Meet the Faculty

Kazunori 'KAZ' Kumagai

Adv Beg/Intermediate Residency | Advanced Residency

'Kaz' is a 'True Tap Artist' (New York Times), who is always searching his expression through the sounds and the rhythm. At age 19, Kaz came to NY and trained in the the New York Shakespeare Festival Institute of tap 'Funk University' the training workshop for the big hit Broadway musical Bring in da' Noise, Bring in 'da Funk. Since then he has been performing and teaching all over the world. He is the recipient of numerous awards such as the 2016 Bessie Award 'Outstanding Performer,' 2014 Flo-Bert Award, and 2006 Dance Magazine '25 to Watch.' And in 2019, News Week Japan selected him as one of the '100 Most influential Japanese People in the World.' In 2008, he opened his first tap dance studio—KAZ TAP STUDIO—in Japan and has been trying to pass his knowledge and passion to next generation. Kaz recently appeared as a solo performer for the Tokyo Olympic 2020 Opening ceremony and he also choreographed and composed two songs for the ceremony.

Tracey Wilson

Adv Beg/Intermediate Residency

Tracey Wilson is arguably Sydney’s longest running open class tap dance teacher having been on the Sydney Dance Company faculty for over 20 years attracting a loyal following of students. Tracey has extensive tap training studying with tap greats such as; Germaine Salsberg, Randy Skinner, Honi Coles, Brenda Bufalino, Gregory Hines, Bettye Morrow, Jerry Ames and Will Gaines. Tracey describes her teaching style as Broadway rhythm tap - a blend of traditional Broadway with the rhythmic and syncopated style of the 'hoofers' from the 1920's and 30's Cotton Club era. Tracey Wilson’s musical theatre credits include: Billy Elliot the Musical at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney; In London’s West End she performed in FOLLIES, GIGI, The Ones That Got Away and Players Theatre – The Bills; UK performances include Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Guys and Dolls, Tutti Frutti and TILLY – the Musical. Tracey's television appearances in the UK and Australia include Doctor Who, Happy Birthday Shakespeare, The Bill, Top of the Pops, Children’s Royal Variety Performance, BAFTA Awards, TODAY show and Bert Newton’s Good Morning Australia. For the film, Stepping Out, Tracey dubbed the tap sounds for Liza Minnelli and Julie Walters, as choreographed by Danny Daniels.

Thomas Egan

Advanced Residency

Thomas is an Australian tap dancer, choreographer, educator, and creative. He is known for his ambitious tap dance productions and is sought out as a soloist performer. Thomas is a co-creator of "The Tap Pack," a production that has toured prestigious venues around the world, including the USA, The West End, The Sydney Opera House, Beijing, and Berlin. He has performed and choreographed in live events all around the world and additionally founded The Australian Tap Dance Company back home in Australia. Thomas has a truly diverse resume as a performer working with the likes of Tap Dogs, Fame The Musical, The Great Gatsby, Singing In The Rain, Kylie Minogue, X-Factor, and Australia’s Got Talent.

More faculty will be announced over the coming weeks, join the mailing list to get announcements in your inbox!