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Divine Rhythm News

Apr 10, 2009

IN THIS ISSUE: 
 
*DRP ARTISTS* 
-STUDY with TAP SENSATION DORMESHIA SUMBRY-EDWARDS
-Camaradas Open Floor Open Mic Night
- THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION II with Sue Samuels
- Sue Samuels- New Class *New Price*Let's Dance!
-Don't Miss the first DC Tap Festival this month!
-TAP RELOADED APRIL 2009
-News from the India Jazz Suites Spring Tour
- JASON SAMUELS SMITH and A.C.G.I. At Jacob's Pillow Dance  
- MoveFreeDancers.com featuring Sue Samuels! 
-Tap City 2009
-LA Tap Festival 2009
 
*EAST COAST* 
-Ted Louis Levy's Monday Night Tap Class
-PA Academy of the Arts: Fun. Fit. Fabulous! Summer 2009...
-To Bury Caesar
-S.O.B.'s Presents: SAMBA SOUL w/ Alo Brasil & more...
 
*MIDWEST* 
-CHRP update
- M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Inc. Events 

*WEST COAST* 
-See World-Wide News Updates & Events
 
*WORLD-WIDE*
-Tap Alert! from your ITA
================================= 
 
*DRP ARTISTS * 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
----------------------------------------------------- 

STUDY with TAP SENSATION DORMESHIA SUMBRY-EDWARDS 

(from the Movie "TAP", Bring in Da'Noise, Bring in Da'Funk, Black and Blue, Star of The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang, Superstars of Dance)

at 

HARLEM TAP STUDIO
401 West 149th street (take A train and walk 4 blocks north)
2127802139

THURSDAYS (Intermediate Advanced Level)

6-7:30pm

ONLY $15 per class!

================================= 

CAMARADAS OPEN FLOOR OPEN MIC NIGHT

HOSTED BY DORMESHIA SUMBRY-EDWARDS

World-renowned Tap Dancer & Actress 

LIVE BAND, DRINKS & FOOD for purchase 

Please join us for the next Open Floor Open Mic Night on MONDAY, APRIL 27TH! 

Doors open at 8pm

Cover $7

Kitchen open late!

CAMARADAS el barrio
2241 First Avenue (115th st)
El Barrio, New York City 10029
http://www.camaradaselbarrio.com

================================= 

The AILEY Extension presents

THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION II with Sue Samuels
April 26, 2009
Sunday
1pm-4pm

Learn what you need to know to get it right the first time.

If you missed the first one, this is your chance to come and get some tools for "picking-up" the20steps and "waking-up" the brain.

If you came to the first workshop you can get the rest of the dance.
GET IN STEP!  With the Mind-Body Connection!  Let's dance and have FUN! 































================================= 

Sue Samuels- New Class *New Price*Let's Dance!

Hi Everyone!
I'm excited to announce 2 new classes.
Broadway Jazz - Beginner level
Tuesday and Thursday mornings 10-11:30

***Convenient location***
939 8th Avenue (between 55th and 56th Streets)
3rd floor  New York City

***Dance More Pay Less***
single class $14.00  10-class card $120.00

Now you can dance every morning!  What a way to start the day!
We had our first 2 classes and they were GREAT!
I'm looking forward to seeing you!
For more information, please call me:
212-262-0873
or e-mail.

I look forward to seeing you there!
Live, Love, DANCE!!
Love,
Sue Samuels

================================= 

2009 DC Tap Festival   
 
Presented by Chloe and Maud Productions   
 
April 17th, 18th and 19th   
 
www.dctapfest.com   
 
Join us for one dynamic, inspiring 3-day weekend, April 
17,  18, 19th, as we share and expand the language of dance   
through master classes, history talks, jam sessions, a   
student showcase, cutting contest, and Performance   
featuring both world renowned Tap Master and accomplished   
teachers and young dancers from the DC area and abroad. 
Our Faculty includes Directors Chloe & Maud Arnold, Emmy-Award 
winner Jason Samuels Smith, Grammy-Award winner Mya  
Harrison (schedule pending), vaudeville star Dr. Harold   
Cromer, Broadway Stars Bakaari Wilder, Joe Webb, Dewitt   
Fleming, Tap Dog David Covington, Nancy Newell, Toni   
Lombre, Heidi Schultz, and many more!!!   

