BARBARA PHILLIPS
Program Director, Instructor
Dancer, teacher, choreographer and producer, Barbara is the founder and director of Third Coast Rhythm Project, now celebrating their 22nd season. She has appeared as a guest artist with Especially Tap Chicago, Soul to Sole Festival in Austin, “Everything on Tap” in Dallas, Hoofin Ground Festival in Charlotte, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Rhythm World Summer Festival, “The Legacy Tap Project”, Rhythm Body and Soul in Calgary, AB, and in the live concert series of “JUBA” Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance with Mr. Lane Alexander.
Barbara is artistic director of R.P.M. ( Rhythm.Percussion.Motion ) Youth Tap Ensemble, teaches and heads the tap program at Third Coast Rhythm Project’s Studio in San Antonio, and teaches as a faculty member and guest artist in both public and private dance institutions. She is the producer and artistic director of Third Coast Rhythm Project’s Annual Summer International Tap Festival, bringing together world class artists and musicians to San Antonio in a rhythm packed 4 day educational program.
Barbara is dedicated to sharing the joy of tap dancing with the adult community, passing it on to the next generation, mentoring young dancers through accessible programming, scholarship opportunities, community outreach, concert performances and collaborations within the extended dance community.
Barbara was recognized by San Antonio Women magazine as San Antonio’s first lady of tap, is the recipient of the 2009 Texas Tap Legend award by the Dallas Dance Council for her contribution to the art form, artistic and educational achievement and service to the tap community, and honored at Space City Tap Fest for her outstanding contribution to the Texas Tap Community.
RACHEL HAMM
Instructor
Rachel began dancing at the age of 3. She is trained in tap, musical theater, jazz, ballet and modern dance. During her preteen and teenage years, she was a member of Raskin Dance Company, a pre-professional dance company located in Central Florida. After relocating to San Antonio, Rachel began studying at Third Coast Rhythm Project and finds tap dancing to be both a physical and mental work out. She has performed at Third Coast Rhythm Project’s Festival Showcase, and National Tap Dance Day at the Carver Community Cultural Center. She has been described as “the personification of a smile and a giggle, and brings this energy and enthusiasm to her teaching and dancing. We are excited that she is joining our faculty.