Divine Rhythm News>
Divine Rhythm News

May 3, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE: 
 
*DRP ARTISTS* 
-Spring Tap Workshops w/ Chloe Arnold  
-Kathak Master Class w/ Pandit Chitresh Das (Special 
Participate by Jason Samuels Smith) 
- The Kitchen & The Studio Museum in Harlem present 
Hoofers' House 
-Mr. Wiggles in NYC May 11-17 2008- Private lesions  
available  
-Master Tap Workshop Series with Jason Samuels Smith &  
Chloe Arnold  
- Harlem Tap Studio: WEEKLY TAP CELEBRATION honors NATIONAL 
 
TAP DANCE DAY  
- LA TAP FESTIVAL - Pre-Register Today 
-Tap Extravaganza 
-Chicago Sun-Times Article featuring Martin “Tre” Dumas 
 
*EAST COAST* 
- Samba Percussion Course 
-Mamadele Newsletter: Dende & Hahahaes @ DROM & Timbal 
Workshop! 
-ATDF 3rd Annual Spring Gala 
-The Danny Daniels Tap Experience 
 
*MIDWEST* 
-Register now for the 17th Annual St. Louis Tap Festival 
-1st Annual Motor City Tap Festival 
 
*WEST COAST* 
-Celebrate National Tap Dance Day at DADA 
-Robert L. Reed Master Classes in Parker, Colorado 
 
 
*DRP ARTISTS * 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
----------------------------------------------------- 
 
Los Angeles - May 5 & 12 
Debbie Allen Dance Academy 
 
Master Classes w/  
Chloe Arnold 
 
6:30-7:30 Adv. Beg. $15 
7:30-9:30 Int/Adv. $20 
 
Debbie Allen Dance Academy 
3623 Hayden Ave  
Culver City, CA 90232 
 
RSVP to chloetapcouture@gmail.com 
www.chloearnold.com 
 
(pay at the door cash/check) 
 
WASHINGTON, DC - May 21st 
DC Dance Collective 
Chloe Arnold - Wed. May 21st 
Technique/Warm Up:  
7.30pm - 8.30pm 
Adv.Beg/Int/Adv - Cost: $25 
 
 
Technique/Choreography:  
8.30pm - 9.30pm 
Adv./Pro- Cost: $35 
Both Classes: $50 
 
Ayodele Casel - Thursday, May 22nd - same schedule and 
prices 
 
 
www.dcdancecollective.com  
 
================================= 
 
Divine Rhythm Productions & American Tap Dance Foundation 
present 
Pandit Chitresh Das 
Renowned master of Kathak 
(Special participation by Jason Samuels Smith) 
Monday, May 26th 
6:00 - 8:00 pm 
$30...limited space 
Pre registration is suggested 
 
This master class is specifically for Kathak and Tap 
students and will accommodate multiple levels, as Pandit 
Das makes the class accessible for beginners and 
challenging for more advanced students. 
 
Jason Samuels Smith will be in attendance and he and Pandit 
Das will end the class by giving a demonstration of how 
these two great artists communicate through their deep 
understanding of their respective traditions. 
 
"The Master Class with Pandit Chitresh Das will be 
spiritually enlightening and technically challenging for 
people of all walks of life." 
Jason Samuels Smith 
================================= 
The Kitchen & The Studio Museum in Harlem present Hoofers' 
House  
Press Contact: 
Blake Zidell & Associates 
tel: 718.643.9052 
fax: 718.643.9502 blake@blakezidell.com 
For Immediate Release 
The Kitchen and The Studio Museum in Harlem present 
Hoofers’ House, May 23 Hosted by Jason Samuels Smith; 
Featuring DJ Reborn and video artist Rashaad Newsome 
Evening is part of citywide weekend of events celebrating 
National Tap Dance Day 
 
New York, NY, April 29, 2008—On Friday, May 23, The Kitchen 
and The Studio Museum in Harlem present Hoofers’ House, an 
ongoing quarterly series in which some of the best of New 
York City’s rhythm tap community come together to share and 
showcase their work. The evening will be hosted by 
performer, choreographer and director Jason Samuels Smith 
and will feature DJ Reborn. Film and video artist Rashaad 
Newsome will create unique visuals to accompany the 
performance. Tap dancers of all ages are invited to take 
the floor for a jam session. Curated by Rashida Bumbray, 
Hoofers’ House will take place at 8:00 P.M. at The Kitchen 
(512 West 19th Street). Admission is free. Among the most 
unique and cutting edge tap jam sessions in the city, 
Hoofers’ House has been propelling a rejuvenation of the 
genre for the last several years with the addition of live 
and electronic music and projected visuals. This year, 
Rashaad Newsome has reprogrammed a Logitec duel action 
video game controller to manipulate moving images live 
during the performance. Past hosts and performers include 
Chloe Arnold, Jason Bernard, Ayodele Casel, Marshall Davis, 
Omar Edwards, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Michaela Lerman, 
Tamango and Joseph Wiggan. Tap Legends including Harold 
Kromer, Fayard Nicholas, Tina Pratt and Jimmy Slyde have 
also attended. From the 1920’s through the 1940’s, the back 
room of Harlem’s Comedy Club on 131st Street, owned by 
Lonnie Hicks, was the home of the legendary “Hoofer’s 
Club,” a site for the creation of, the listening to and 
stealing of steps. Among the rhythm tap dancers given the 
esteemed title of “hoofer,” celebrated performers including 
Legendary Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, King Raustus Brown, 
John Bubbles, Charles “Honi” Coles and many more graced the 
floor of this intimate room. In honor of this important 
place in Harlem’s history, The Studio Museum in Harlem and 
The Kitchen are proud to co-host a new home for hoofers. 
Jason Samuels Smith (performer, choreographer, director) is 
a leader in the art form of Tap. He won both an Emmy and 
American Choreography Award for “Outstanding Choreography” 
for the opening number of the 2003 Jerry Lewis/MDA 
Telethon—a tribute to the late Gregory Hines. Samuels Smith 
recently received the Gregory Hines Humanitarian Award. 
Past honors include a Certificate of Appreciation by the 
City of Los Angeles for creating the First Annual Los 
Angeles Tap Festival in 2003; the “Ivy of Education” from 
Brainerd Institute; the “President Kenny Award” from Stony 
Brook; an Alpert/McDowell Residency Award; and an Arts 
International Grant among others. Samuels Smith recently 
appeared as a choreographer for Grammy Recording Artist Mya 
on CBS’s Secret Talents of the Stars, and as a special 
guest on Fox’s hit series So You Think You Can Dance. He 
also co-starred in Dean Hargrove’s Tap Heat, an 
award-winning short film; Outkast’s feature film Idlewild; 
and Debbie Allen’s AMC television series Cool Women. 
Performance credits include Sammy (a tribute to Sammy Davis 
jr.), a leading role of the production of Soul Possessed; 
the Tony Award winning Broadway cast of Bring in Da’Noise, 
Bring in Da’Funk; and starring in the critically acclaimed 
production of Imagine Tap! Mr. Samuels Smith continues to 
tour the U.S. and beyond with India Jazz Suites, a dynamic 
collaboration with Kathak Master Pandit Chitresh Das, his 
own tap company A.C.G.I (Anybody Can Get It), JaJa 
Productions Band featuring jazz-influenced hip hop music, 
and Charlie’s Angels: A Tribute to Charlie Parker, 
featuring some of the best women performers today. DJ 
Reborn spins a mix of soul, hip-hop, reggae, house, 
afro-beat, nu-jazz, rock and more. A Chicago native, she 
now resides in New York and spins at clubs, parties, 
museums including The Studio Museum in Harlem and the Bronx 
