Missed Auditions?
Virtual auditions are available! Please see form below.
Questions about level placement? Email our Artistic Director, Tasha Lawson
Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble
Founded in 2012 by Tasha Lawson, Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble is a home for Calgary tap dancers to explore, create, and grow within the art form of tap dance.
We are a non-competitive program rooted in a collaborative, process-driven, and creatively nurturing environment. Our focus is on developing individual artistry, inspiring discipline, and fostering a deep respect for the history as an African American art form. We emphasize quality education and aim to equip dancers with the tools they need to pursue professional careers in the arts.
Ensemble dancers engage in the creation of new works, the study and preservation of historical repertoire, and the development of improvisational skills. Working with live musicians, dancers participate in community performances and full-length concert productions, building confidence and connection through performance.
We are passionate about building community. Dancers are regularly exposed to a diverse range of guest artists, including tap masters, musicians, body percussionists, choreographers, and movement artists from around the world. Additional travel opportunities allow dancers to broaden their experience, build technical and performance skills, and engage in meaningful collaborations with youth ensembles and tap communities across Canada and internationally.
Tri-Tone Company has performed at notable events and venues including:
NYC Festival, Third Coast Rhythm Project (San Antonio), Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Alberta Culture Days, Mayor’s Luncheon, Vancouver International Tap Festival, Toronto Rhythm Initiative, Calgary Board of Education, International Jazz Day, OC Tap Fest, Calgary’s Rhythm, Body, and Soul Tap Festival and at the Annual National Tap Day Concerts produced by Tri-Tone Productions.
We also offer self-directed mentorships for dancers with specific areas of interest, including the Tri-Tone Teacher Training Program.
Many of our students and alumni have continued on to professional careers and been accepted into prestigious programs, including Jacob’s Pillow Professional Advancement Tap Program & Escola Luthier Dansa (Barcelona).
To learn more please Contact: Tasha Lawson – Artistic Director
📧 tasha@tashalawson.com
“Despite the many changes that have occurred over past nine years of my life, the Tri-Tone community has continued to remain a constant and integral influence in my life. Tri-Tone has provided a space for education as well as safe exploration and expression within the art of tap dance. Working with this group has completely changed my view in how to approach challenges both within the dance studio, and in life outside dance. Tri-Tone has also introduced me to a larger community of likeminded tap dancers who also believe in an equal opportunity for everyone to express and to be heard”.
– Luke Stanich, Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble Alumni & Lawson Percussive Dance Arts Company Member
“I had the privilege of dancing under the direction of Tasha Lawson for four years. As a professional dancer, creator and performer, I am still realizing the immense impact her guidance has had on me. Tasha gave us opportunities and permission to open ourselves up creatively as growing individuals and allow for honest and real exchanges to happen. She has a remarkable ability to see the potential in every being and situation, gently guiding and pushing us to expand our creative boundaries in a safe and inviting space. Her lessons encouraged a supportive environment where I could develop myself as an individual dancer and also learn to negotiate sharing space with others. Allowing for ideas to be openly shared, I learned the value of listening to my own instincts while always being available to listen to others”.
– Penny Wendtlandt- STOMP CAST MEMBER- NYC
Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble is supported in part by:
