Think quick! Who is the first person that comes to mind when you say the words “Tap Dance”? It is usually a male, and in my case it’s Gregory Hines. Ever since the beginning, Tap has been a male dominated art form. Leonard Reed,  The Four Step Brothers, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Sammy Davis, Jr., The Nicholas Brothers, Fred Astaire, The Hines Brothers, Savion Glover, Jason Samuels-Smith, and the list goes on. But let’s not forget about the ladies. Throughout history there have been some names that have stood out such as Ruby Keeler, Eleanor Powell, Ann Miller, and of course Ginger Rogers and Shirley Temple, who are probably the most recognizable names.

But watch out! Over the past few decades there has been a group of women that has taken Tap Dance by storm and have helped shape this art form into a monumental hard hitting, musical, rhythmic experience. These ladies dance in heels. These ladies hit just as hard as their male counterparts. These ladies are sensational.

It’s not what you expect when you think of women in tap. This isn’t any Rockettes Christmas Show! You see talent beyond belief, creativity so unique, and a lifetime of hard work and dedication.

For the next few weeks I would like to recognize some of these women who have helped the female persona of Tap evolve into what it is today, and who have given me inspiration to be a feminine, hard hitting, rhythmic Tap Dancer.

Today I would like to spotlight Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards.

Dormeshia has a style all of her own. She hears music and rhythm that is beyond what we know. She is incredible talented and to watch her perform is a sight to see! Her energy with her musicians and her audience draws you in and keeps you wanting more. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her at Tap City this past summer, and the kinds of things I learned from her I will keep to work on for a long time. I want to share a few videos so that you can get a glimpse of how she has helped to revolutionize Tap. I have also included a clip I found where she breaks down Pullbacks (excellent if you are one of my students and need to review). Enjoy.

For a more complete bio, click on the links provided in the text. Check out Harlem Tap Studio for class info.