Museum and live performances with The Roots, Common, Talib 
Kweli, India Arie, John Legend, Alice Smith and Goapele. 
Reborn is also a mentor/workshop facilitator for N.Y.C. 
teens. She has crafted a new workshop specifically for teen 
girls, which explores djing, creative writing and women’s 
images in music and media culture. Since 2002, DJ Reborn 
has been the musical director and a live on stage DJ with 
Will Power on the off Broadway Hip Hop theatre hit show 
Flow. She partnered with Will Power again in 2007 as the 
musical director and sound designer for his original 
children’s theatre production Little Honey Bo. Reborn was 
the 2004- 2005 international tour DJ with Russell Simmons 
Def Poetry Jam and she has made four appearances on BET’s 
Rap City. She has been featured in Trace, NRG, URB, 
Scratch, DJ Times and recently appeared on the cover of The 
Village Voice. Born in New Orleans, LA, Rashaad Newsome 
received a B.A. in Art History at Tulane University before 
studying Film at Film Video Arts in New York. He has been 
the recipient of several awards and grants including the 
2008 Location 1 International Residency Program, New York, 
NY; the 2007 BCAT/Rotunda Gallery Joint Multimedia 
Residency, New York, NY; the 2006 Franklin Furnace grant 
for Performance Art, New York, NY; the 2005/2006 
l’Entreprise Culturelle Artist in Residence, Paris, France 
and the 2005 Harvestworks Artist in Residence, 
Harvestworks, New York, NY. Newsome has also exhibited and 
performed nationally and internationally at such renewed 
institutions and galleries as K.U.E.L., Berlin, Germany; 
Glassbox Gallery, Paris, France; Rush Arts Gallery, New 
York, NY; Veletrzni Palace, Prague, Czech Republic; Ingalls 
& Associates Gallery, Miami, FL; Fondation Cartier, Paris, 
France as well as The Contemporary Arts Center, New 
Orleans, LA. The Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for 
black artists locally, nationally and internationally, and 
for work that has been inspired by black culture. It is a 
site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and 
society. Located on 125th Street, between Adam Clayton 
Powell, Jr. Blvd. and Lenox Avenue in the Harlem 
neighborhood of New York City, New York, The Studio Museum 
in Harlem was founded in 1968 as the first museum in the 
U.S. devoted to the art of African-Americans. The museum 
specializes in 19th and 20th century African-American art; 
20th century Caribbean and African art; and traditional 
African art and artifacts. It has a collection of over 
1,600 works including pieces by Romare Bearden, Robert 
Colescott, Jacob Lawrence, Norman Lewis, Chris Ofili, Betye 
Saar, Lorna Simpson, Kara Walker and Hale Woodruff. The 
museum also maintains an extensive archive of the work of 
James VanDerZee, photographer of the Harlem community from 
1906 to 1983. Funding Credits This program is made possible 
with generous support from Altria Group, Inc., The Harkness 
Foundation for Dance, The Jerome Robbins Foundation, the 
Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and with public funds from the 
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and the New 
York State Council on the Arts, a state agency. ABOUT THE 
KITCHEN The Kitchen is one of New York City’s oldest 
nonprofit performance and exhibition spaces, showing 
experimental work by innovative artists, both emerging and 
established. Programs range from dance, music, and 
theatrical performances to video and media arts exhibitions 
to literary events, film screenings, and artists’ talks. 
Since its inception in 1971, The Kitchen has been a 
powerful force in shaping the cultural landscape of this 
country and has helped launch the careers of many artists 
who have gone on to worldwide prominence. Box Office 
Information: 212.255.5793 ext. 11 Tue-Sat, 2-6pm The 
Kitchen 512 West 19th Street New York, NY 10011 
www.thekitchen.org 
 