Buy your Concert Tickets Today!
to The All- Star Concert @ Duke Ellington Theatre - April 18, 8:00pm

=================================   
 
Don't miss Jason Samuels Smith, Chloe Arnold, & Christiane 
Matallo at TAP RELOADED 2009!   
 
When: April 24, 2009 @ 8 PM   
 
Where: Liederhalle Stuggart - Germany   
 
Featuring:   
 
Jason Samuel Smith, Chloe Arnold (USA)   
 
Dorel & Costel Surbeck   
 
Fabrice Martin , Lukas Weiss (Switzerland)   
 
Noelia Vincente, Carlos Ramos (Spain)   
 
Christiane Matallo & Gilberto de Syllos (Brazil)   
 
Konstantin Nevretdinov (Russia)   
 
Fredy Corado (Costa Rica)   
 
The Penguin Tappers (Germany)   
 
Tickets   
 
www.easyticket.de   
 
Phone +49-(0)711 / 25 55 555   
 
For more information:www.myspace.com/tapreloaded2009   
 
=================================  

News from the India Jazz Suites Spring Tour

1. Review of IJS in the Maui News:

http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/516511.html

2. The presenter at the Leeward Theatre in Honolulu wrote a blog about IJS. As you will read, he has singled out the show as one of his favorites. 

http://www.insidethearts.com/buttsintheseats/tag/jason-samuels-smith/

3. Also, this is the link to the trailer or commercial for the documentary on IJS that the Center for Asian American Media asked the director to put together to showcase to PBS.

http://www.hokuuchiyama.com/main.html



=================================
JASON SAMUELS SMITH and A.C.G.I. (Anybody Can Get it) 
July 22 – August 2 
Doris Duke Theatre 
Two-Week Engagement 
Live Music 
 
Be uplifted and astounded by tap sensation Jason Samuels 
Smith and his super-troupe A.C.G.I. (Anybody Can Get It) 
featuring some of the best feet in the business. A prodigy 
when cast in Savion Glover's Broadway hit Bring in ‘da 
Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk at age 15, Smith went on to become 
an Emmy Award-winner, television and feature film star, 
director, and choreographer carrying on the great tradition 
of tap. Audiences may recognize Smith as a featured guest 
performer on the hit television show So You Think You Can 
Dance. Expected to be in hot demand, this show is a 
two-week engagement and features live music! 
NEW! Doris Duke Theatre now opening on Wednesday evenings 
Wednesday – Saturday, 8:15pm 
Saturday, 2:15pm 
Sunday 5pm 
Tickets: $33 adults, $30 seniors, students, child, $29 
Full, and Flex 5 subscribers. Members enjoy early ordering 
privileges 

================================= 
 
CHECK IT OUT!! Dancers over 50!  It is fun to see us moving 
around and having fun as an "older" dancer. 
 
Featuring Sue Samuels! 
 
MoveFreeDancers.com 
================================= 
TAP CITY 2009

July 6 - 11
 
Register NOW for HUGE savings! All packages include a ticket to the Premier Performance at Symphony Space!  
 
Festival classes include:
Half Day & Full Day Festival for Youth
Pre-Professional Program for Teens
Residencies, 2-day Courses & Master Classes for Adults
Performances opportunities for all festival participants
An AMAZING premier performance at Symphony Space
Tap Talks / Tap Films
More events TBA
Scholarships available for children ages 6 - 19
Faculty includes: Michelle Dorrance, DeWitt Fleming, Derick K. Grant, Susan Hebach, Max Pollak, Barbara Duffy, Jason Samuels Smith, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Randy Skinner, Harold Cromer, Brenda Bufalino, Mercedes Ellington, Germaine Salsberg, Thelma Goldberg, Lisa LaTouche, Lynn Schwab, Carson Murphy, Chloe Arnold, Acia Gray, Geo Hubela, David Rider, Ray Hesselink, Jimmy Tate, Michele Ribble, Alicia Smith, & Kelly Kaleta

Check it out!

http://www.atdf.org/tapcity_2009/RegInformation09.htm

================================= 
Save the Date – LA Tap Festival 2009!  
 
