Artistic Director - Paula Skimin

Recently dubbed by CBC’s national television arts program, ZeD as ‘Toronto’s leading authority on tap dancing’, Paula Skimin brings years of study to her craft. This dancer, choregrapher and teacher has studied with world-class New York based tap dancers such as Dr. James ‘Buster’ Brown, Brenda Bufalino and Heather Cornell.

She has worked in New York with the prestigious Manhattan Tap, in Michigan with Sole Full of Rhythm, and in Ohio with Rhythm in Motion.

Ms. Skimin has developed her own Toronto-based tap company Turn On The Tap, and as Artistic Director has mounted three full scale tap productions. Two Women Who Tap, Shifafa, and A Tribute to Gregory Hines all featured live music blended with Ms. Skimin’s unique choreography. Shifafa with it’s original musical score premiered November 2002 at Toronto’s Poor Alex Theatre.


In addition to her work with Turn On The Tap, Paula is also an innovative and energetic teacher. Her teaching has reached dancers throughout Canada and the U.S. She currently is affiliated with Learning Through the Arts, a wonderful teaching program offered through The Royal Conservatory of Music. Paula has also developed her own program for schools called "Turn on the Tap to Learning" A dynamic program designed to bring rhythm, song, and dance into schools and the classroom.

Paula’s deep understanding of the history of tap coupled with her great technical ability and genuine emotional expression gives her audiences and students a joyful experience they will never forget!
 

"With Paula... the faculty has one of the most exceptional training programs offered anywhere in the city."

Jacque Foesier
Etobicoke School of Dance.