>>>CHECK OUT THIS INTERVIEW ABOUT THE UPCOMING EVENT: 
 
http://infinitebody.blogspot.com/2008/05/rashida-bumbray-body-and-soul-podcast_01.html 
================================= 
 
HIP HOP LEGEND MR WIGGLES IS IN NYC FROM MAY 11th-17th  
2008...  
 
PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE NOW  
(act now as slots fill up fast!)  
 
Focus on: ONE ON ONE POPPIN, TUTTING, or BRONX FREESTYLE  
TOP ROCK CLASSES  
 
CONTACT ELKA SAMUELS SMITH AT:  
 
E-MAIL: divinerhythmnyc@gmail.com  
PHONE: 212-262-1394  
www.divinerhythmproductions.com  
EMPOWER YOUR SOLE!  
 
VISIT WWW.MRWIGGLES.BIZ for new products, history, footage  
and so much more!  
 
*Catch MR.WIGGLES as featured in Scene Interactive's "IN  
THE SCENE" with Kelly Peters on www.SceneInteractive.com!  
 
An in depth conversation with In the SCENE Host Kelly  
Peters. From The Bronx to Paris, The Legendary Mr. Wiggles  
has been a force unparalleled. Not only in Dance but as  
part of the very fabric of pop culture itself.  
 
http://www.sceneinteractive.com/podcast_video.php  
 
So much of the movement we see globally today in studios,  
stages, music videos and movies can be traced directly to  
this man. He is the energy and creative force behind much  
of what we may frequently take for granted in the world of  
Dance. We are honored to present to you a true master of  
his craft. A Conversation with Mr. Wiggles and our host  
Kelly Peters  
 
================================= 
 
 
The Ailey Extension and Divine Rhythm Productions present  
 
MASTER TAP WORKSHOP SERIES with  
 
Jason Samuels Smith  
 
and  
 
Chloe Arnold  
 
IN HONOR OF NATIONAL TAP DANCE DAY!  
 
http://www.alvinailey.org/page.php?p=arti&v=125  
 
MAY 24th 2008  
 
1-2pm - Intermediate Advanced Level - Chloe  
2-3pm - Intermediate Advanced Level - Jason  
3-4pm - OPEN FLOOR/TAP JAM  
4-5pm - Advanced Beg Level - Chloe  
5-6pm - Beginner Level - Jason  
 
1- class = $20  
2- classes = $35  
All four = $70  
*Any Class Purchase Includes Open Floor/Tap Jam with the  
artists hour  
*Tap Jam with Artists only - $5 entry  
 
***STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING REGULAR TAP PROGRAMMING AT THE  
AILEY EXTENSION***  
www.divinerhythmproductions.com  
www.alvinailey.org  
=================================  
 
WORLD FAMOUS WEEKLY TAP CELEBRATION  
 
honors NATIONAL TAP DANCE DAY!  
 
at the HARLEM TAP STUDIO  
 
Located at:  
 
401 West 149th street (take the A train to 145th and dance  
4 blocks  
north) bet St. Nick & Convent  
 
OPEN FLOOR - LIVE MUSICIANS  
 
FREE REFRESHMENTS FOR DANCERS  
 
Small Donation required for FOOD  
 
(DON'T MISS DORMESHIA'S FOUR CHEESE MACARONI & CHICKEN!)  
 
ONLY $10 for SPECTATORS (includes 2 drinks)  
 
MAY 24th 2008  
 
8-12pm  
 
www.harlemtap.com  
=================================  
 
Debbie Allen Dance Academy presents...  
The 6th Annual  
LA TAP FESTIVAL  
Register Online Today and Save!  
August 4-9, 2008  
 
www.latapfest.com  
 
Debbie Allen Dance Academy presents  
6th Annual 2008 Los Angeles Tap Festival  
Director Jason Samuels Smith, Co-Director Chloe Arnold  
 
6 days, world-renowned faculty, 85 classes, jam sessions,  
student showcase, The cutting contest, and The concert -  
New classes, programs, and specials  
 
All Levels and ages are welcome! Pre-Register and Save!  
Attracting students from over 35 states and 8 countries.  
 
Faculty: Jason Samuels Smith, Chloe Arnold, Dianne Walker,  
Arthur Duncan, Derick Grant, Dormeshia Sumbry Edwards, and  
many more...  
 
CONTACT US:  
310-280-9145  
310-936-7989  
latapfest@gmail.com  
WWW.LATAPFEST.COM  
 
================================= 
 
Don’t Miss: 
 
Tap Extravaganza 
May 25, 2008 at 7:00 pm 
The Tap City Youth Ensemble will be performing in a line-up 
with Dance Alumni from Oklahoma City University, Michelle 
Dorrance, Rod Ferrone, DeWitt Fleming, Mable Lee and her 
Dancing Ladies, Michela Marino Lerman, Rhythmutation, Chris 
Scott Company, Jason Samuels Smith,The Peggy Spina Tap 
Company. Schedule Permitting: Savion Glover, Jimmy Slyde 
 
Location: 
Haft Auditorium at Fashion Institute of Technology 
227 West 27th St., New York City 
 
Tickets: 
$68, $55, $45, $25 
Click here to purchase! 
 
