The Haut Haus Collective is an emerging, non-hierarchical, cross-border collective of tap dancers and instrumentalists: Claudia Lachance (tap), Brianna Maltais (tap, brush shoes), Taryn Meyer (tap), Michael Pineda (saxophone), Leah Reinardy (percussion) and Dylan Sherman (bass).

Together, they create original music and movement rooted in the traditions of tap and jazz, honoring their Black American origins. Performer roles are fluid, fostering a co-creative ensemble in which each member both responds to and shapes the work.

Each artist’s creative background spans multiple genres, styles, and practices, ranging from Honduran music to musical theater, classical percussion, and spoken word poetry— as well as mentorships in Black American music and dance. This versatility allows Haut Haus to compose works that weave these influences into a shared rhythmic and improvisational language.

Throughout 2024, the collective spent four weeks living and collaborating in Toronto as part of the Heather Cornell Legacy Project, composing in duos to further Cornell’s mission of reconnecting North American music and percussive dance. In May 2025, Haut Haus established themselves as an ensemble during their LEÑA Residency on Galiano Island, British Columbia. They are grateful for their time at Primrose Retreat to continue expanding their material.