The Encore Theatrical Arts Project (ETAP) is a premier non-profit pre-professional performing arts company designed to prepare aspiring musical theatre dancers for elite collegiate, Broadway, and commercial careers.
Through rigorous technical training and real-world stage production experience, ETAP transforms passionate dancers into versatile, complete triple-threat performers.
Visit Official ETAP Website12 original, full-scale Broadway-style musical performances staged every December for thousands of audience members.
Iconic global performance tours across 8 countries, including China (3 tours), Spain (2 tours), Italy, France, Greece, South Africa, and Ireland.
Featured on Fox 5 Morning News and invited mainstage performances at prestigious events like the International Children's Festival and Jazz and Tap Festival.
Each spring, ETAP takes the stage in a full-scale theatrical production that brings together dance, music, storytelling, and performance. From Broadway-inspired favorites to original concepts, our Spring Show gives dancers the opportunity to grow as true performers while experiencing the excitement and professionalism of being part of a complete stage production.
Multi-disciplinary training spanning Jazz, Tap, Ballet/Pointe, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Ballroom, Vocal, and Acting.
Dance is a living art form to be performed, not a sport to be scored.
Founded in 1996 by Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer, Raynor van der Merwe, the Encore Theatrical Arts Project was built on that bold belief. While traditional competition studios measure success in trophy counts and judges' scorecards, ETAP measures it in curtain calls, ensemble unity, and authentic audience connection.
ETAP company members do not spend their season perfecting a two-minute routine for a regional panel. Instead, they rehearse an original, full-length musical from top to bottom every year, building the stamina, professional discipline, and artistic depth demanded by Broadway and top collegiate conservatories.
In an uplifting, supportive environment, our dancers learn to elevate the work, support their peers, and step onto the stage with unshakable confidence.
Our ETAP company does not just train for the stage. They live for it. See what that looks like up close.
ETAP is the highest tier of training at Encore Performers. Admission is by audition or faculty invitation only, requiring a real commitment to personal excellence and ensemble accountability.
Catch a front-row glimpse of the passion, teamwork, and artistry that define training at this level, and see what it truly means to be part of the ETAP family.
Everything families ask before auditioning.
ETAP is a working non-profit theatre company, not a competition team. Instead of rehearsing short routines for judges, our members train as complete triple-threat performers and star in a 12-show Broadway-style holiday musical, regional TV broadcasts, and international tours.
ETAP dancers complete 8 to 13 hours of weekly technique classes across all major dance disciplines, alongside vocal and acting instruction, plus weekend show rehearsals. Consistent attendance is mandatory.
Official company auditions take place annually in April and May. Interested candidates can register for audition dates via the Parent Portal Store, or receive a direct invitation based on faculty evaluations during the season.
For complete production calendars, holiday show ticket sales, dancer alumni bios, and company history, visit our dedicated website at https://www.encore-tap.org/.
Explore our complete show schedules, historical archives, dancer rosters, and holiday show ticket sales on our dedicated ETAP website.
Explore encore-tap.orgQuestions? Contact encoreperformers@gmail.com or call (703) 222-5511.
