Tap Labs
Mentorships Making a Difference through Lab
The Woodshed Experience is proud to present Tap Labs in August of 2026!
What It Is
Two to three choreographers will be selected to create up to three original works during The Show Lab:
Piece 1: Large group work (10–20 dancers)
Piece 2: Small group work (3–5 dancers)
Piece 3: Solo work
Each choreographer may create one or multiple pieces, depending on the final structure of the lab.
What You Need to Apply
Applicants must submit a choreographic proposal that includes:
A written description of the work
Song choice
Number of dancers
Why this piece is meaningful and important to you
A short video sample showing a portion of the choreography
What You Get Out of It
One-on-one mentorship throughout the choreographic process with Derick Grant
The opportunity to set work on high-level tap dancers attending Woodshed
Your choreography fully produced and presented in Woodshed’s inaugural performance:
“Rhythmic Shifts” on Saturday, August 8, 2026Specifically
Students will be guided along the process with Derick Grant in aspects such as:
leadership
time management
clarity in articulating ideas and directions
handling tough conversations
how to manage stress in a position of leadership
how to get the most out of the dancers in the space
ability to let go of initial ideas and adapt to change in your choreographic vision
seeing your work on stage and what comes along with that vulnerability
Recap
The Show Lab is ideal for choreographers looking to push their artistic voice, refine their process, and present new work in a professional performance setting—all while being supported by mentorship, collaboration, and the creative energy of Woodshed.
Through this experience you will reap tools and wisdom for your future choreographic/leadership/teaching ventures while while learning more about yourself, your strengths, and your blocks or limiting beliefs. Resulting in a wider view of all the components that go into a successful creation process and final product.
The Show Lab
The Show Lab at Woodshed Experience 2026
The Show Lab is an immersive choreographic opportunity designed for emerging and established tap choreographers who want to develop new work in a supportive, high-level artistic environment at Woodshed Experience 2026.
Mentored by Derick Grant
The Ensemble Lab
The Ensemble Lab at Woodshed Experience 2026
Focused on the artistry and responsibility of ensemble work, The Ensemble Lab guides dancers through the process of functioning within a collaborative group setting. Emphasis is placed on health and wellness, communication, and teamwork as essential components of professional ensemble work.
Mentored by Elizabeth Burke
What It Is
Participants will perform choreography created through the Show Lab process and will appear in multiple works presented in Woodshed’s first-ever performance, Rhythmic Shifts, on August 8, 2026. Dancers will explore contemporary tap ensembles from around the world, discovering what this type of work looks like in today’s professional tap landscape.
Throughout the week, dancers will learn the importance of each individual within an ensemble and how those roles interweave to create a cohesive, polished product and a supportive professional environment. Ensemble members will perform multiple pieces in Rhythmic Shifts and gain firsthand experience in pre-professional rehearsal and performance processes.
What You Need to Apply
All applicants must submit the Woodshed online application that includes:
A letter of intent
A short video sample showing technique and musicality
A recommendation letter from a teacher/mentor (only for first time attendees)
What You Get Out of It
Dancers will work closely with Elizabeth Burke and Derick Grant throughout the lab.
Specifically
Students will be guided along the process with Elizabeth in aspects such as:
adaptability to choreography/style
co-existing with dancers
how you choose to show up in the space in times of stress and frustration
what input is and isn’t valid as an ensemble dancer
the benefits of warming up and cooling down
the various roles that exist in ensemble work (dance captain, swing, understudy)
ability to take direction
putting the work first over the ego and seeing when and how the ego may show up
Recap
The Ensemble Lab offers a unique opportunity for dancers to engage in pre-professional ensemble work within an encouraging, artist-driven environment while learning to navigate the complexities of collaboration.
Through this experience you will glimpse into the professional process of being an ensemble dancer. You will discover where your strengths lie and where you find challenges, and will witness the various layers of what it takes to have success in your role as an ensemble dancer and how that carries over to the success of the entire project.
Mentored by Anthony MorigeratoKeys & Taps Lab
Keys & Taps Lab at Woodshed Experience 2026
The Keys & Taps Lab This lab explores the dynamic relationship between tap dance and live jazz music. Dancers will collaborate directly with professional musician Peter Rioux to craft original arrangements for solos, duets, and trios, deepening their understanding of musicality, structure, and improvisation.
What It Is
While working directly with Anthony and Peter, dancers will create original arrangements based on established jazz standards. These pieces will be presented at the end of the week as solos, duets, or trios at the discretion of the director. This is an immersive dive into the relationship of jazz music and tap dance within a supportive, high-level artistic environment at Woodshed Experience 2026.
What You Need to Apply
All applicants must submit the Woodshed online application that includes:
A letter of intent
A short video sample showing technique and musicality
A recommendation letter from a teacher/mentor (only for first time attendees)
Keys & Taps applicants will need to have a firm grasp of jazz structures and musicality
What You Get Out of It
Dancers will work closely with Anthony Morigerato and Peter Rioux throughout the lab.
Specifically
Development of listening skills and processing music
Translating choreographic ideas/dance into musical ideas
Discover the difference between supporting and soloing
Develop skills in music arranging
Explore the concept that the artistic process is a collaborative process
Develop ideas with discipline adjacent to tap dancing
Use improvised and choreographed ideas to help express musical ideas
Develop a vocabulary to express your musical ideas
Recap
Through the Keys and Taps Lab, Anthony and students will spend time with the concept of, "delving deeply into what makes music, music”. Dancers will learn the unique ins and outs of collaborating with jazz musicians, the structures needed, and the tools necessary to create alongside a live band. Participants in the Keys & Tap Lab will present works at “Rhythmic Shifts” on August 8, 2026, Woodshed’s inaugural show!
Mentored by Malana MurphyTeaching Lab
Teaching Lab at Woodshed Experience 2026
The Teaching Lab Based on decades of teaching experience, dancers will be guided through the processes of class curriculum, basics of choreography, and navigating the private and public opportunities of tap education.
What It Is
The Teaching Lab was created for dancers interested in teaching tap dance and tap specific program development. This lab focuses on building age-appropriate curriculum, strengthening leadership skills, and expanding educational tools for tap programs. While working directly with Malana, participants will also receive guidance from experienced professionals through virtual mentorship sessions. This process will allow tap dancers to dive deep within the process of creating programs that will encourage educators to constantly evolve and improve upon their techniques in understanding their students and the unique learning styles of each dancer. within a supportive, high-level artistic environment at Woodshed Experience 2026.
What You Need to Apply
All applicants must submit the Woodshed online application that includes:
A letter of intent
A short video sample showing technique and musicality
A recommendation letter from a teacher/mentor (only for first time attendees)
What You Get Out of It
Dancers will walk away with their own curriculum that they created with the help and guidance of Malana as well as numerous teaching professionals and specific tools that will serve them going forward.