2009 LA Tap Fest 
 
Presented by The Debbie Allen Dance Academy 
 
August 10-15th 2009  
 
www.latapfest.com 

================================= 
 
 *EAST COAST * 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
----------------------------------------------------- 

Ted Louis Levy's Monday Night Tap Class

Hello Friends,
I am setting up a brief series of classes  on Monday nights.  IF you know anyone that would be interested, I would appreciate it if you would pass the word along.
My Sincerest Gratitude.  Ted Louis Levy
"SPRING SWING"

MONDAY  APRIL 13, 2009 @  5:00 – 7:00          
STUDIO 353 353  W.  48th Street
  

MONDAY  APRIL 20, 2009 @  5:00 – 7:00
STUDIO 353 353  W.  48th Street



MONDAY  APRIL 27, 2009 @   5:00 – 7:00
STUDIO 353 353  W.  48th Street


================================= 
PA Academy of the Arts

Fun. Fit. Fabulous! Summer 2009...


Fun. Fit. Fabulous!



The much-awaited Summer 2009 brochure has arrived and is available online for you right now!
 
There are a lot of great new options for everyone this summer, from dance-fitness classes to ShowStoppers, our new children's performing company. Check out more information below.
 
Classes begin June 15th and run until July 24th. Please see the brochure for more information on camps and classes! Register soon to reserve your place!

mind + body

Exercise can beFUN!
 
Tired of your old fitness routine? Sick of sitting at a computer all day?
 
Grab a friend and join one of our new, hip dance-fitness classes! 

No experience needed!

Tap & Burn
Tue 6:30 pm
 
Dance 4 Life
Wed 7:00 pm
 
Ballet Workout  
 Thu 6:00 pm

 
Rock & Roll
Band Camp
Concert on
Sat, July 18th!

 Your chance to star in a real rock band on stage in front of a live audience!
 
Camp Includes:
- Band placement
- 1-hour private lesson
 - 4 guided band rehearsals
- Complete PA system 
- Final concert
 
Guitar & bass players, drummers, singers and keyboard players with some training or experience.
 
Ages 10 to adult
ShowStoppers & 
Kids' Camps 
 
Join our new children's 
dance & drama company,

ShowStoppers!
Wed 5:00 pm

Just for the FUN of it! Building confidence in a  non-competitive environment. 
Ages 5 and up. No experience needed.

 Also this summer:
 Fairy Princess Camp
July 20th -24th 
 
A Bug's Life Camp 
June 17th - 19th  
Try-Me-Trio & KinderMoves 
 
Great dance samplers 
for the summer...  
 
Try a little ballet, tap AND jazz this summer with these fabulous, high-energy classes!
 
Classes begin June 15th
 
No experience needed.

KinderMoves (ages 3-5)
Mon 5:00 pm

Try Me Trio (Ages 6-10) 
Mon 6:00 pm
  
So You Think
You Can Flap!

Friday, June 26th
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
 
A one-day, all-tap workshop for experienced tappers who just can't enough tap! 

Schedule includes:
 
- Rudiments
 - Fast footwork
- Improvisation
- Original Broadway choreography

Ages 7+  
  

 
Classical Ballet
Workshop

Friday, July 17th 
  10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Designed to teach the joy, grace & discipline found in the world of ballet! 

