A Tap, Jazz, Percussive dance and movement company, based in the south of France in the city of Toulouse.
We are a small group of dancers from all walks of life who have managed to find our way to Toulouse. As performers we have a passion to share what we love with others, and strive to bring joy wherever we go!
Meet the troupe!
Peter Hammer is the, creator, directeur, performing ensemble member, and choreographer for “Sounds of the Sol”, as well as a teacher in Toulouse, France. For over 10 years, he has devoted his professional dance career to learning, teaching, and performing the Jump Rhythm® Technique – a unique American art form that combines jazz and tap dance with scat singing and body percussion to create an energetic expression of whole-body emotion and rhythm. Before moving to Toulouse he worked, throughout the United States and internationally, with Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, an Emmy award-winning Chicago dance company. With this company Peter worked intensively with artistic director and founder of the Jump Rhythm Technique, Billy Siegenfeld. Some of the places he has taught include Spain, Finland, France, and throughout the United States. Prior to working with Jump Rhythm Jazz Project he performed with Mark Yonally and Chicago Tap Theatre. Peter attended Hope College and graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance Performance and Choreography. Peter is also currently is working with Valerie Lussac and Tapage of Toulouse, and is excited to be bringing the Jump Rhythm Technique to France, Europe and Beyond!
Crystal Menninga is a dancer and circus artist who received her MFA in Dance from Oklahoma City University and a BA in Dance and French from Mount Holyoke College. She has performed around the world, from Juba! Masters of Tap at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. to Celtic concerts in France. Crystal was a proud participant in the first two tap programs at Jacob’s Pillow and has had the opportunity to study with many of the tap masters. Back in the United States, she co-directs the dance company Tapella and has taught for the Five College Dance Department. When not dancing or teaching, Crystal can usually be found high in the air on a trapeze.
Mimi (Mireille REYES) : From an early age, she was immersed in jazz and flamenco music, and as a child she practiced tap dancing.
Following her more specialized training at the conservatory of Arignon, she embarked on an international career as an performer in ballet and contemporary dance, which lasted 30 years. She has enriched her artistic personality through her interactions with different choreographers and cultural landscapes.
From her current mastery of dance, whether in the field of musical comedy, classical ballet or contemporary dance, her choreographic world emerges.
Here are some photos from our last event in Montolieu at Leclub de la soie.
Thank you to Christian HEMBERT for the wonderful photos, and thank you to the organiseurs for the evening Derek and Monique!
