Tappers Make Some Noise
Summer’s here, and it’s a great time to experiment with your tap buddies and be inspired by your idols. This week we’re in the midst of several tap festivals across the country, showcasing new, exciting artists as well as big names.
New York City
Tap City, a week-long festival sponsored by the American Tap Dance Foundation, culminates in a Tap Treasures Tour through tap history, and the Tap Treasures Show on July 14. Performers include Tony Waag and Brenda Bufalino (who shared a 2014 Dance Magazine award), Max Pollak, Caleb Teicher and Karen Callaway Williams. To complete the week, a lively Tap It Out jam is open to anyone who rehearses on July 15.
Check out our cover story on Michelle Dorrance from 2008.
Chicago
Rhythm World 26, produced by Chicago Human Rhythm Project, includes Michelle Dorrance, Lane Alexander, Jumaane Taylor, Ayodele Casel, Cartier Williams, Youth Tap Ensemble, classes, performances and jams. On July 20, CHRP presents the Juba award to Maurice Hines. July 5–24, at the new American Rhythm Center in downtown Chicago.
Ayodele Casel, photo by Michael Higgins
Flint, Michigan
Tapology Tap Dance Festival
offers workshops, historical education and performances. We love this notice: “Open to ages 5 – 80.” The summer intensive runs August 8–12, with Jason Samuels-Smith (a 2009 Dance Magazine awardee), Maurice Chestnut and Frances Bradley.
Roselle Park and Bloomfield, New Jersey
Jersey Tap Fest
holds classes in tap, improvisation, step, lindy hop and music theory. Appearing are tap greats Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Jason Samuels-Smith, Claudia Rahardjanoto, Ayodele Casel and Hillary-Marie, founder of Jersey Tap Fest, August 11–14.
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Dorrance Dance
Not surprisingly, tap star Michelle Dorrance is racing around. Her company travels to Bates Dance Festival in Maine from July 14–16, then to Vail International Dance Festival on August 2. Jacob’s Pillow gets a visit from Aug. 10–14. (Sorry, but the Pillow’s previous tap event, And Still You Must Swing, is over. We missed seeing Jason Samuels-Smith, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and Derick K. Grant.)
