Chicago Dance Supply

Chicago Dance Teachers: Mark Yonally, Tap

I'm late and I'm dragging my 4 1/2 year old and 1 1/2 year old children into the dance studio. They are already well into their regular warm up. Mark Yonally becons me into the classroom. "She's welcome any time", he says gesturing to my toddler who is sitting comfortably on the floor putting on her tap shoes. His manner is easy but he expects a lot from his class. They are up to the challenge. "What piece of music is this?" It's on the tips of their tounges. He hints and teases. "You should know this!" My toddler is fascinated and makes some noise. It's not just a tap class, it's also a music lesson and later, a history lesson. This week he talks about the Shim Sham. (I come to realize that it's not just a step, but an entire dance.) His students are sweating and satisfied at the end of class. I got a chance to learn more about Mark via email:

Q. Where and what do you teach?
A. I teach at the Joel Hall Dance Center (right across the street from Chicago Dance Supply!) on Saturday evening and Sunday early afternoon, Giordano Jazz Dance on Monday evening, McDonald's School of Dance on Tuesdays, and Talent Forum on Thursday.  All of the classes are tap and the levels vary.  For more information please call (773)-655-1175

Q. Why you chose tap (or visa versa)?
A. Tap dance chose me.  I am a jazz music fanatic and tap is the closest approximation to being a jazz musician.  I also fell in love with the people involved in tap dance, who tend to be open minded, diverse and rhythmic.

Q. Who should take your class?
A. My classes are open to everyone who wants to experience rhythm and music through the body!

Q. What do you need to take your class?
A. Your tap shoes and a sense of humour.

Q. What is your teaching philosophy?
A. Technique is the basis of all dance, including tap.  If you learn from the inside out how the body should move it liberates you to try new steps and ideas on your own.  Also, a dance teacher has a responsibility to make sure they create 3-dimensional artists, with a thorough grounding in technique, theory and history.

What his students say:

Mark's class is very authentic and innovative--Beverly Pidgeon

I love Mark's energy. His enthusiasm is contageous!--Catherine Morgan

...Love his energy, his creative approach to teaching and his welcome to people of all levels--Stacie Strong

 

more about Mark Yonally and the Chicago Tap Theatre

1/15/06

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