Merrideth is an amazing teacher- she can manage any group
with ease and never loses patience. One remarkable thing
about her style is that she can teach to multiple skill levels within
the same class, keeping advanced students challenged while
taking the time and energy needed for less advanced students.
She can also energize, motivate, and inspire a group of tired
adults after a long day at work- not a small task! Merrideth
makes dance fun and exciting, and I always look forward to her
classes.
-Nicola Russell (Tap Student, Home Depot)
with ease and never loses patience. One remarkable thing
about her style is that she can teach to multiple skill levels within
the same class, keeping advanced students challenged while
taking the time and energy needed for less advanced students.
She can also energize, motivate, and inspire a group of tired
adults after a long day at work- not a small task! Merrideth
makes dance fun and exciting, and I always look forward to her
classes.
-Nicola Russell (Tap Student, Home Depot)
I hadn’t tap danced since “two score and seven years ago.” Life
and adulthood and taking myself too seriously always seemed
more important than making music with my feet. When I finally
mustered enough courage to try tap dancing again, I couldn’t
have wished for a more perfect teacher than Merrideth Ziesse
to catch me when I jumped off this proverbial cliff.
First of all, the woman loves to dance and is spectacular to
watch. Being witness to her talent is exciting in and of itself. But
rather than being intimidated or frustrated that my dance moves
will never look like her dance moves, Merrideth creates an
environment that we’re all in this together as tappers – and that
includes the good, the bad and the ugly.
I have great respect for her work ethic. From the moment class
begins, she is working side by side with us whether to review
fundamentals, getting us started across the floor in rhythm or
challenging us with a new step. She is encouraging without
being patronizing (or is that matronizing?) and always, always
takes the time to dissect a complex move into simpler, do-able
segments until our feet “get it.”
I LOVE tap dancing again – probably more than I did way back
when – and I have Merrideth Ziesse to thank for this gift. I am
excited and inspired to rediscover my own percussive rhythm
and Merrideth has led the way. In gratitude, Diann Kayah (Tap
Student)
and adulthood and taking myself too seriously always seemed
more important than making music with my feet. When I finally
mustered enough courage to try tap dancing again, I couldn’t
have wished for a more perfect teacher than Merrideth Ziesse
to catch me when I jumped off this proverbial cliff.
First of all, the woman loves to dance and is spectacular to
watch. Being witness to her talent is exciting in and of itself. But
rather than being intimidated or frustrated that my dance moves
will never look like her dance moves, Merrideth creates an
environment that we’re all in this together as tappers – and that
includes the good, the bad and the ugly.
I have great respect for her work ethic. From the moment class
begins, she is working side by side with us whether to review
fundamentals, getting us started across the floor in rhythm or
challenging us with a new step. She is encouraging without
being patronizing (or is that matronizing?) and always, always
takes the time to dissect a complex move into simpler, do-able
segments until our feet “get it.”
I LOVE tap dancing again – probably more than I did way back
when – and I have Merrideth Ziesse to thank for this gift. I am
excited and inspired to rediscover my own percussive rhythm
and Merrideth has led the way. In gratitude, Diann Kayah (Tap
Student)
I worked with Merrideth in Florida on
the prodcution "Boca Grande: The
Soap" in April, 2004. She is a
tremendosuly funny and versatile
performer. She played two entirely
different women (one with a Russian
accent) flawlessly. She gives of herself
and puts others at ease. She is a joy
to work with and we hope she will come
back.
Charlie Tyler
President Royal Palm Players
the prodcution "Boca Grande: The
Soap" in April, 2004. She is a
tremendosuly funny and versatile
performer. She played two entirely
different women (one with a Russian
accent) flawlessly. She gives of herself
and puts others at ease. She is a joy
to work with and we hope she will come
back.
Charlie Tyler
President Royal Palm Players
Merrideth is an excellent teacher who can make even
the most reserved introvert (like me) give their
absolute best in a performance. She made every class
an enjoyable one, and every student excelled because
of her dedication, saint-like patience, and bubbly
enthusiasm. She also has a ready supply of anecdotes
regarding her beloved doxies that keep everyone
laughing. Merrideth is the ideal teacher, and I
guarantee you'll emerge from her class a more
confident person.
