Rap'n Tap School of Dance

Rap 'N Tap School of Dance was established in 1987 by Carolyn Hanley-Tapley, an award-winning dancer who began her own training at age 3. Now in its second generation, Carolyn's daughter Shantell Sabino directs the studio alongside her mother, maintaining their commitment to excellence in dance education. The studio serves ages 2 to adult and is currently in its 40th year of operation.

The school offers a broad range of dance styles: ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, tumbling, lyrical, acro, ballroom, pointe, modern and contemporary. Classes are structured by age group and skill level, from creative dance for 2–3 year-olds through senior company level for high schoolers and adults. All students have the option to audition for competitive dance companies, which participate in regional and national competitions.

Rap 'N Tap's competitive dancers have achieved significant recognition. Recent competition results include 15 Diamonds and 26 Ultimate Platinums at Dance To Inspire Competition, with the routine "Girl Behind The Mask" scoring highest in the entire competition. At Take Center Stage Dance Competition in 2019, dancers earned 4 High Platinums and 24 Platinums, with the studio receiving Top Studio Award. The studio has also earned numerous awards at Spirit Of Dance Awards Competition and Turn It Up Dance Competition, where dancers trained with professional dancers from So You Think You Can Dance.

The studio maintains a diverse, experienced teaching staff. Owner and instructor Carolyn Hanley-Tapley has received numerous high-score awards for her tap routines at regional and national competitions. Director and instructor Shantell Sabino has received many choreography awards, with her work winning numerous overall high scores at both regional and national competitions. Additional instructors include Stephanie Bibeau (who performed at the Hatch Shell in Boston for the Kiss 108 concert and worked as backup dancer for major artists), Jack Caravallo (who danced with the Suffolk University Dance Company and performed for the Boston Celtics pregame show), Nicole Cronin (ECE-certified with 20 years of experience teaching young children and certified barre instructor), Nadia Sabino (currently a dance team captain at Bryant University competing at NDA/NCA Nationals), and Krystn Cinelli (with 20+ years performing experience and an exercise and sports science degree).

The fall 2026–2027 schedule runs Monday through Saturday with classes throughout the day. The studio holds open house registrations and classes begin in mid-September. Summer programming is also available in a four-week session format. An annual dance recital at the end of the year is a major event showcasing all students' talent. Private lessons are available at $30 for 30 minutes, $45 for 45 minutes, and $60 for one hour.

At your first visit, you'll find age-appropriate classes structured by skill level, from creative dance for toddlers to senior company tap for experienced dancers. All students are encouraged to develop self-discipline and self-confidence in a supportive environment where individual growth is valued alongside teamwork.

The studio is led by owner and instructor Carolyn Hanley-Tapley, who founded the school in 1987, and director and instructor Shantell Sabino, her daughter. Additional instructors include Stephanie Bibeau (hip hop, jazz, lyrical, modern), Jack Caravallo (ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, jazz), Nicole Cronin (ballet, tap, jazz, tumbling, barre), Nadia Sabino (pointe, tap, ballet), Krystn Cinelli (jazz, tap, hip hop), and substitute instructors Hanna Scotch and Mackenzie Olson. Lesley Boschen, Kim Williams, Mr. Scott, and Mr. Jack also teach classes.

The studio welcomes ages 2 and up with beginner and intermediate classes structured by age, and encourages all students to fulfil their potential at their own level.