Proudly based in Toronto for over a decade, Allison Toffan is quickly becoming an arts ambassador by stirring up momentum in the Canadian tap dance community. Recognized by both the Canada Council for the Arts and FACTOR, she has been awarded grants as an emerging dance artist and a developing musician. She’s studied privately with world-renowned tap dance artists Heather Cornell, Brenda Bufalino, and Max Pollak.

 

Career highlights include 8 years as a principle dancer with Turn On The Tap, under the direction of Paula Skimin, dancing in the 2010 Olympic Opening Ceremonies, Warehouse 13 Series Finale, 2013 TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival, TapCity’s Tap Internationals with Lisa La Touche (NYC), Montreal Tap Festival’s Rhythm Lives! - with living legend Arthur Duncan, and successfully producing three full seasons of work by establishing the Toronto Rhythm Initiative -  a platform she created to consistently voice the artistry of Toronto’s tap dancers in collaboration with live music.

 

Allison was the artist in residence with the Ottawa Rhythm Initiative last year and was thrilled to mentor the Ottawa tap dance community with their development. She has been on faculty at Sheridan College, Randolph Academy, the Montreal Tap Festival, travels North America both teaching and performing, and continues to build her career at home and abroad.

 

In 2014, Allison premiered her first commissioned work as part of Toronto’s first ever Body Percussion Festival for NextSteps Dance Series! Coming up in August she will dance in Lisa’s La Touche’s world premiere of Hold On, as well as be on faculty as part of the Vancouver International Tap Festival. To close up 2014, she’ll be collaborating with Josh Grossman to present a full-length concert of tap dance with his 18-piece big band, the Toronto Jazz Orchestra in late November.