Tap City 2008

Tony Waag, “The Mayor of Tap City,” announces Tap City 2008, which will once again bring together an international cast of legendary tap dance veterans, cutting edge soloists, contemporary ensembles, and the hottest new hoofers on the scene today. Now in its 8th year, Tap City will celebrate America’s great art form with a rich and diverse kaleidoscope of tap artists and a unique variety of styles, rhythms and musical feet.

Tuesday July 8 at 8 PM – TAP FORWARD
An evening of contemporary choreography created by leading dancemakers for cutting edge ensembles, including Chloe Arnold, Michelle Dorrance, Barbara Duffy & Company, Acia Gray, Derick K. Grant, Josh Hilberman, Jason Janas, Kazu Kumagai, Michela Marino-Lerman, Carson Murphy, Jason Samuels Smith, Tapestry Dance Company & Josette C. Wiggan, Zen, and others. The annual HOOFER AWARDS will be presented to tap dancers extraordinaire Tina Pratt and Derick K. Grant. The TAP PRESERVATION AWARD will be presented to teacher, historian and Professor Ann Kikelly.

Wednesday July 9 – 3 to 6 PM
YOUTH SHOWCASE OF TALENT (ages 9-19)
An opportunity for Tap City students to share their talents. Includes Student Awards Ceremony.

Wednesday July 9 – 8 to 10 PM
ADULT SHOWCASE
An opportunity for adult Tap City students to share their talents. From emerging ensembles to choreography learned during a four-day tap residency, this community event promotes continuing rhythmic education at any age.

Thursday July 10 at 8 PM
TAP YOUTH/TAP FUTURE
Performances by kids, teens and youth ensembles from across the nation. Hosted by Tap City’s Youth Program Director Michele Ribble. The 5th annual TAP TEACHER AWARDS will be presented.

Friday July 11 at 8 PM TAP & SONG
Tony Waag and friends take us on a rhythmic romp celebrating traditional vaudeville, comedy and classic song and dance. Performers include Brenda Bufalino, C3Tap Cooperative, Barbara Duffy, DeWitt Fleming, Acia Gray, Susan Hebach, Jason Janas, Kendrick Jones, Ann Kikelly, Mable Lee and her Dancing Ladies, Reggio McLaughlin, Margaret Morrison, Claudia Rahardjanoto, Mathew Sheilds, Hank Smith, Melinda Sullivan, the Tap City Youth Ensemble, Tapestry Dance Company, Tony Waag, Karen Callaway Williams, and others. Tap legends Ernest “Brownie” Brown (Cook and Brown), Harold Cromer (Stump and Stumpy), Mable Lee, and Dr. Jimmy Slyde will be inducted into the INTERNATIONAL TAP DANCE HALL OF FAME.

Special Events:

BOAT RIDE & JAM
Monday July 7 – 7:30 to 10:30 PM – Boarding Time 7 PM
Circle Line Marina, Pier 83 (West 42nd St at the Hudson River)
Tickets: $35.00 (cash bar/bring your own picnic dinner)
A Circle Line tour takes Tap City on a Jam/Cruise around the Big Apple. Bring your tap shoes and jam with Tap City students, staff, faculty and performers. For more information or to register, call Tap City at 646/230-9564

TAP TALKS/TAP FILMS
Sunday July 6-Friday July 11 (12:45 to 1:45 PM)
Tap City honors the collective history of tap dance as a vitally important and beautiful American art form. Tap Talks/Tap Films brings together teachers, writers, historians, students and performers to view a wide selection of tap dance on film, and discuss current issues within the field. Curated by Constance Valis Hill
For more information call Tap City at 646-230-9564.