Derek Hartley

Tap

Derek Hartley, MA (Performing Arts), has been a professional tap dancer, choreographer and teacher since the early 1980’s. Derek has earned a glowing reputation for innovation and design, as reflected in his work for film, television, theatre, cabaret, festivals and dance academies globally.

Derek is an international authority on the perception, presentation and performance of tap dancing as a contemporary modern dance form. He pays tribute to the great performers of the past while continually explore the form's potential for the future – as demonstrated in the show, 'Tap 2000', which was performed at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London's West End in May 2000.

Derek is a leading lecturer in theatre arts, choreography and jazz and tap history, as well as a writer of original staged material for musical theatre, and values music as being the key to this special instrument of the body.

His tap classes at Pineapple are suitable for ages +12yrs with previous experience in tap; mature students with a tap dance history are particularly welcome.