You may contact questions@nytap.org with any questions. 
================================= 
Old friends aren't 'Risky Business' for Tom Cruise 
Cruise reunites with Chicago 'co-star' from film 
May 2, 2008 
 
 
BY BILL ZWECKER Sun-Times Columnist 
Chicagoan Candace Jordan got quite the thrill Wednesday 
afternoon when she ran into none other than Tom Cruise -- 
along with wife Katie Holmes, baby daughter Suri and 
Cruise's mom and sister -- shopping at Neiman Marcus on 
Michigan Avenue. 
But this wasn't just a normal fan-spots-a-favorite-star 
story. Cruise, of course, was here to tape some stuff for 
''Oprah'' shows today and Monday marking the 25th 
anniversary of his breakout role in ''Risky Business'' -- 
filmed here in 1983. Jordan, then known as Candace Collins, 
happened to have a small part in that film! 
Without missing a beat, she walked right up to the actor 
and told him about ''co-starring'' in that iconic film. 
Among her few scenes in ''Risky Business,'' Jordan had one 
that many will remember: ''I was the call girl who broke in 
on Tom when he was having his important college admission 
interview with the guy from Princeton.'' 
Jordan, a popular regular with hubby Chuck Jordan on Our 
Town's social and charity scene, also told Cruise about a 
running gag she has with friends, telling them, ''He 
would've been nothing without me!'' 
The actor loved the joke, took Jordan by the hand and 
immediately introduced her to Katie, Suri and the rest of 
his family. Though the Cruises were clearly shopping at 
Neiman's, Jordan reported there was nary a shopping bag to 
be seen, ''just a salesgirl standing there'' -- a Neiman's 
personal shopper assisting them during the 90-minute 
shopping spree. 
While Jordan didn't notice any security guards, there were 
two quietly on hand as the Cruises hit various departments, 
including women's, shoes and, natch, children's. 
Suri was so taken with one outfit, they cut off the tags -- 
and she wore it right out of the store. 
Even 25 years later, Jordan reports, ''I'm still getting 
residual checks from the movie,'' in which she was cast a 
few years after being named Playboy's Playmate of the Month 
for December 1979. 
As Candace Collins, Jordan also appeared in the 
Chicago-made ''Class'' and ''Smokey and the Bandit, Part 
3.'' 
FUNNY FILM: West Side native Robert Townsend has snared 
Bill Cosby to participate in his documentary about black 
comedians, a project that is really gathering steam. Cosby 
joins Chris Rock, Steve Harvey, George Wallace, Paul Mooney 
and Katt Williams in the film inspired by comedian and 
writer Darryl Littleton's book, Why We Laugh: Black 
Comedians on Black Comedy -- a look at African-American 
humor and its cultural influence in this country. 
ON HIS TOES: Talk about just in time! Given that CBS 
quickly canceled ''Secret Talents of the Stars,'' it's 
lucky that Chicago dancer Tre Dumas was seen on its only 
aired episode -- helping pop singer Mya showcase her tap- 
dancing skills. Dumas is now back home co-directing the 
Chicago Human Rhythm Project's upcoming annual concerts 
celebrating National Tap Dance Day. 
'JERSEY' HEADS WEST: It seems appropriate that the latest 
production of ''Jersey Boys'' opens in Las Vegas Saturday 
-- which just happens to be Frankie Valli's 74th birthday. 
The Chicago production of the Tony Award-winning show, 
about the rise of Valli and the Four Seasons, continues 
here at the LaSalle Bank Theater, with Jarrod Spector 
playing Valli. 
Bill Zwecker is seen at 5:50, 6:25 and 11:25 weekdays on 
WBBM-Channel 2. 
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/zwecker/928234,CST-FTR-zp02.article 
================================= 
 
*EAST COAST* 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
----------------------------------------------------- 
Samba Percussion Course 
Instructor: Philip Galinsky, Ph.D. 
Director, Samba New York! 
 
