The Tap department’s new chair, Melinda Sullivan, brings a diverse history of experience as an educator, performer, and choreographer, and a passion for tap as a dance form, its unique musicality, and artistic possibilities.
For the past 15 years, Melinda Sullivan has instructed Colburn Youth Dance and adult students in the technique and artistry of tap dancing as a member of the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute faculty under the direction of Tap Chair Denise Scheerer. At the end of the spring semester, Scheerer decided to step down from her role as Chair while continuing to lead the Community School’s Musical Theatre program. With her deep connection to Colburn and years of collaboration with Scheerer, Sullivan was able to step into the role of Tap Chair without missing a beat.
“Melinda brings a lot of energy and exciting ideas. However, one of the things I love about Melinda is the importance she places on retaining the tradition and history of tap. I think we’ll have a great mix of preserving the dance style and new creative ideas,” says Janie Taylor, Trudl Zipper Dance Institute artistic director.
“Colburn has given me the opportunity to grow as both an educator and an artist, and it is a privilege to work with such extraordinary students and colleagues. I am especially grateful to Denise Scheerer, whose leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment have shaped the Tap department into a vibrant community and inspired generations of dancers. I’m also very excited for the possibilities ahead with Colburn’s campus expansion, which reflects Colburn’s investment in tap as a vital art form,” says Sullivan.
Opening in 2027, Colburn’s campus expansion will more than double the footprint of the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute. The new facility will include four oversized dance studios, one of which is a specialized tap studio named for Denise Scheerer, and a studio theater with seating for up to 100 and built-in theatrical lighting. The campus expansion also features a stunning 1,000-seat in-the-round concert hall named for Terri and Jerry Kohl, which can be configured for dance performances and includes an orchestra pit.
Throughout her career, Sullivan has developed a deep appreciation for tap’s heritage along with its unique musicality and artistic possibilities, which she generously shares with students. She has taught, performed, and choreographed internationally at tap festivals, universities, and dance institutions. She’s also accepted guest teaching opportunities at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and UCLA, and headlined tap dance festivals in Tokyo, Sydney, and Dubrovnik, Croatia. She trained under the Jazz Tap Ensemble, California Dance Theater, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Jason Samuels Smith, and the late Dr. Harold Cromer.
In addition to teaching, Sullivan has built an impressive and diverse career performing and choreographing across television, film, and theater. Best known for her groundbreaking appearances on So You Think You Can Dance, Sullivan was the first tap dancer to reach the top 10, and later returned as the show’s first tap All-Star. Her film and television credits include La La Land, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Academy Awards, The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Encore!, for which she served as an on-camera choreographer.
As a performer, Sullivan has toured with Disney’s High School Musical franchise, the 25th Anniversary Tour of Cats, and Smith’s tap dance company, Anybody Can Get It (ACGI). She also has performed with the Syncopated Ladies, Postmodern Jukebox, and collaborated as a guest artist with Dorrance Dance, premiering new work at The Joyce Theater and Jacob’s Pillow.
An award-winning choreographer, Sullivan was the first woman and first tap dancer to receive the Capezio A.C.E. Award. She is also the recipient of a World Dance Award for Best Choreography (Television Episodic) and was recognized by Dance Magazine as one of its prestigious “25 to Watch.” Her choreography has been presented at Birdland Jazz Club, Pasadena Dance Festival, REDCAT, the Blue Whale, and the Alvin Ailey Theater. She made her Broadway choreographic debut at Lincoln Center as the associate choreographer on James Lapine’s musical Flying Over Sunset.
Photo courtesy Dana Pleasant
Plus, Sullivan collaborates with Grammy-nominated musician and composer Larry Goldings to create original works that blend tap dance, jazz, electronic music, and storytelling into inventive performances. Their debut album, Big Foot, released on Colorfield Records, explores the rhythmic and melodic possibilities of tap dance through an imaginative fusion of jazz and electronic soundscapes. Their Music Grows on Trees album offers a collection of original children’s music inspired by Sullivan’s experiences as both a professional artist and mother of two.
As Chair of the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute Tap Department, Sullivan will build upon the foundation Scheerer has established, expanding opportunities for artistic excellence and mentorship for dancers at all levels. Her longstanding commitment to Colburn, combined with her extensive experience across performance, choreography, and education, will help shape the next chapter of the School’s tap program as it prepares to grow into new facilities.