Andrew Nemr – VanTap Artistic and Executive Director
Mentored by Gregory Hines, Andrew Nemr is considered one of the most diverse tap dance artists today. An international performer, choreographer, educator and speaker, Andrew’s work explores tap dance as a vehicle for storytelling and community building. He has played with Grammy Award winning musicians across multiple genres, founded and directed the tap dance company Cats Paying Dues, and co-founded the Tap Legacy™ Foundation, Inc. (along with Hines).
“A masterly tapper” (New York Times), Nemr’s work has been recognized with a TED Fellowship, grants from the National Endowment for the Arts American Masterpieces: Dance Initiative and the CUNY Dance Initiative, a FloBert Award for Tap Dance Excellence, and residencies with Quarterly Arts Soiree at Webster Hall, BRICLab, More Art’s Engaging Artists program, Surel’s Place, and TED. Nemr is recorded on the Grammy nominated recording Itsbynne Reel by Dave Eggar, the DVD Documentary and companion album Tuesdays at Mona’s by Mona’s Hot Four, and narrates the DanceTime Publications DVD, Tap Dance History: From Vaudeville to Film. An avid public speaker, Nemr now uses the story of his journey and the craft of tap dance to speak on ideas of identity, community, faith, and love.
Anna Dueck – VanTap Academy Director
Born in Calgary, Alberta Anna graduated from the School for the Contemporary Arts at Simon Fraser University with a BFA in Dance. Growing up, she trained in multiple styles at an extensive arts program in her high school and for 10 years as a competitive dancer in jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, pointe and hip hop. Currently, she is the Academy Manager for Vancouver Tap Dance Society and assistant to Ralph Escamillan, a Vancouver contemporary and vogueing artist. Previously Anna worked in the marketing, outreach, membership and development areas of The Dance Centre for over 3 years.
She is a dance teacher throughout the lower mainland, currently teaching at the Jewish Community Centre, UBC Dance Horizons and as a Barre Instructor for The Sweat Lab NVR. Previously she taught at iDance Studios, Baza Dance Studios, Roundhouse Community Centre, Renfrew Park Community Centre and UBC Wesbrook Community Centre. Anna most recently taught at workshops in Calgary, AB and Sidney, BC and emceed a dance competition in North Battleford, Sask. Alongside her love for dance, Anna is a Kitchen Host at Cook Culture as well as creating for her food and travel blog.
Her performance repertoire includes working with Crystal Pite, Gioconda Barbuto, Rob Kitsos, Gail Lotenberg, Amber Funk Barton, and as a Baroque dancer for the Historical Performance Ensemble. Anna has a passion for dance because of the mental and physical benefits it provides for everyone. Using athleticism and artistry, the two combine to create moments expressing emotion, creativity and passion.
Kristina Linden – TapCo Artistic Director
Born and raised in Vancouver, Kristina began performing at a young age and soon developed a passion for the stage. She was seen as a principle tap dancer in the Opening Ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics and has been an opening act for American recording artist, Mya. Her television credits include: The X-Files, Hellcats, Once Upon a Time, and Psych. Theatre credits include: Graziella in West Side Story (Vancouver Playhouse – Troy McLaughlin’s Dance Works), Singin’ in the Rain (Tuts), Anything Goes (Metro), 42nd Street (RCMT), featured tap dancer in the Vancouver Spring Show (Queen Elizabeth Theatre) and the Orpheum Theatre’s 90th Anniversary Celebration. Kristina is currently the Artistic Director of TapCo, a company based out of the Vancouver Tap Dance Society and has been a faculty member for the Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival. She also runs the tap and musical theatre programs at Poirier Productions under the Artistic Direction of Rachael Poirier. Having performed extensively all over the world and having studied education in University, Kristina is a passionate dancer, choreographer, and teacher who shares her love for performing and creating every chance she gets.