-Laura Dugan (GPC Student)
the most reserved introvert (like me) give their
absolute best in a performance. She made every class
an enjoyable one, and every student excelled because
of her dedication, saint-like patience, and bubbly
enthusiasm. She also has a ready supply of anecdotes
regarding her beloved doxies that keep everyone
laughing. Merrideth is the ideal teacher, and I
guarantee you'll emerge from her class a more
confident person.
-Laura Dugan (GPC Student)
Merrideth's enthusiasm is
contagious, and working with
her has been the most fun I
have had in years - while
learning a lot at the same time!
-Kristie Krabe (Atlanta Actress)
contagious, and working with
her has been the most fun I
have had in years - while
learning a lot at the same time!
-Kristie Krabe (Atlanta Actress)
I love working with Merrideth! I have enjoyed every
opportunity we've had to work together. Her extensive
and varied background, training and professionalism
are examples of what a well-rounded performer should
encompass...AND she's a really nice person!
-Michael Malone (Former Dance Partner)
opportunity we've had to work together. Her extensive
and varied background, training and professionalism
are examples of what a well-rounded performer should
encompass...AND she's a really nice person!
-Michael Malone (Former Dance Partner)
Merredith has been my tap teacher for approximately a
year now, I think... time flies when you are having fun lol....
and she does make it fun to learn... she is very patient with
us beginners and takes the time to make sure we
understand what we are supposed to be doing with our
feet... she tries not to leave any of the slower dancers
behind yet provides challenging material for those of us
who catch on a little faster... she brings in a variety of
music and is always coming up with new combinations to
keep things interesting.... she teaches with a great sense
of humor and emphasizes that we are there for our
enjoyment, since none of us at this point in our lives is
considering a professional dance career.... no point
sweating our mistakes!! I am sorry I will be moving out of
town this year and losing my connection with this very
good teacher.
Joan (Current Tap Student)
year now, I think... time flies when you are having fun lol....
and she does make it fun to learn... she is very patient with
us beginners and takes the time to make sure we
understand what we are supposed to be doing with our
feet... she tries not to leave any of the slower dancers
behind yet provides challenging material for those of us
who catch on a little faster... she brings in a variety of
music and is always coming up with new combinations to
keep things interesting.... she teaches with a great sense
of humor and emphasizes that we are there for our
enjoyment, since none of us at this point in our lives is
considering a professional dance career.... no point
sweating our mistakes!! I am sorry I will be moving out of
town this year and losing my connection with this very
good teacher.
Joan (Current Tap Student)
I took Tap from Merrideth for
approximately 1 year. Starting such a
challenging dance style in your
mid-20s could have been
discouraging.
Merrideth managed to make it loads of
fun for everyone in the class,
from the newbies like me to those who
had years of experience. It was
never dull, it was always a good
workout, and I learned an immense
amount in such a short time. I'm
convinced that I learned about 2
years worth of Tap in that one year,
thanks to Merrideth.
-Matthew Cornwell (Actor/Student)
approximately 1 year. Starting such a
challenging dance style in your
mid-20s could have been
discouraging.
Merrideth managed to make it loads of
fun for everyone in the class,
from the newbies like me to those who
had years of experience. It was
never dull, it was always a good
workout, and I learned an immense
amount in such a short time. I'm
convinced that I learned about 2
years worth of Tap in that one year,
thanks to Merrideth.
-Matthew Cornwell (Actor/Student)
"Merrideth Ziesse is, without a doubt,
one of those rare talents that only
come around once in a blue moon.
She is a commanding actress and a
fierce dancer. Anyone who studies with
her will get only the best training
possible. Period."
John Tague
Actor
Hollywood, CA
one of those rare talents that only
come around once in a blue moon.
She is a commanding actress and a
fierce dancer. Anyone who studies with
her will get only the best training
possible. Period."
John Tague
Actor
Hollywood, CA
I first met Merrideth working on a crazy show called Marietta: the Soap! I was just getting back into acting
after a very long break (20 + years!). Meredith played the lead, and I learned more from working with her
and watching her than I've learned from almost anyone else I've worked with since. She always came to
rehearsal prepared--she did more preparatory work than I've ever personally seen an actor bring to the
job. She was brilliant, fall-down-laughing funny, and extraordinarily generous with the other actors like me
who had the privelege to work with her. When I later took tap-dancing lessons from her, she was every bit
as wonderful with me in her teaching--patient, kind, encouraging, always well-prepared, and extremely
knowledgeable. She never seemed to run out of ideas. When something wasn't working for me, she
would have at hand several other approaches to try. And she always kept it light and fun.