Monday, May 5 
Monday, May 12 
Monday, May 19 
Tuesday, May 27 
 
Beginning Section: 
6:30 - 8:00 PM 
Course fee: all 4 classes for $90 (includes $10 donation to 
Frederick Douglass for use of the instruments) 
$25 per individual class 
 
Advanced Section: 
8:00 - 9:30 PM 
Course fee: all 4 classes for $90 (includes $10 donation to 
Frederick Douglass for use of the instruments) 
$25 per individual class  
 
Frederick Douglass Academy 
2581 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Boulevard 
Corner of 149th Street 
New York City 
 
The Samba Percussion Course is an intensive workshop 
designed to train students in the fundamentals of samba 
percussion, drawing on Samba New York!'s original 
arrangements and the styles of some of Rio's top samba 
schools. There is no other course like this one being 
offered in New York City! 
 
The Beginning Section focuses on the basics of the samba 
school Bateria (percussion ensemble). Students will learn 
technique, the rhythmic structure of samba, and how to play 
with swing. The class will work on simple arrangements for 
samba-enredos (theme sambas) and will be asked to practice 
their instruments and to do listening exercises on a weekly 
basis. Students are encouraged to master the basics as 
quickly as possible and to move to the Advanced Section 
when they are ready. Beginning students may stay and 
participate in the Advanced Section for no additional 
charge. 
 
The Advanced Section serves as training for performances of 
the Samba New York! Bateria. Students will learn more 
advanced techniques and arrangements and will be expected 
to focus on one instrument. Advanced students may arrive 
early and participate in the Beginning Section for no 
additional charge. 
 
To register for either section, send us an email with your 
name, telephone number, and experience with samba 
percussion. The instructor will determine your level based 
on the information you provide and possibly an audition. 
Instruments will be provided. 
 
Directions: By subway, take the 3 train to the last stop 
(148th Street). The building is directly above the station. 
By car, take the Harlem River Drive to the 155th Street 
Exit. At the exit ramp, turn left onto Frederick Douglass 
Boulevard and another left onto 150th Street to Adam 
Clayton Powell. Cross Adam Clayton Powell and drive up the 
ramp to the school's free parking lot. 
 
917.684.9447 
www.sambanewyork.com 
 
================================= 
Dendê & Hãhãhães 
Original Afro-Brazilian Music 
Tickets: www.dromnyc.com 
Friday, May 9th at 10pm 
drom | 85 Avenue A | NYC 
(212)777-1157  
$12  
 
Formed in 2002, Hãhãhães is named after the Indian tribe 
Pataxó-Hãhãhães that once inhabited the city of Salvador in 
Bahia, Brazil. Lead by master Afro-Brazilian percussionist 
Dendê, the beat is always central, but it is tempered by 
thought provoking lyrics and sweet melodies. Comprised of 
musicians of various backgrounds, the groups' diversity 
permeates its music with rhythms ranging from Nigerian 
Afrobeat to Brazilian Samba to Cuban Pilón. 
About Dendê 
A former member of Timbalada, Dendê has been performing 
professionally since the age of 14. With Timbalada, Dendê 
toured all over Brazil, Europe and Asia, appeared on 
various television shows and has performed and recorded 
with such artists as Marisa Monte, Gilberto Gil, Carlinhos 
Brown, Yvette Sangalo and Sepultura. Having left Brazil in 
2001, Dendê now lives in New York, performing and recording 
with his groups Hãhãhães, an Afro-Brazilian/Afro-Cuban 
band, Arrastão an Afro-Brazilian percussion band and 
Ologundê, an Afro-Brazilian folkloric music and dance 
group. With these groups he has toured all over the US and 
Europe. In addition to his own work, he has his performed 
and recorded with artists such as Mongo Santamaría, Jerry 
Gonzales, Daniel Moreno, Tico da Costa, Vinicius Cantuária 
and Alessandra Belloni. Dendê also teaches Afro-Brazilian 
percussion in the New York City area. 
 
