Give dance a chance at nonprofit Tap Fever studios in Pacific Beach, implores owner Larisa Hall.
It’s been quite a metamorphosis for Hall, who previously worked in broadcast television in San Diego. She transitioned over completely to dance opening her first dance studio 12 years ago in April 2008.
“I’ve always danced since I was a kid — tap, ballet, and contemporary and hip hop when I got older,” said Hall, who was born with misshapen feet and used dance to help correct them. “Once I was an adult, I started subbing dance classes for other teachers. And then I realized I liked doing this.”
Looking around then, Hall said, “I noticed a lack of classes for adults, especially tap, I said, ‘Wow, there should be a tap studio in San Diego.’”
So she created one.
“I wanted a place that felt very homey and welcoming,” Hall said. “I created Tap Fever so there’s a place for everybody who wants to be able to dance.”
Tap Fever started out in La Jolla, then was on Turquoise Street in north PB before moving on to Garnet Avenue where patrons could more easily find parking, and it was also close to the freeway.
Hall said her youngest dance pupil is age 2 1/2 and her oldest students are in their 70s and 80s. “There are some people who have been dancing with us since we opened in 2008,” said Hall noting about half of her students are adults. “We have great programs for both kids and adults,” said Hall adding, “I’m excited about what we have to offer as far as tap goes. But I don’t want to shortchange the other programs we have. Our ballet program is fantastic. We have an adult ballet class as well.”
Tap Fever Studios provides accessible dance opportunities to people of all ages, with and without disabilities, empowering students to achieve their goals through the performing arts. The studio offers both one-on-one and small-group instruction.
Tap Fever is now in a former single-family home at 2146 Garnet Ave. Whether you’re a toddler, young child, a junior or an adult or senior, Tap Fever has a class to aid students in achieving their goals.
Tap Fever offers three, 16-week sessions throughout the year.
“Our big recital is April 25, and then we have a holiday show in December,” noted Hall.
What’s fun about teaching dance?
“Everything, even stuff like doing the website,” answered Hall. What’s challenging?
“I never thought I’d do a website, but now that I’ve done it — it’s fun,” Hall said. “The challenging part, as a nonprofit, is having the funds, getting the donations, to cover things.”
Added Hall, “The best part is just seeing how excited people get about class, about choreography and performing and the costumes. People tell me all the time, ‘Dance is their therapy.’ Even if they’re having a bad day, they feel better after they come and take a dance class.”
For more information, visit www.tapfever.com. Tap Fever Studios
Where: 2146 Garnet Ave.
Info: tapfever.com. 858-456-7301.