Toronto, Ontario
CHOREOGRAPHER EDUCATOR PERFORMER PRODUCER DIRECTOR
Hey! I'm Amy Lintunen and I've got this thing for shoes...tap shoes especially. Tap shoes on the move make people happy and happy people make the world a better place.
That's what it's all about.
Making the world--and your life--better through tap dance is my mission.
When I'm not busting out a groove with my shoes, and teaching students to do the same, I'm taking in the Raptors game in my home-sweet-home of Toronto or hiding away on weekends with my guy, in our cottage on the river (There's a high chance that I'll be making risotto, as well!)
I'm an Auntie Supreme and take my role of teaching my nieces and nephews very seriously. Everyone should be taught the importance of kindness, black and white movies and following your dreams.
Do you have tap dance dreams? They don't have to be Broadway-sized to be taken seriously. Tap has given me a voice for my thoughts, feelings and ambitions. If you are ready to find a way to express your feelings when you don't have words for them, then I would be honoured to teach you how to speak with your feet and tell stories with your sole (soul---ahhh, see what I did there?)
I have had the privilege and pure pleasure of tapping in the streets and stages of Italy, France, and New York (okay, it's only been classes on Broadway, but still, New York!) I truly believe that tap shoes can take you around the world.
#tappingthemap
Oh, all right, I'll share my professional bio.
Amy Lintunen-tap dancer, tap instructor, choreographer and social activist. Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Amy currently lives and taps in Toronto, Ontario contributing to the vibrant and growing rhythm dance scene. Amy’s years of childhood dance transitioned into studio partnership at the young age of 20, where she co-founded, directed, instructed and choreographed her students. Amy helped grow the studio while continuing her own education in contemporary and tap dance in Italy at the ProDanza Italia, workshops in New York and performing in local productions and concerts. Seizing the opportunity to dance abroad, Amy moved to Nice,France to further her studies with Off Jazz. The following year, she returned to Canada and made her home in the dance community of Toronto. Her first show with Ismailova Theatre of Dance in Toyland opened the door to many performances. Wings and The Parahumans in Charismatica and The 60 Minute Dance Improv, several Toronto Rhythm Initiative projects, the Montreal Tap Festival, Talent Define with Sole Symposium and the beloved role of the Nutcracker in City Dance Corps production of The Nutcracker. Most recently, Amy performed works by choreographer, Dianne Montgomery in Moving Soundscapes, which featured music performed by Ron Davis' SymphRONica and the opening act at the inaugural Toronto International Tap Dance Festival.
Amy has performed as a Tap Percussionist with The Red Rhythm, The Charlie Ringus Trio, and was a featured soloist with the Jason Raso Quartet in Jazz Goes to the Movies.
As a member of What’s On? Tap!, an all female tap company directed by Kim Chalovich, she has performed at Dance Ontario, Pan Am Games, Eastern Canadian Tap Conference and CP24 Breakfast Television.
Amy is also co-founder of Vintage Taps, an entertainment group, focusing on tap dancing and singing songs from the Vaudeville Era. In February 2018, Trina Josdal (co-founder) and Amy produce their first full length production for Vintage Taps. "The Laundry List" will return in the fall after a sold out show.
Amy is continuing her studies in New York City at the American Tap Dance Foundation Tap Teacher Training Program, studying with Barbara Duffy & Brenda Bufalino, among others. This program allows Amy to instill a love of tap to students at the various studios she teaches at.
Amy also travels with her workshop “The Rhythm Lab” teaching students of various ages about tap history and technique under the umbrella of her Sisu Dance Projects, founded in 2014. Sisu Dance Projects aims to educate and entertain through tap workshops, choreography and performance pieces focusing on social justice. This past year, Amy contributed to a show on domestic violence with a piece she wrote, choreographed and danced in called “If These Shoes Could Talk”.
Amy believes that tap gives voice to the full human experience. She enjoys teaching students to find their voice and creating performances that speak for others.