The Band 
Dende: percussion and vocals 
Leslie: percussion and vocals 
Adriano Santos: drums 
Gustavo Dantas: guitar 
Ze Grey: bass 
Ze Luis: sax and flute 
Timbal Workshop with Dendê 
Every Monday in May! 
(5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26) 
7-8:30pm 
6 Temple Court 
Brooklyn, NY (click here for map) 
Train to Fort Hamilton Parkway (email for directions) 
$90 for the series / $25 for individual classes 
 
About the Workshop 
Learn to play timbal first hand with a former member of 
Timbalada! Dendê will teach you proper timbal technique as 
well as the original timbal rhythms and breaks from bands 
like Timbalada, Ilê Aiyê and Olodum. Classes are open to 
all levels. Private lessons are also available. The 
workshops series will culminate in a performance in 
Prospect Park! 
About Dendê 
A former member of Timbalada, Dendê has been performing 
professionally since the age of 14. With Timbalada, Dendê 
toured all over Brazil, Europe and Asia, appeared on 
various television shows and has performed and recorded 
with such artists as Marisa Monte, Gilberto Gil, Carlinhos 
Brown, Yvette Sangalo and Sepultura. Having left Brazil in 
2001, Dendê now lives in New York, performing and recording 
with his groups Hãhãhães, an Afro-Brazilian/Afro-Cuban 
band, Arrastão an Afro-Brazilian percussion band and 
Ologundê, an Afro-Brazilian folkloric music and dance 
group. With these groups he has toured all over the US and 
Europe. In addition to his own work, he has his performed 
and recorded with artists such as Mongo Santamaría, Jerry 
Gonzales, Daniel Moreno, Tico da Costa, Vinicius Cantuária 
and Alessandra Belloni. Dendê also teaches Afro-Brazilian 
percussion in the New York City area. 
================================= 
American Tap Dance Foundation's 
3rd Annual Spring Gala 
 
The Helen Mills Event Space 
137 West 26th Street in North Chelsea 
 
6:00 pm: Cocktail Reception 
7:00 pm: Performance 
8:00 pm: Event Concludes 
All proceeds support the Gregory Hines Youth Scholarship 
Fund and ongoing youth education programs. 
 
This year, one of our most generous major donors has 
pledged to match - dollar for dollar - any gift that we 
receive over $100,000 with a matching maximum of $30,000. 
We are asking for your help in meeting this exciting 
challenge to exceed last year's impressive result, and to 
potentially double the impact of your contributions. 
To purchase tickets at $250 per person in advance, please 
contact: gala@atdf.org 
Or mail a check made payable to ATDF at: 
American Tap Dance Foundation 
18 West 27th Street (6th Floor) 
New York, New York 10001 
p (646)-230-9564 f (646) 230-7777 
www.atdf.org 
================================= 
Tradition in Tap Presents: 
 
The Danny Daniels Tap Experience 
 
May 24 - 26, 2008 in New York City. 
 
Visit www.traditionintap.com for more information. 
 
================================= 
 
 
*MID WEST * 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
----------------------------------------------------- 
 
 
Register Now for... 
The 17th Annual 
St. Louis Tap Festival!!! 
 
Celebrating International Rhythm! 
 
Master Classes * Tap Jam 
Panel Discussion 
Participant's Showcase 
ALL THAT TAP XVII 
 
July 21 - July 26, 2008 
 
Download Registration Form 
 
World Class Faculty! 
Something for Everyone! 
 
Make hotel reservations before June 20! 
 
See www.tapheritage.org for more details! 
 
 
================================= 
 
1st Annual 
Motor City Tap Festival 
June 26 - 29, 2008 
See www.motorcitytapfest.com 
for details! 
 
 
================================= 
 
 
 
*WEST COAST* 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
----------------------------------------------------- 
 
Celebrate National Tap Dance Day 
with some of L.A.'s best!!! 
 