I was lucky to meet Meredith, and very fortunate to be able to work with her and learn from her as a
performer. And to top it all off, I have been blessed to have her in my life as one of my closest and dearest
friends. Everyone should be blessed to have a friend who is so warm, generous, honest, kind, and loving
as Merrideth Ziesse. She's the best!
Claire Brown (Atlanta Actress)
after a very long break (20 + years!). Meredith played the lead, and I learned more from working with her
and watching her than I've learned from almost anyone else I've worked with since. She always came to
rehearsal prepared--she did more preparatory work than I've ever personally seen an actor bring to the
job. She was brilliant, fall-down-laughing funny, and extraordinarily generous with the other actors like me
who had the privelege to work with her. When I later took tap-dancing lessons from her, she was every bit
as wonderful with me in her teaching--patient, kind, encouraging, always well-prepared, and extremely
knowledgeable. She never seemed to run out of ideas. When something wasn't working for me, she
would have at hand several other approaches to try. And she always kept it light and fun.
I was lucky to meet Meredith, and very fortunate to be able to work with her and learn from her as a
performer. And to top it all off, I have been blessed to have her in my life as one of my closest and dearest
friends. Everyone should be blessed to have a friend who is so warm, generous, honest, kind, and loving
as Merrideth Ziesse. She's the best!
Claire Brown (Atlanta Actress)
TAP:
"Merrideth Ziesse has an incredible
talent for teaching tap. She breaks
everything down slowly so you
understand where it is all coming from.
She incorporates traditional barre work
with fun and exciting combinations that
make you want to continue! I can now
say that I can tap!"
ACTING:
"When it comes to monologue work,
Merrideth is very meticulous about
every part of the monologue. She
helps you with finding the action in
each part of the monologue, which in
turn gives the actor a stronger base in
their presentation of that scene. Her
teaching is innovative. She provides
images and tools to help you learn
more about the monologue and
yourself. She is patient and
understanding of the actors'
challenges and continues to provide
support in the actors' decisions."
Natalie Gray
"Christmas Eve", Avenue Q
"Merrideth Ziesse has an incredible
talent for teaching tap. She breaks
everything down slowly so you
understand where it is all coming from.
She incorporates traditional barre work
with fun and exciting combinations that
make you want to continue! I can now
say that I can tap!"
ACTING:
"When it comes to monologue work,
Merrideth is very meticulous about
every part of the monologue. She
helps you with finding the action in
each part of the monologue, which in
turn gives the actor a stronger base in
their presentation of that scene. Her
teaching is innovative. She provides
images and tools to help you learn
more about the monologue and
yourself. She is patient and
understanding of the actors'
challenges and continues to provide
support in the actors' decisions."
Natalie Gray
"Christmas Eve", Avenue Q
Ms. Meredith, I have to tell you...I am so impressed with the level of
work you are doing with the kids...this is a real Broadway experience
for them! Sofie is loving it and sings all the time...the CD plays
nonstop in our car. Thank you for the wonderful work you do. You
are a gem and I look forward to seeing you in December! Warmly,
Leslie Watson
work you are doing with the kids...this is a real Broadway experience
for them! Sofie is loving it and sings all the time...the CD plays
nonstop in our car. Thank you for the wonderful work you do. You
are a gem and I look forward to seeing you in December! Warmly,
Leslie Watson
Isabel just loved the experience of the
show. I have never seen her so happy as
she was on stage yesterday. You did an
amazing job. Isabel is dying to do the next
show. Thank you again for all your
wonderful work.
Mindy Duryea
show. I have never seen her so happy as
she was on stage yesterday. You did an
amazing job. Isabel is dying to do the next
show. Thank you again for all your
wonderful work.
Mindy Duryea
Jim and I want to thank you so much
for making your class so much fun for
Leah and the other children. You really
are so terrific and we want you to know
how much we appreciate all you do.
You have given so much of yourself
and our children greatly benefited.
Leah is excited about continuing with
you. Many thanks and have a
wonderful holiday.
Janet Cumming
for making your class so much fun for
Leah and the other children. You really
are so terrific and we want you to know
how much we appreciate all you do.
You have given so much of yourself
and our children greatly benefited.
Leah is excited about continuing with
you. Many thanks and have a
wonderful holiday.
Janet Cumming
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Testimonials... Hear What Students Are Saying!