Tap Dance – What’s Up!
photo credit: Marcin Wichary
Hello all!
I’m back with a new collection of tap dance happenings from all over the Internet! It seems that a lot of good stuff was announced while I was away last week so let’s get right to it!
First on a sad note, Saturday – September 20th was the anniversary of the death of Paul Draper. He is credited with the invention of “ballet-tap” which was a fusion of these two distinct styles of dancing.
Also here is a delightful video featuring Gene Kelly & Donald O’Connor dancing & reminiscing while sitting in chairs. Thanks to Valery Lantratov’s Ballet Blog for sharing this one!
Check out this great article about the “California Rhythm Project”, a company dedicated to the preservation and continuation of tap dancing. Maybe the rest of the world is finally figuring out what we have known for some time, that tap dancing is alive!
“The Hourglass and the Poisoned Pen”, the first tap, superhero, opera will be performed in New York City next week. Special thanks to everyone who donated in support of their performance! The performances are scheduled for September 27th & 28th. Visit this site for exact times and tickets!
A fellow blogger tells the story of how they started tap dancing a little later in life and fell in love with it. Sound like a tap dancer you know?
If you my guide to buying tap shoes leaves you wanting more, I found another one for you to check out. I especially like the information about the structure of the tap shoe!
I’m always saying that it’s never too late to learn tap but apparently it’s never too late to love it. Here is an inspiring article about some ladies who are redefining youth through dance!
Man! There seem to be more and tap performances in New York! Here is another one that running at the 24th Street Theater thru September 28th. It’s Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes”!
Here are reviews, from both sides of the Hudson River, of “Tap Roots” by the Jazz Tap Ensemble featuring Jason Samuels-Smith. Sounds like it was a truly incredible performance! Here’s one & here’s the other.
The LSU Tap Ensemble is apparently doing great things with tap in Louisiana!
