From shaking in my shoes at the audition to flapping my way into the spotlight, Ellie has opened my eyes and ears to the wonderful art of Tap dancing. Always kind, always tough, Ellie has ushered a group of newcomers into the world of 42nd Street with professionalism, clarity, and charm. I am so grateful that I got to learn a few steps from this amazing artist. – Troy Mullin, student – Central Michigan University

You’re an amazing and exuberant teacher and your passion truly shines! Thanks for all that I’ve learned. Mostly, thanks for the reminder to listen to all that exists in the spaces between the notes. –Lisa, student -Evergreen, Colorado

Ellie brings so much energy and life to her teaching. Most of our students had never tapped before and she had them feeling confident and energized in no time. They accomplished more in one week than they could’ve imagined. I think all of our students came away with a new appreciation for Tap as a true art form. We can’t wait to have her back!! –Judy Harrison, Instructor, Musical Theatre Dance –Interlochen Arts Academy

I have watched her wonderful project Taps are Talking:Women in Tap grow and expand. Each performance along the way has reflected the beauty of our form and the intensity of its many messages, benefiting our community in so many ways – artistically, spiritually, and politically. The excellent quality of vision and expertise that Ellie brings to her work certainly deserves support. –Brenda Bufalino, Tap Dancer/Choreographer –New York City

I enjoyed the class so much. You inspire confidence in this returning tapper (30 year absence!) & inject joy into learning. Thanks. I will be back.  –Gillian, student -Loveland, Colorado

Ellie herself expresses an abundance of joy and courage when she dances, she also creates an amazing sense of connection and unity with the other dancers on stage. Studying tap with her, I can now say that she is one of those rare artists who not only is a master at her art form, but is also a master teacher. With unwavering energy, humor and joy, she weaves incredible imagery and stories into her work. –Jeannine, student –Boulder, Colorado

We have a vigorous, challenging, curriculum and program in the Theatre Arts Division. Last year, I had the pleasure of working with guest artist, Ellie Sciarra, who was invited to teach and choreograph a tap dancing number in my Musical Theatre class, “I’ve Got Rhythm” from Crazy for You. Ellie has enormous talent as a tap dancer and choreographer, and I was thrilled with her work and with the final product. She has many skills and work habits which make her a valuable teacher for young people. –Robin Ellis, Instructor of Theatre –Interlochen Arts Academy

You will never know the impact you have had on me as a tapper and as a teacher. The energy and enthusiasm you bring to your classes are inspiring. The way you impart your knowledge of the history of tap, along with your incredible technique, to your students are wonderful examples of what good teaching really is. As you know I would cross mountains to take one of your classes and hope to do so again soon.
–Maggie Dennis, Artistic Director –The Dance Extension, Connecticut

Ellie Sciarra is much more than just a tap teacher. She teaches her students that art is sacred, and personal expression can be a source of joy. Using tap as a medium, Ellie teaches vitality, inspiration, freedom and sensitivity. The students at my school learned to work together, become aware of their own power and how to blend their strength with others. My students gained confidence, developed rhythm and coordination, and fell in love with Ellie’s exciting style of tap. When they finished her class they exclaimed, “We love tap! 
–Kieffer Denning, Director of Theater –Alexander Dawson School, Colorado

Ellie reawakened in me a new passion for tap dance!I had been tap dancing for a few years and had gotten to a point where I felt I wasn’t advancing as much as I wanted.Then I found Tap with Ellie through the Internet. I think it was fate or karma or some kind of energy that drew me to her because after the first class, I was hooked!

It was an intermediate class and I was missing steps (more than) half the time, but I felt so invigorated and excited and just so ALIVE! Even when I was tired or stressed, tap class just picked me right up again.Ellie gave me a whole new way to understand tap dancing and how the movement should flow through my body and engage my body. She really goes the extra mile when it comes to teaching. She even found me awesome tap shoes! –Kendra Gotangco Castillo, student –Philippines

Ellie shines as a teacher. Her students love their classes, and Ellie challenges students to push themselves but also brings a lot of heart to the learning environment. She laughs, she smiles, she encourages, she demands, she shares philosophies of life – all in a spirit of connection. She brings this same approach to her choreography. Her dances are complex, fun, serious, demanding, exuberant, and expressive. As a nationally known tap artist, Ellie has devoted her artistic career to a form of dance that has not always been prominent in public appeal. But Ellie has stayed true to her vision and love of tap, and as a fellow artist I admire her greatly for not following popular trends but listening to her inner calling. –Annette Thornton, Ph.D., Director of Music Theater, Central Michigan University