In addition to exploring the ballet "Paquita" (about a gypsy girl), our schedule includes: 

- Ballet Technique
- Pointe
- Jumps & Turns
- Dancer's Nutrition
- Injury Prevention
 
Ages 7+
View a weekly schedule of classes
Important Spring/Summer Dates
April 6th - Spring registration begins
April 10th - 12th - Easter Break (no classes)
May 16th - Last day of spring semester
May 17th - "Academy Awards 2009" Recital
May 20th - Studio Company Auditions
June 1st - Summer Session registration due
June 15th - Summer Semester begins
July 20th - ShowStoppers performs at Centre Hall Library
July 24th - Summer Semester ends






================================= 


To Bury Caesar

 
 
He was a star - the Errol Flynn of the 19th Century Shakespearean stage.
 
Called the most handsome man in America, rich, dashing, and romantic, John Wilkes Booth was the favored son of a famous family, the darling of theatrical circles, a daring swashbuckler on-stage and off, the idol of hundreds of beautiful women.
 
At age 26, he seemed to have it all. Nothing was beyond his reach. But behind Booth's dark good looks and flashing wit lurked a deadly obsession -- a burning hatred for the United States government and its president, Abraham Lincoln.
 
On the night of April 14, 1865, Booth ignited a conspiracy to bring down that government - he became America's first terrorist, and altered America's destiny forever.

 
 
"To Bury Caesar," starring Ford D'Aprix as John Wilkes Booth, examines the motivations and demons that drove Abraham Lincoln's assassin on the night of the murder. A one-man play written and directed by Chris Dickerson.
 
Showing at the Roy Arias Theatre Center, Times Square Arts Center, 300 W. 43rd Street (bewteen 8th & 9th), fifth floor.
 
Performances running from April 16th to May 24th
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Nights at 8:00 PM
Sunday 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
 
Tickets $20 (matinees $18, student and senior discounts)
Tickets available through Smart Tix, www.smarttix.com, 212-868-4444, or at the door.
 
www.ToBuryCaesar.com

=================================
Every Saturday is Brazilian Night
This Saturday, April11th , come check out Alo Brasil. Late night is Sol Ascension with Manchildblack, Osunlade & Wumni. It's going to be a great night.
All types of dishes will be serve, some favorites being Xim Xim, a dish typical of Northern Brazil; Sarava, a contemporary favorite of Rio de Janeiro, the quintessentially classic Feijoada and the vastly popular Banana Leaf Wrapped Snapper.

Hungry for more??? 
Samba Soul is FREE with dinner reservations before 7pm. We're also offering 
a weekly Bossa Nova Sunday Brunch with an open Sangria Bar.
See the Dancers, Taste the Flavors and Hear the Sounds Of Brazil at SOB's!!!
MAKE YOUR OWN LIST

EMAIL RSVP@SOBS.COM or CALL 212-243-4940 FOR A DISCOUNT $10 LIST

CALL FOR DINNER RESERVATIONS

FREE ADMISSION WITH RESERVATION AT 7PM
Follow SOBs on Twitter
Become a Fan of SOB's on Facebook
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Saturday April 11th 
S.O.B.'s Presents:
Samba Soul

Featuring:
Alo Brasil (early) 
&
Sol Ascension
ft Osunlade & Wumni
(late)
Doors: 6:30pm
Shows: 9pm & 11pm 
Admission: $10 Reduced List- RSVP torsvp@sobs.com 
Free admission w/ 7pm dinner reservation
Alô Brasil, is the Philadelphia -based Brazilian group. Not just performers, Alô Brasil’s artists are dedicated and experienced teachers whose mission is to communicate the energizing joy, the mind-boggling diversity, and the historical and cultural significance of Brazilian music. Alô Brasil transforms audiences into enthusiastic participants, and ordinary events into joyful celebrations!
GET READY!!! 
The next installment of SOL ASCENSION will be the biggest one yet when two of global soul music's greatest talents come together for a night you won't want to miss!
On Saturday, April 11th, MANCHILDBLACK/HYPE LIFE MUSIC & SOB's will bring you a night of soul drenched and spiritually rich grooves provided by the maverick behind Yoruba Soul Records-DJ/producer/remixer, OSUNLADE! This incredible night of music will be taken to the next level when internationally renown recording artist WUNMI comes to set the stage ablaze with a live performance!
-----------
Saturday April 18th 
S.O.B.'s Presents:
Samba Soul

