive a $5 discount on your fall tuition.   

Help Wanted: Receptionist/Administrative Assistant
Knock On Wood Tap Studio is seeking a part-time Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. The person in this position will welcome students and guests, answer the phone and assist the Studio Manager with administrative duties. If you are great with computers and have a creative mind, we'd love to have you join our family! Please email your resume to [email protected].

Rent Studio Space at KOW

Do you know someone who wants to rent studio space? Have them email us at [email protected] for more information.

Announcing the KOW Performance Workshop Class
The KOW Performance Workshop class is for students invited by studio staff to participate in a repertory and performance technique based group. Invited students must have completed at least one semester of level two tap classes and be between the ages of 8-11. Students are challenged in higher level technique, other genres of dance, and performance technique and readiness. If you're interested in joining this group, please join us for the Performance Workshop Preview Class and Party on Saturday, August 28, 2010. For more detailed information and questions please contact Leanne Regan at [email protected].

Interested in private lessons? Need a gift for your favorite tap dancer? Our talented KOW faculty members offer private lessons to enhance your tap skills. Contact us for more information.
A Message from the Board of Directors
Tappers With Attitude, Inc.The Board of Directors of Tappers With Attitude, Inc. has launched two major giving campaigns in order to keep our doors open for the Fall semester and beyond. Please read our letter, included in this edition of Tidbits for Tappers, and look for an e-mail from one of our KOW parents, Joan Meier, about a very generous challenge she and her husband, Jerry Silverman, have initiated on our behalf. We invite you to share these opportunities with your network of tap fans, too. However you give, in whatever amount, will be greatly appreciated!

* * * * *

Dear Friends of Tappers With Attitude, Inc.,

Each year, usually in the fall, we write to you to ask for your financial support of Tappers With Attitude, Inc., and specifically Tappers With Attitude Youth Ensemble and Knock On Wood Tap Studio. Your donations, along with grant funding and student tuition, have allowed us to fulfill our mission: "To preserve and promote the uniquely American art of tap dance through dance education and performance opportunities for participants of all ages and abilities in the Washington, DC metropolitan area" for an amazing, award-winning, life-changing 19 years.  

For all of these years, the organization has remained alive and vibrant due to the love and dedication of our Directors, Board Members, Youth Ensemble families, Knock On Wood staff, teachers and students, and audiences, but right now, this is just not enough. When we shared the news in April that our beloved Tappers With Attitude Youth Ensemble was placed on hiatus, the outcry was significant. We asked for money at that time, in our Tidbits for Tappers online newsletter, at our KOW Showcase and at the two final TWA concerts in June. While we received a few much-appreciated donations, we need even more.  

This, our friends, is our last-ditch effort to tell you that the doors to the studio will have to close by the end of the summer if we are not well on our way to raising a minimum of $50,000.00.  

Of course, if you make a donation, you should know how it will be used. Specifically, our rent is a considerable portion of our expenses. We will receive $13,000 from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County to fund half a year of a studio manager, but we need to fund that position for the entire year. We desperately need to hire an Executive Director if the organization is to survive. A volunteer Board of Directors cannot plan and carry out the day-to-day functions that are required to not only run the organization, but to keep it viable for the future. If there is to be any organization of a youth performing group in the future, separate funding for that effort, including artistic direction, is crucial.

Many people have asked if we have reached out to other similar organizations for partnerships, space rentals, etc. The answer is YES, we have, and we continue to explore these possibilities but the solution is not apparent as of yet. Others have questioned whether we have applied for grants, looked at online social networking opportunities, and approached the business community. The answer is YES, we have explored or are in the process of exploring all of these solutions and more. Many people have come forward to help with these efforts and we very deeply appreciate the time and expertise that they are sharing even as we write this appeal letter to you.  

We don't think we can be any more explicit about this, so PLEASE, if you do not want to see Knock On Wood Tap Studio - the ONLY exclusively tap studio in town - close its doors this fall, then PLEASE send your tax deductible donation NOW. Any amount will help, any connections you have will be welcome. If we do not meet our goal by August 31st, we will return your money. Donate online at www.tapperswithattitude.org or send contributions to our studio address (8700 Georgia Ave., Suite B, Silver Spring, MD 20910).

If you have any questions please email us at [email protected].

Tappers With AttitudeJoin the Washington DC Metro Tap e-group to receive notices on master classes, performances, workshops, studio events, etc. from local hoofers like yourself. Anyone can join and post local DC tap events. This is a moderated listserve, so the info you receive will be up-to-date and of interest to local tappers. Click here to sign up, or go to our website anytime

DanceMetroDC logoKnock On Wood appreciates the work of Dance/MetroDC in its efforts to unite and support the DC area's dance community. Dance/MetroDC is the only comprehensive source for dance performances, events, master classes, workshops, jobs, auditions and more in the DC metro area. Visit their website to enroll in DancePass, DancePass Pro, or DancePassKid and get terrific discounts to dance events, or to subscribe to their terrific eNewsletter.
Knock On Wood Tap Studio
8700 Georgia Ave., Suite B
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-495-0395

Our programs are sponsored in part by funding from the
Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County,
The Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation,
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation, and  the Dallas Morse Coors Foundation.

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