Press Releases

Algonquin Arts in Manasquan is collaborating with the Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers and The David Leonhardt Jazz Group to present Shore Dance from August 11-16, bringing Jersey Shore dancers and dance enthusiasts a week-long celebration of this art form.

Dancers ranging from ages nine to adult will participate in five full days of workshops from August 11-15 taught by members of the acclaimed Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers, well-known for powerful ensemble dancing and stunning solo work. Students will have the opportunity to expand their jazz and tap technique and explore improvisation and repertory. For rhythm, The David Leonhardt Jazz Group will provide a blend of mainstream and modern jazz music throughout the workshops. Tuition for the week of workshops is $295, or $95 for one day.

Highlights of the week include fundamental techniques of jazz and tap dance, rhythmic combinations from original Broadway productions, pieces of historic routines taught to Shelly Oliver by masters of tap and vaudeville, and much more. Dancers will be able to apply training learned here with other professional experiences to improve skills and gain different perspectives about their own creativity, and they will have fun while doing so.

Ending the week�s celebration of dance instruction is the combined performance of The Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers and The David Leonhardt Jazz Group on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 8 pm. They will perform pieces to offer a memorable Shore Dance experience.

Shelley Oliver, also founding member of Manhattan Tap, has over twenty years of professional experience with dance. As a Canadian born tap dancer, choreographer, and educator, Oliver brings life and color to her dances. She, as well as David Leonhardt, a professional pianist for over thirty-five years, has worked with notable artists like Savion Glover, Jimmy Slide, and Charles �Cookie� Cook. The David Leonhardt Jazz Group features a pianist, percussionist, and bass player that create a charming and sensuous tempo.

Other members of the workshop include Rebekkah Brown (Tap Technique, Improvisation, Repertory), Jenny Lynn Peters (Jazz Dance, Improvisation, Repertory), Alexandra Reekie (Jazz Dance, Improvisation), Christina Lindsay (Dance Intensive Intern), Matthew Parris (Bass-The David Leonhardt Jazz Group), and Paul Wells (Percussionist-The David Leonhardt Jazz Group).

Tickets prices for the August 16th performance of The Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers and The David Leonhardt Jazz Group are $29 for adults, $27 for seniors and students, and $20 for children under the age of 13. Students of Shore Dance can purchase tickets at the discounted rate of $20. Group rates are also available. To purchase tickets, call the Algonquin Arts Box Office at (732) 528-9211, fax (732) 528-3881, or visit online at www.algonquinarts.org. Algonquin Arts is located in downtown Manasquan at 173 Main Street.

Algonquin Arts was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit corporation to provide cultural enrichment and educational enhancement of the highest quality for the residents of New Jersey�s central region. Programming of Algonquin Arts is made possible as a result of the continued philanthropic support of private citizens and organizations such as New Jersey State Council on the Arts, OceanFirst Foundation, New Jersey Cultural Trust, Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, PNC Foundation, Manasquan Savings Bank, Woman�s Club of Brielle, Bank of America, Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation, Investors Savings Bank Charitable Fund, Verizon Foundation, Plangere Foundation, as well as many generous individuals and local businesses.