Featuring:
Ogans (early) 
&
Basement Bhangra 12th Anniversary
(late)
Doors: 6:30pm
Shows: 9pm & 11pm 
Admission: $10 Reduced List- RSVP torsvp@sobs.com
(AdvanceTickets Available @ ticketweb.com) 
Free admission w/ 7pm dinner reservation
Alô Brasil, is the Philadelphia -based Brazilian group. Not just performers, Alô Brasil’s artists are dedicated and experienced teachers whose mission is to communicate the energizing joy, the mind-boggling diversity, and the historical and cultural significance of Brazilian music. Alô Brasil transforms audiences into enthusiastic participants, and ordinary events into joyful celebrations!
GET READY!!!
The next installment of
SOL ASCENSION will be the biggest one yet when two of global soul music's greatest talents come together for a night you won't want to miss!
On Saturday, April 11th,
MANCHILDBLACK/HYPE LIFE MUSIC & SOB's will bring you a night of soul drenched and spiritually rich grooves provided by the maverick behind Yoruba Soul Records-DJ/producer/remixer, OSUNLADE! If you missed his last visit to Sol Ascension a few months back, this is your chance to hear one of the most acclaimed and in demand spinners on the planet. Check out a clip of Osunlade here:
This incredible night of music will be taken to the next level when internationally renown recording artist WUNMI comes to set the stage ablaze with a live performance! She'll be performing her hit collaborations with Masters at Work, as well as bangers from her debut album A.L.A. 
Check out Wunmi in action here:
If this weren't enough, the nights visuals will be courtesy of the fashion label that has been worn by recording artists Keyshia Cole, Keziah Jones,
BLK JKS and Manchildblack, ZULU ROSE!
GET READY TO ASCEND!!!
-----------

S.O.B.'s Bossa Nova Brunch
Bossa Nova Brunch keeps getting bigger & better. Our Spring edition welcomes a larger music ensemble featuring the hypnotic vocals and breezy melodies of Adriana and Nanny Assis. What more perfect way to recharge your battery and jump start your week than spending a sizzling Sunday afternoon with friendly faces, soulful dishes, cool grooves and endless sangria.
For those who have yet to experience all the fun, Bossa Nova Brunch goes down every Sunday from 12pm-4pm with seating at 12:00, 12:30, 2:00 & 2:30 and includes Live Brazilian Grooves, Three Course Menu, & All You Can Drink Sangria for only $24.99 per a person.
Hurry now & make reservations for
EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH (April 12th)
&
MOTHER'S DAY SUNDAY BRUNCH (May 10th)
&
Don't forget that brunch is served every Sunday.
Be sure to make your reservations early, cause time is running out for the best brunch in town.

=================================
*MIDWEST * 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
-----------------------------------------------------

CHRP update

April 7, 2009—UPDATED

WINDY CITY RHYTHMS GOES GLOBAL MAY 29–31

Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s National Tap Dance Day Concerts

Feature Brazil’s Barbatuques, Jason Samuels Smith, BAM! at Museum of
Contemporary Art



CHICAGO—Bringing a new spin to its annual celebration of National
Tap Dance Day, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), the world’s
only year-round presenter of American tap dance and contemporary
percussive arts, presents Windy City Rhythms Goes Global, featuring
the postponed Chicago debut of the Brazilian body band Barbatuques,
joined by Emmy Award winner Jason Samuels Smith and CHRP’s
performing ensemble BAM!. Windy City Rhythms Goes Global, presented
in association with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), takes place
May 29–31 at the MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago.

         Barbatuques defies boundaries by combining Afro-Brazilian
chants, body drumming, stomping feet, video montage and pulsating
rhythms to create a visual and auditory feast. Founded in 1996 by
Fernando Barba, this 14-member “body-band” has performed on
television and at special events in its native country as well as in
France, Portugal and Spain. “Barbatuques was originally scheduled to
appear at our annual Global Rhythms performances at the Harris in
November 2008,” explained CHRP Founder and Director Lane
Alexander. “Due to visa delays, however, we had to postpone these
concerts. We are thrilled that we can fulfill our commitment to
present Barbatuques’ utterly original work to Chicago.”

