TEACHING

Dance education is a primary part of my artistry. I proudly count 27 years of cumulative work as a master dance educator in countless learning environments, from public school gyms to outdoor classrooms to universities. For ten years, I was the trailblazing studio director of Sound Space Performing Arts, the only urban dance conservatory of its kind in Philadelphia, with a principal focus on preserving and advancing percussive dance. It housed a children's program, an adult program, an artist residency program, and hosted performances, jams, master classes, community events and sliding-scale arts offerings in 19121.

Radical community access to arts education has been an important part of my educational work since the beginning and was a driving force behind Sound Space for my entire 10 years in business. For this work, I received a commendation from the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 2019. I am now focused on leading Philadelphia Youth Tap, a tap dance training program and performance ensemble that sustains the legacy of Philadelphia tap dance at Athletic Recreation Center in North Philadelphia. I am one of four teaching fellows in the Jacob’s Pillow Curriculum in Motion Institute and serve as community engagement teaching artist at the Pillow.

For those of you seeking an adult tap class:

In 2025, I am teaching two open class sessions a year, in Spring and Fall. 827 Glenside Ave is the location for Jenkintown Dance Arts studio.

This is my 22nd year teaching tap to adults! Here are the four main things that define your time with me in class:

1). My classes are open level on purpose.

2.) I work hard to create a space where we all lift each other in community. All of us can get it!

3). I plan the class so that there are multiple challenges, multiple group activities and multiple solo thinking moments, it’s a gathering for people who want to improve, improvise and work collaboratively.

4). I think any class about any topic should make you a better person when you leave it. My aim is that this class will do that for you.

Email pamelamh4@gmail.com with your interest.