The Ralph Brown Project Intensive

Join Katherine Kramer for an immersive three-day exploration of the artistry, musicality, and enduring legacy of tap legend Ralph Brown. Set in the peaceful surroundings of Primrose Retreat, this intensive offers far more than choreography—it is an opportunity to experience the ideas, history, and creative spirit that shaped one of tap dance's sparkling artists.

Over 15 hours of instruction, participants will learn Ralph Brown's signature choruses, specialty steps, improvisational concepts, and the foundations of his remarkable "Heelology." Throughout the weekend, Katherine will share her distinctive whole-body approach to tap dance, emphasizing relaxed, efficient movement, the development of a clear and expressive sound, and the ensemble listening skills that transform individual dancers into musicians who truly hear and respond to one another.

Each day also includes sessions devoted to tap dance history, placing Ralph Brown's work within the broader evolution of the art form while drawing on Katherine's unique perspective as part of the tap dance renaissance of the 1970s. Having studied, performed, and worked alongside Ralph Brown and many of the era's great masters, Katherine offers insights available from firsthand experience.

Participants will view rare archival film footage, closely examine Ralph's extraordinary musicality and style, and explore Lessons from the Hoofers Club—a special session featuring Ralph Brown speaking about his experiences at the legendary Hoofers Club, the community that shaped his approach to rhythm, improvisation, and composition.

Primrose Retreat provides the ideal environment for this work. Surrounded by open fields, rolling countryside, and quiet beauty, it is a place to step away from daily distractions, deepen your artistry, connect with fellow dancers, laugh, play, and work hard. The weekend culminates in a joyful Sunset Performance, Picnic, and Jam with live music and an enthusiastic local audience—a celebration of community, creativity, and the living tradition of tap dance.

Whether your goal is to deepen your technique, strengthen your musicality, or gain a richer understanding of Ralph Brown's remarkable legacy, The Ralph Brown Project Intensive offers a rare opportunity to study this material in depth with one of his longtime students and collaborators.