         Jason Samuels Smith won a 2004 Emmy Award and a 2004
American Choreography Award for Outstanding Choreography for the
opening number of the 2003 Jerry Lewis/MDA Telethon. He launched his
career in the Tony Award-winning Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk,
and, as an original member of Savion Glover’s N.Y.O.T.s (Not Your
Ordinary Tappers), he has performed internationally. He recently
completed the first volume in his own Tap Workout series, now
available on DVD/VHS. He most recently choreographed and performed
the role of Dr. Fayard Nicholas in Debbie Allen’s production of
SAMMY – a musical on the life of Sammy Davis Jr. He also has founded
his own company, A.C.G.I. (Anybody Can Get It).

         BAM!, CHRP’s resident ensemble, literally shakes the stage
with one of the most diverse repertories of American tap dances in
the world. Directed by Alexander and Kristi Burris, BAM!, will
premiere new works by Spanish tap and sand dance master Guillem
Alonso, Ted Levy and a collaborative work created by Barbatuques’
lead percussionist, Bruno Buarque. All these new works are sponsored
by the Sara Lee Foundation and will culminate in 20th anniversary
concerts at the Harris Theater in 2010.

 (more)

WINDY CITY RHYTHMS GOES GLOBAL/ADD ONE

In addition to the performances, Windy City Rhythms Goes
Global features a First Night post-show talk with Alexander and the
artists on Friday, May 29. Members of Barbatuques lead two body
percussion workshops: Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. at the Old Town
School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., and Sunday, May 31 at 4
p.m. at the MCA.

         CHRP’s 2009 season continues with Rhythm World, the oldest
and most comprehensive festival of American tap in the world, now in
its 19th year of performance and education programs, July 27–August
9 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, the Fine Arts
Building, Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater,
Roosevelt University’s Ganz Hall, Loyola University and the MCA. The
season concludes with Global Rhythms, contemporary percussive arts
performances featuring the Chicago debut of Washington D.C.’s Step
Afrika!, November 19, 20, 21 at the Harris Theater for Music and
Dance in Millennium Park.



CHRP’s 2009 season is supported by The MacArthur Fund for the Arts
and Culture at the Prince, The Chicago Community Trust, Prince
Charitable Trusts, the National Endowment for the Arts, Target,
American Airlines, Leo’s Dancewear, The Illinois Arts Council, The
Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg Family Foundation, The Gaylord and
Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Jerome and Jeanette Cohen Family
Foundation, The Oppenheimer Family Foundation, L!VE Marketing (sic),
Charter One Bank, the Illinois Arts Council, the City of Chicago
Department of Cultural Affairs, the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation,
Arts Midwest, The The Dr. Scholl Foundation, American Overseas
Transport, L and L Hardwood Flooring and generous individual donors.
All programming is subject to change. For information, visit
chicagotap.org.
Founded in 1990, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project is America’s
oldest institution dedicated to preserving, presenting and teaching
tap and percussive dance by bringing together generations of tap
dance legends, professionals, students and enthusiasts for classes,
performances and workshops. CHRP has four artistic focuses:
presenting world-class dance concerts, building a permanent
educational forum for tap and percussive dance, sustaining the art
form through preservation and documentation and promoting respect and
appreciation between various communities by presenting ethnically and
aesthetically diverse artists.



As the Museum of Contemporary Art’s program of performing arts, MCA
Stage is a nationally recognized presenter of contemporary theatre,
dance, music and multimedia performances. Featuring leading
performers from around the globe, including Chicago’s most
innovative artists, MCA Stage is the most active interdisciplinary
performing arts presenter in Chicago. MCA Stage enjoys working year-
round with numerous arts and community organizations for co-
presentations of the performing arts, making the MCA a shared
resource for the cultural life of our city. MCA Stage celebrates
artists and their creative process, connecting audiences with artists
in meaningful discourse with its Artists Up Close series of post-show
talks, panels, roundtable discussions, workshops and residencies.
Audiences at MCA Stage performances receive one free museum admission
with each ticket stub on the performance date or during the following
week. For information and tickets, call the MCA Box Office at
312-397-4010 or visit mcachicago.org.



