Six months ago we could not imagine that we'd be able to write you this letter. The doors at 8700 Georgia Avenue had closed, the keys returned and the floors placed in storage until we could figure out what to do with them. Our search for new studio space kept coming up with the same answer...too expensive.

Then one day, Ms. 

Yvonne called us all with tempered excitement, noting that she had looked at a space in Takoma Park - in fact the EXACT space in which Knock On Wood began almost 17 years ago. A few of us looked at it but it was small and needed a lot of work. We weren't optimistic. A month or so later, Ms. Yvonne called again, with a bit more urgency, stating that a larger space had opened up in the same building and it was move-in ready, with 3 studios and an office. We met at the space once, then twice, then with the landlord, and then one more time, and in August we took a very cautiously calculated risk and signed a lease. Knock On Wood Tap Studio opened its doors for the third time in our history, and the 2^nd time at 6925 Willow Street in Takoma Park!

The first thing we did was get all of our fantastic teachers back on board. We moved the floors out of storage, did a quick clean-up and a little painting, set up a schedule, put it out on the website and cheered with each registration that came in. We are delighted to report that we are acquiring new students all the time, and many former tappers are coming back to the art. We're now into session 2 and planning all the way through to a Spring showcase, just like old times! We're also very excited and proud to say that Capitol Tap, the youth ensemble under the inspiring leadership of Lisa Swenton-Eppard and Baakari Wilder, will be making their home at KOW in January.

But we have a long way to go.

With the exception of the remainder of a scholarship grant from the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation, we have no grant support. Our entire operation is being run by volunteer board members who all have other full-time commitments. Registrations are covering the rent, but we desperately need more revenue, and right now, we need it from you.

If Knock On Wood/Tappers With Attitude, Inc. holds a special place in your heart, we hope that you will consider making a tax deductible donation this year so that the legacy of Knock On Wood Tap Studio and the art of rhythm tap can live on for the current and future generations. We all know that there is no place quite like KOW, and with your support, this place will be able to survive and thrive for many years to come.

Please donate either online, or write a check made out to Tappers With Attitude, Inc., and mail it to:

            Knock On Wood Tap Studio

            6925 Willow Street NW, Suite 101

            Washington, DC 20012

From the bottom of our tap shoes, we appreciate your support.

The Board of Directors, Tappers With Attitude, Inc./Knock On Wood Tap Studio

Yvonne Edwards, Founder

Ruth Silverstein, President

Michael Lutzky, Vice President

Dana Bynum, Treasurer

Penny Passikoff, Secretary

Kindra Ingram

Kisha Logan

Debbie Grossman

Michael Heimowitz