Who We Are
Our mission as a studio is to bring the art of tap dance to the community at its most authentic level, providing a complete foundation of fundamentals to our dancers while ultimately empowering each individual to develop their personal style as an artist. From Broadway and classical styles to hoofing and rhythm tap, we aim to honor the history and culture of tap dance in our program by teaching students about its roots in tandem with technique and foundational skills. At Alley Kats, we strongly believe that dance is for everyone, regardless of age or level of experience, and place the highest priority on providing professional instruction in an environment that is positive and welcoming for all.
Our Story
Originally an experiment to reinvigorate and reestablish tap as its own culture in Albuquerque, Luke A. Loffelmacher started to form Alley Kats in 2000 as a series of tap jams among dancers in the local community. Despite a renaissance of interest in the U.S. in the 1980’s and 90’s, over time tap saw itself taking on a supporting role in dance education as a secondary or tertiary “staple” of ballet and jazz programs, rather than as its own discipline and art form. The motivation of Alley Kats was born of a desire bring tap back to its fundamentals and the original spirit of its own history and culture, and to preserve the authentic movement, soul, and rhythm of this American dance genre.
Alley Kats Tap Company was officially established in 2010 as opportunities and participation continued to grow and its goals began to expand. Fundraising and community outreach shows for local and international aid became the backbone of AKTC’s early years, providing both professional and semi-professional performance opportunities for local artists and sharing the love of music and dance across New Mexico.
Over time, Alley Kats added a deeper focus to developing the skills and artistry of its company members with exclusive AKTC performances alongside its larger benefit shows. These company performances included live music from the Alley Kats Jazz Ensemble, call and response, and original choreography aiming to embody traditional tap essences and create authentic experiences of tap for audiences. In 2015, performances of original shows Felidae and The Dance Collective were established as semi-annual staples of Alley Kats Tap Company and continue to be performed today.
By 2018, interest in classes and workshops had increased significantly. Seizing the opportunity, Luke obtained a studio space and began teaching tap full time, expanding AKTC into Alley Kats Tap Studio & Company. Today, Alley Kats is proud to offer one of the most comprehensive adult tap programs in New Mexico, continuing its mission to make a positive impact within the community and add strength to the enduring legacy of tap dance through generations of students and audiences.
From the very first tap jams to tomorrow’s classes at the studio, we thank you for sharing the love of tap dance with us year after year and keeping the arts alive in the Land of Enchantment.
