About

Hello Tappers and Future Tappers!

My name is Coco Klinkenberg and I’ve been teaching tap to adults, seniors and “super-seniors” since 2012. I have a B.A. in Dance Education from Arizona State University and a background in ballet, jazz and modern. But I came to tap late in life and I became addicted! I’m fortunate to say that all of my teachers have inspired me to absolutely love this art form and I am nearly bursting with enthusiasm for it and am most anxious to share what I know with you!

While I have taught classes for children and teens, my passion is teaching adults and seniors. Because I started late, I want to show you that you can, too!

I will teach you about:

  • Tap technique (the fundamentals)
  • Rhythms and musicality
  • Style
  • History
  • Tap Vocabulary
  • Basic music theory
  • Complete routines – this will include my own choreography as well as special choreography from my teachers and/or THEIR teachers

I hope you will come join us and experience the joys, the challenges and the rewards that only tap can bring to your life.

“There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them.”
--Vicki Baum

What People Have Said

  • When I finally retired from teaching tap, I didn't hesitate to turn my classes over to Coco because I knew she would continue my love for tap and had the talent to do so.

    —Bert Chan

  • Coco's patience, passion and professionalism turned this timid tapper into a tap fanatic. Now I practice daily, with joy and (sometimes) abandon. Tap is such a fun and rewarding way for us seniors to keep our bodies and our minds strong.

    —Paula Schwartz

  • Coco is a terrific teacher. She is enthusiastic and knowledgeable, passionate about tap dancing. She is always patient and encouraging. I love the music she uses in class, a mix of jazz and American Songbook classics. Her routines are tuned to the level of the students, and she incorporates steps from earlier tap dancers to keep the tradition going. I started tapping with her in my 60s and have learned a lot. Still looking forward to learning lots more with Coco. So much fun!!!

    —Joyce

  • After my husband died I started to take tap with Coco and I truly feel she saved me as I had something to focus on. Her patience, dedication and enthusiasm helped me focus on each step as I began to move forward in my life. Almost six years later I’m still at it!

    —Laurie D.

  • Coco is a patient and kind teacher and her dance floor is always welcoming no matter what level you are at. I look forward to my tap classes with Coco and find myself practicing her routines while cooking in my kitchen, standing in line at the market and even sitting in a chair.

    —Dominique

  • My favorite musicals have always involved dancing, especially tappers like Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis Jr., etc. So when I became a grandma, I said why not?! I began tapping at age 60 and am still doing it at the ripe OLD age of 90, with lovely, patient, non-judgemental, and did I say patient, Coco!!! So I say, go for it!!!

    —Sari E.

  • I always envied people who could tap. At 38, I decided it was my time. Over forty years later, I am still trying to tap and still having great fun. Coco is my inspiration. Thank you, Coco!

    —Nona