Valentine’s Performance

On February 13th and 14th I did something I’ve never done before.

A friend called me up looking for entertainment for a Valentine’s Day party at his office. His office happens to be Davita Dialysis in Hartford, CT. I had no idea what I was getting myself into until I went to check out the space and saw about 24 patients hooked up to machines, most looking particularly glum. My friend had told me that every now and again the staff likes to give their patients something to look forward to and bring a little excitement into their lives by having  performers come in, even if just for a half hour.

I said that I would love to be a part of that and quickly enlisted my friend Corey Hutchins to Tap with me.

Corey and I performed a quick little set that I threw together (without rehearsal due to the massive snow storm Nemo that hit New England) and brought my boards from “room” to “room” so that we could share our gifts with everyone. Each “room” had a different song and consisted of about 6 patients each. It was such an amazing feeling to see their eyes light up and to hear some of them even sing along!

The set list included “You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You” by Dean Martin, “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra, “L.O.V.E” by Nat King Cole, and ” Baby You Got What it Takes” by Michael Buble. We improvised and threw in the Shim Sham, B.S. Chorus, and our own little break.

This experience was one that I will never forget. To just feel the energy in the room brought me great joy and to have the staff and people from the waiting room follow us around to watch us dance made me humbly appreciate my talent and gift. The absolute topper to the day was when one of the nurses came up to us and said “One of my patients said to me ‘Get me out of this wheelchair, I want to Tap’”.

Patience

With what seems like two full time jobs (an actual full time job and a full load of classes), and my wedding last September, sadly my blog has taken a back seat to life. Have no fear- my love and passion for Tap is still rooted deep in my soul. Although it seems like things have been quiet on the front, there is a storm a-brewin’ in the distance. Good things come to those who wait and patience, practice, and perseverance is the key to success.

Remember, Whether you think you can or think you can’t, either way you are right.

Tap World Video

My Tap World video is up! Check it out and see why I do what I do and why I love Tap so much.

The Tap World is a  small yet close family of dancers who support each other’s growth and creativity around the globe. We are banding together to help create a Documentary to teach people about Tap, share our stories, and get the World excited about Tap.

Please follow the link to see the video http://youtu.be/-s75hJ4gs40

Summer Session at Stage Left Dance

Can you believe it’s that time again?! Summer Session is about to begin at Stage Left Dance in Middletown, CT. Get ready for the beach with Dance and Fitness classes designed to give you a workout!

Come take a 6 week session (May 13th- June 23rd) for only $65!

Sundays (May 13-June 17th)
8am-9am Bootcamp (Teen/Adult)
9am-9:45am Beginner Tap (Teen/Adult)

Tuesdays (May 15th-June 19th)
5-5:45 Int/Adv Broadway Tap (Teen/Adult)
5:45-6:30 Adv Tap (Teen-Adult)
6:30-7:15 Int Tap (Pre/Teen)

Wednesdays: (May 16th-June 20th)
7pm-8pm Bootcamp (Teen/Adult)

For a full schedule of classes offered click here or visit www.stageleftdance.com 

 

Summer Session at Stage Left Dance

Can you believe it’s that time again?! Summer Session is about to begin at Stage Left Dance in Middletown, CT. Get ready for the beach with Dance and Fitness classes designed to give you a workout!

Come take a 6 week session (May 13th- June 23rd) for only $65!

Sundays (May 13-June 17th)
8am-9am Bootcamp (Teen/Adult)
9am-9:45am Beginner Tap (Teen/Adult)

Tuesdays (May 15th-June 19th)
5-5:45 Int/Adv Broadway Tap (Teen/Adult)
5:45-6:30 Adv Tap (Teen-Adult)
6:30-7:15 Int Tap (Pre/Teen)

Wednesdays: (May 16th-June 20th)
7pm-8pm Bootcamp (Teen/Adult)

For a full schedule of classes offered click here or visit www.stageleftdance.com 

 

B.S. Chorus and Flash Steps

For all of my students who are learning “flash” steps and the B.S. Chorus- take a look at this video of Honi Coles and Cholly Atkins.

Happy Birthday Gregory

Gregory Hines.

One of the most influential Tap dancers of all times would be celebrating his 66th birthday today, February 14th. Hines is known for bringing the original style of Hoofing back to the mainstream audience, but with a twist. Not only did Gregory amaze audiences dancing to Jazz music, but also with contemporary Funk and Rock. Hines was a one of a kind dancer who took everything he learned from the Greats like Sammy Davis Jr., The Nicholas Brothers, The Condos Brothers, Chuck Green, Dr. Jimmy Slyde (to name a few), and molded them into his own style which he then passed on to a young Savion Glover (who would then go and push Tap to even further limits). Hines pushed the limits of Tap dance by giving the audience a chance to hear the dance- it wasn’t all costumes, kicks, and formations which had become the stereotype of Tap from hit Broadway shows like 42nd Street and Anything Goes. When shows like Jelly’s Last Jam, My One and Only, and Black and Blue hit the stage, people had a chance to see what Tap really is all about. Gregory also helped bring Tap back to the big screen with the movies Tap, The Cotton Club, and White Nights (with Baryshnikov) where he showcased his ability not only to dance but to stand for what he truly believed in-the rhythm.

Gregory’s legacy still lives on within the Tap community because at some point we have all been connected to him whether it’s by studying with the master himself, learning his steps from someone else, watching his movies and being inspired, or hearing stories. His work is an integral part of what Tap is today and his presence is still alive within every Tap dancer out there.