GRANTS & AWARDS

Ms. Cornell has been awarded choreographic fellowships from the NEA, NYSCA and NYFA and was the first tap dancer ever to receive long-term choreographic "B" grants from the Canada Council (1987 – 90). Ms. Cornell was the only dancer chosen for a joint NEA/Canada Council Artists Exchange Program in 1995. She spent three months in Canada mentoring dancers and musicians and educating them in the elements of rhythm tap and it's historical connection to music through master classes, rehearsals and the creation of lecture demonstrations and performances. This residency resulted in the show “Feet First” starring Ms. Cornell and legendary tap dancer James “Buster” Brown. She was awarded two Meet the Composers National Composer/Choreographer Grants that resulted in full evening collaborations with legendary bassist Ray Brown and with Keith Terry and Crosspulse. Heather has been awarded the JUBA award (2011, Chicago Human Rhythm Project), “Tapestry” award (201,: Boston’s Dance Inn Productions) and “Living Legend” award (2009, Vancouver’s West Coast Tap Dance Collective) for her excellence in teaching, choreographing, performing, directing and in mentoring the international tap community.