Sunday, May 25th, 2008 
 
Debbie Allen Dance Academy 
 
3623 Hayden Ave., Culver City , CA 90232 
310-280-9145 
 
Time 
Beginning Intermediate Advanced 
12:00 - 1:15 pm Nicole Nicholas 
Jason Rodgers Sarah Reich 
1:15 – 2:00 pm Lunch for sale & film clip screenings 
2:00 - 3:15 pm Chantel Heath 
Steve Zee Charon Aldredge 
3:30 - 4:45 pm Arlene Kennedy Mike Wittmers Gregg Russell 
 
5:00 - 6:00 pm All invited to the TAP JAM 
 
$15.00 per Tap Class 
Charon Aldredge was featured in the national/international 
tour of "Riverdance the Show", "Cab Calloway's Legacy of 
Swing", Savion Glover's Improvography ll at Hollywood 's 
Kodak Theatre, and she was one of the first tap dancers to 
ever perform at Russia 's Kremlin Palace Theatre. 
www.Charonis.com. 
 
Chantel Heath is a professional dancer and choreographer. 
She has performed in Savion Glover's group Ti Dii. Has 
performed in Cuba , Russia , and France . Featured in Paris 
Mann's Things Aint What They Used to Be. She has traveled 
with the Kennedy Tap Company. Chantel is currently teaching 
tap and hip hop at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy . 
 
Arlene Kennedy is the co-founder and the artistic director 
of Universal Dance Designs and the world famous Kennedy Tap 
Company. To the credit of her and her late brother Paul 
Kennedy come such wonderful feet, as Dormeshia Sumbry 
Edwards, Derick Grant, Charon Aldredge, Cyd Glover-Hill, 
and the Nicholas Sisters. Ms. Kennedy teaches at Santa 
Monica College and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy . 
 
Nicole Nicholas has traveled all over the world performing 
with her grandfather, Fayard Nicholas of the Legendary 
Nicholas Brothers and with the Kennedy Tap Company. She is 
the managing producer for the Debbie Allen Dance Academy 
and has produced a number of dance festivals and musicals. 
 
Sarah Reich has been seen on The World is My Drum tap 
instructional DVDs. She performs with Anybody Can Get It, 
Syncopated Ladies and LA Ironworks. Sarah performed at 
International Dance Festival in Beijing , China . Sarah 
teaches at Everybody Dance and at the Debbie Allen Dance 
Academy . She also teaches across the country assisting the 
legendary Harold "Stumpy" Cromer. 
 
Jason Rodgers has performed on the Academy Awards as well 
as the North American tour of "Bring In Da Noise, Bring In 
Da Funk". He has been featured in commercials for Levi's, 
ESPN, Hummer, and Verizon Wireless VCast. Jason is a member 
of the tap company A.C.G.I (Anybody Can Get It), alongside 
Jason Samuels Smith. 
 
Gregg Russell is anEmmy nominated choreographer, worked 
with Gene Kelly and The Nicholas Brothers. He has his own 
company, Tap Sounds Underground. He has directed TV 
commercials and was featured in Dance Teacher Magazine. 
 
Mike Wittmers has been tapping for 27 years. He's a former 
cast member of Tap Dogs and has been on staff at EDGE 
Performing Arts Center, Millennium Dance Complex and Debbie 
Reynolds Dance Studio. Mike is the owner/creator of Double 
Bass Productions. www.doublebassproductions.com 
 
Steve Zee has been a member of the Jazz Tap Ensemble and 
Rhapsody In Taps and is the director of LA Ironworks. He is 
currently on faculty at CSU Long Beach and teaches on-going 
classes at the Tap Academy and the Dance Arts Academy . 
www.stevezee.com. 
================================= 
 
Robert L. Reed Master Classes 
 
May 17, Jun 21 
 
Parker Dance Academy - Parker, Colorado - 
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM & 7:00 - 8:30 PM 
St. Louis Hoofers Club Auditions and Workshops 
 
For more information: 
 
http://www.stlouishoofers.com/COAudition.html 
 
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www.divinerhythmproductions.com 
EMPOWER YOUR SOLE!

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