American Tap Dance Foundation Tap Talks Celebrates Gregory Hines
Company:
American Tap Dance Foundation
AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION
MONTHLY “TAP TALKS” TO
CELEBRATE GREGORY HINES
February 14 Marks Second Installment of Six-Part Monthly Education Series
ATDF Mission to Preserve Tap Dance
Photos: L- the late Gregory Hines, Photo - Greg Gorman. R - Tony Waag, Photo - Lois Greenfield
New York, NY, February 4, 2014 – The life of the late, great Gregory Hines (1946-2003) will be celebrated in the second installment of a six-part monthly education series presented by the American Tap Dance Foundation (ATDF) at the American Tap Dance Center in lower Manhattan. The program, Happy Birthday, Gregory! will be presented Friday, February 14, 7:30-9pm on what would have been the tap master’s 68th birthday.
Considered one of the most influential and beloved dancers in the art form, Happy Birthday Gregory! will feature film clips and discussion reflecting on Hines’ life and talent, an inspiration to the entire tap community. Tony Waag, ATDF artistic/executive director, will serve as program host, presented as part of the American Tap Dance Foundation’s Winter Tap Intensive WTI.
The ATDF Tap Talks/Tap Film series was designed to augment the organization’s mission to establish and legitimize Tap Dance as a vital component of American dance. The monthly education series features tap dancers, historians, teachers, writers and choreographers, covering the birth of tap and its practice in film, television, and on Broadway and concert stages through throughout the world. Open discussions regarding current issues within the art form will be included.
“This talk/film education program in an important step in fulfilling our mission to create, present, educate and preserve. We are in a unique position as both a promoter of the new and preserver of the living history of tap dance as an art form. Our Tap Talks/Tap Film series will help contribute to the preservation of tap dance by educating not just the next generation but the community at large,” said Mr. Waag.
ATDF Master Tap Intensives give students a chance to work with master teachers and choreographers in the field. Students experience the choreographic process first hand, and hone skills essential for tap performers and teachers.
TAP TALKS PROGRAM (IN FULL):
· January 24, 2014 (7:30-9:00pm)
Explore Choreography!
Master tap dancer, teacher, choreographer and ATDF mentor Brenda Bufalino leads a discussion and presents footage on tap dance CHOREOGRAPHY and the leading choreographers of the tap dance "renaissance" and beyond.
· February 14, 2014 (7:30-9:00pm)
Happy Birthday Gregory!
Film clips and discussion hosted by Tony Waag in memory of the late Gregory Hines as part of ATDF's Winter Tap Intensive. Let's reflect on the incredible life and talents of one of the most influential and beloved tap "masters" that inspired our entire tap community. Come and share YOUR stories as we celebrate Gregory on his birthday! For detailed Winter Tap Intensive info visit WTI.
· March 28, 2014 (7:30-9pm)
Tap Forward!
Open forum and presentation of new "works in progress" currently in development at the American Tap Dance Center. ATDF Artists in Residence showcase and discuss their current work to be presented in concert during Rhythm in Motion (April 8-13, 2014) at the Theater at the 14th Street Y. For concert details visit: RIM 2014
· April 25, 2014 (7:30-9:00pm)
Tap and Vaudeville!
Film clips (rare and contemporary) are viewed followed by a discussion led by dancer, teacher, and archivist Hank Smith.
· May 23, 2014 (7:30-9:00pm)
Let's Celebrate National Tap Dance Day! (May 25)
Join us for the final event of a entire day of activities in honor of the late Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Visit National Tap Dance Day for a complete list of ATDF Events.
· June 27, 2014 – TBA
Tap City Re-visited!
Join Tap City Director & Producer Tony Waag as he reflects and revisits the "best of" highlights and hand-picked favorite moments in performances caught on film at the annual New York City Tap Festival since 2001. For detailed info on this year’s festival visit: Tap City 2014.
VENUE:
American Tap Dance Foundation
American Tap Dance Center
154 Christopher Street #2B
New York, NY 10014
Phone 646-230-9564
Fax 646-230-7777
info@atdf.org
TICKETS:
$5.00 in advance by calling (646) 230-9564
$5.00 at the door/pending availability
(ATDF Members FREE)
ABOUT THE AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION
ADTF was founded in 1986 by tap master Charles “Honi” Coles, his protégée Brenda Bufalino, and the Foundation’s current artistic and executive director, Tony Waag. Called the American Tap Dance Orchestra until 2001, the organization was directed and choreographed by Ms. Bufalino and presented hundreds of stage performances and films from 1986 through 1999. From 1989 to 1995, it also operated Woodpeckers Tap Dance Center, where tappers from all over the world gathered for classes, workshops, jam session and performances. In 2002 with a new generation of tap dancers and enthusiasts, the Orchestra was renamed under the artistic direction and leadership of Tony Waag.