Windy City Rhythms Goes Global takes place May 29–31, Friday–
Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the MCA Stage, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago.
Tickets are $35, $28 for MCA members, and are available at
312-397-4010 or mcachicago.org. The Barbatuques workshop on Thursday,
May 28 at 6 p.m. at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N.
Lincoln Ave., is $20; there is a 20-student limit, call 773-728-6000
to register. The Barbatuques workshop on Sunday, May 31 at 4 p.m. at
the MCA is $25, $15 with a ticket purchase to Windy City Rhythms Goes
Global; registration is available at chicagotap.org. All programming
is subject to change. For information visit
chicagotap.org.

================================= 
 
M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Inc. Events
The Economy is tanking and even with out Presidents' innovative proposals, we need to do our part and that's why we are introducing this tap jam to the American people!

Come trade and/or encourage in Chicago's exclusive weekly tap jam hosted by M.A.D.D. Rhythms.
Tap Dancers and musicians of all ages and levels are welcome to indulge in trading and communicating with each other in a musical way.
Come join us all in fun and hang out while you unleash a rhythm of your own.

Donation: $3 to watch $1 to jam

South Shore Cultural Center
7059 S. Shore Dr., Chicago, IL

*Musicians please bring your own sound equipment if necessary.

For further questions please call: (773) 604-1899, email info@maddrhythms.com


================================= 

 *WEST COAST * 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
-----------------------------------------------------

See *WORLD-WIDE* NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS
================================= 
 
 *WORLD-WIDE * 
NEWS UPDATES & EVENTS 
-----------------------------------------------------

Tap Alert! from your ITA

The Official Message for Dance Day
29 April 2009

The future of dance lies where there are persons who do not dance. These belong to two categories: those who simply did not learn, and those who think that they are not able to dance. They represent the greatest challenge for the dance teacher's profession.

In line with UNESCO's struggle against prejudice and discrimination, we are trying to expand the boundaries of dance and to change the current perception of what a dancer is.
Dance performances are not necessarily exhibitions of extreme physicality, accurate precision, or bursting emotion - they can be celebrations of interaction between performers. We can enrich dance concerts with dancers, singers, actors, narrators, mimes, acrobats etc., of all ages and all degrees of ability.

Bringing the 'excluded' into dance is a moral duty, but also opens a great door in times of economic crisis and unemployment. In every country there are millions of persons with physical or mental disabilities. We believe they are ready to dance. They will create jobs to thousands of dance teachers. They can be assisted by the Ministry of Health, whose budget is many times bigger than that of the Ministry of Culture. Integrating marginalized persons into the practice of dance is as important as integrating them into the workforce.

Conseil International de la Danse holds to the philosophy that everyone can dance.

Dance Day 2009 is dedicated to inclusive dance. Let us include all members of society into our classes and our performances. 

Prof. Alkis Raftis
President of the International Dance Council CID
UNESCO, Paris
www.unesco.org/ngo/cid            
 www.cid-unesco.org
---------------
ATDF's SOUND CHECK AT THE JUDSON THEATRE
By Jane Goldberg
Tony Waag and Michela Marino-Lerman
It’s always wonderful to see new work. Despite the lack of critical media attention this time around, the die-hard tap family, showed up and pack the house to support The American Tap Dance Foundation’s new series, Sound Check in NY’s renowned Judson Memorial Church. Once the hotbed for experimental dance and art by such luminaries as Meredith Monk, Yvonne Rainer, Steve Paxton, Robert Rauschenberg, of the 1960s, Judson was a great spot to see and hear a miked tap floor laid out in the informal setting of the beautiful old church.
According to Executive Producer Tony Waag (Associate Producers of this series were Hjordis Linn-Blanford and Tony Mayes) “lots of conversations had been happening in the last few years to do more than five to ten minutes, as in the festival format. We wanted to present bodies of work celebrating the art form. It was a response to the community.”
True, the first event did start out with “numbers.” The DJ radio announcer Max Love (Camille Gaston) was fun to listen to as he announced each of the romantic duets performing to such wonderful standards as “Cheek 2 Cheek”, “Can’t Take That Away" with artists Melinda Sullivan and Baakari Wilder. It felt a little like “everything old is new again” with a young twist.

