CENTERblog

With shoes like these, who needs instruments?
By Anthony Sallows - Alaska Pacific University

I’m going to assume that most people born in the last 20 years are more or less uninformed on what tap dance is. I know I was. Here’s a standard dictionary definition: “tap dance - noun a dance performed wearing shoes fitted with metal taps, characterized by rhythmical tapping of the toes and heels.”

Ok, that gives a basic foundation on the art, but to truly appreciate the precision footwork of these dancers, one must go see a show. I was fortunate enough to attend Thursday February 4th’s performance of Tap Kids in the Atwood theater at the Performing Arts Center. The crowd that was drawn to the show was composed mostly of parents who had an appreciation for the arts, and their children. I love seeing parents bring culture into their children’s lives. Go parents!
Incorporating a plot into a tap show would seem like an impossible task, but the story actually fit quite nicely. Thursday’s show told the tale of teens going through the obstacle course known as high school. From awkward first days, to asking that cute girl to a dance, and finally culminating with graduation and visions for the future. While the story was entertaining, the graphics projected on the screen behind the dancers were sub par for a “Broadway caliber show”. Non the less, they did add extra flair to the night’s entertainment.

Shortly after intermission, one of the dancers, Matthew Gershen, did a little gig that was about reciprocity. No music, no flashy lights, just him, his shoes, and the energy of the audience. He literally drew his inspiration from the cheers and applause. The louder the audience got, the more fervent his dance became. Reciprocity in action. This tipped me off to the simple fact that tap dancers more or less use their feet as a percussion instrument. Throughout the show they also demonstrated the percussion capabilities of other objects like lunch trays and basketballs.
Besides having expert tapping prowess, the dancers did most of the show in blue jeans. Incredible. I don’t normally think of jeans as the most comfortable clothing for breaking a sweat in. And to kick it up another notch, the female performers did most of the second half in heels! Thankfully, no ankles were twisted as they flawlessly finished the act. Props to the ladies for that one.

The program stated that Tap Kids was composed of eight of the most talented dancers, but only seven were preforming. Another dancer worth mentioning is Brittany Magill. Who was recently in the movie Fame, which I had the coincidental pleasure of watching on a flight right before the show. Tap Kids will be holding one more show on Friday the 5th, I recommend corralling the little ones and attending. Or simply go to let the child within you smile a bit. :)

Tap Kids
Alaska Junior Theater
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Atwood Concert Hall