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A Beautiful Definintion 
The Magic Rhythms 2008 charity workshop and showcase held in Edmonton, Alberta gave those of us who tap dance a beautiful definition from co-host Curtis Ledger.    Check it out! (video)
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Avi Miller, Ofer Ben and Germaine Salsberg honored during Oklahoma City University’s American Spirit’s Spring Show
Known for preserving the American art form of tap dance, Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management has brought respect to tap dance through class instruction, performance and honoring the artists who created, developed and evolved the art form. This year Avi Miller, Ofer Ben and Germaine Salsberg will join the ranks of 44 past honorees at the annual acknowledgement of men and women who have contributed to the stability of tap dance.

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Two Tap Movies in production in NYC
Not one, but two grad students are featuring tap dance in their thesis films.

Check out Andre Plaut's (New York Film Academy) Honeycomb Heels: the story of a struggling tap dancer in 1936, during the Great Depression in New York City. Sidney Smith, the protagonist of the film, sees tap dancing as the only answer to his troubled life. He supports his wife and sick father by performing his routine at a local bar. This film is about a man trying to achieve the American Dream during possibly the hardest time in American history. It also highlights the art of tap dancing, and its history. website
Sania Jhankar's (Tisch School of the Arts, New York University) Grey is a 1920s drama, in which the son of a racist producer befriends a black stage actor to alter the very course of his vaudeville production house. Henry is the heir to The Harrison Vaudeville Company and his passion is tap dancing. His dancing feet lead him to discover a rare friendship with a black stage actor, Anthony. In his attempts to eliminate theatrical elements such as blackface, Henry inadvertently questions the basis of his father’s company and also, of humanity.
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Selected Events for April / May, 

Columbus, OH / Apr 19, 4pm 
Premiere event of Thinking On Their Feet: Women of the Tap Renaissance, a feature-length documentary by Jenai Cutcher.
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com 
Box Office Info: 614-292-3535
General Information: 614-292-7977
Tokyo / May 2-7 
Tokyo International Tap Festival with Dianne Walker, Sam Weber, Jason Samuels-Smith and Japanese artists.
EM: info@artntap.com
PH: 81.3.6424.5566
Paris / Apr 3 
Leela Petronio and the Hip Tap Project present the Paris Tap Session; Le Comedy Club, 42 bd Bonne Nouvelle, Paris 10e; Metro Bonne Nouvelle; free admission.
WB: www.lecomedyclub.com 
www.myspace.com/hiptapproject
Stuttgart / Apr 25 
Pascal Hulin's Tap Reloaded - The International Tap Dance Festival
Audition and cast for 2010.
EM: pascalhulin@aol.de
WB: www.myspace.com/tapreloaded2009
Long Beach, CA / Apr 26 
Rhapsody In Taps honors tap master Fred Strickler and celebrates National Tap Dance Day. Master classes by RIT company members and guests; Center Stage Dance Academy
WB: www.rhapsodyintaps.com
PH: 310.858.1676
Silver Spring, MD / May 3 
Knock on Wood Studio presents a special tap event for "Boyz" ages 8-14; Knock on Wood Studio, 8700 Georgia Ave, Suite B
WB:www.tapperswithattitude.org
PH: 301.495.0395
New York City / Apr 25-26 
Take it to the Stage with Brenda Bufalino; Chelsea Studios, 151 West 26th Street, 5th or 6th Floor (between 6th – 7th Avenues)
WB: www.atdf.org
Registration Website
Washington D.C. / Apr 17th-19th
2009 DC Tap Festival presented by Chloe and Maud Productions
WB: www.dctapfest.com


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