American Tap Dance Choreography Showcase, 2005 Edition

Are you a choreographer who loves to use tap not just as "fun fluff" but as a truly creative medium? Have you ever wished for an event that would give people a chance to hear and see your tap works in a sharing, caring, nurturing atmosphere, in an open format and on a great floor? Wouldn't you love to offer your dancers not only the excitement and prestige of performing your works at a National Showcase but also the opportunity to learn tons of terrific "tap stuff." You have just found the place where you can do all this!

The national tap dance company is delighted to invite you to participate in the American Tap Dance Choreography Showcase (ATDCS), a new, annual program designed to make it possible for tap dance choreographers to share their creativity and inventiveness with the general public, even if they do not have high-level tappers to express their choreographic ideas. Better yet, at the National Showcase your dancers will have the opportunity to perform your works on the world's best tap dance floor, with the final performance being recorded for a possible film or TV documentary. 

Starting in early 2005 there will be Regional Auditions & Workshops across North America (please contact Public Relations if you would like to host such a program on another continent.) Choreographers and dancers selected once these auditions are completed will receive substantial scholarships and other benefits to participate in the annual American Tap Dance Institute "Spirit Of Tap" Conference (July 11-16, 2005), in and of itself a marvelous educational experience, and to perform their selected works at a National Showcase which will be the culminating point of the program. Those at higher skill levels will also have the extraordinary opportunity to learn throughout the week a new tap dance piece that will be created especially for the occasion by NTE Director and world-renown tap master Chris Baker. This original  piece entitled "Sole Composition #5", will be performed as a World Première at the National Showcase in Chicago.

This showcase features two main categories (see details below) and is open to tap dance choreographers and performers from throughout the world. ALL tap dance choreographers and ALL tap dancers age 8 and above, regardless of experience, status (amateur, professional, student, teacher, independent tapper, studio, company, senior groups, etc.) gender or country of residence may participate. Both "independent" choreographers and those connected to studios, colleges, organizations or performing groups are welcome. ALL tap dance styles and aesthetics, whether a capella, with recorded accompaniment (CD only, please), live accompaniment (permitted and encouraged) or a combination thereof, are welcome.

1. Top-notch standards
   This showcase is the only one in the world to be produced by a major, national tap dance company. While it is open to all kinds of tap styles and creative thoughts (see FAQ), it focuses on tap dance and is produced by tappers for tappers.
    
2. Celebrating our creative differences
   This showcase is not about being "better than the next guy," nor is it about winning one more cheesy trophy to put on the studio shelf. For us at the national tap dance company this showcase is all about recognizing the quality and the originality of today's many unheard and unseen tap dance choreographers, the DIFFERENCES between their styles and approaches, and about giving them a platform to showcase their artistic ideas. There is NO ARTISTIC CENSORSHIP of any kind in this showcase and we will audition any type or style of choreography/composography.
    
3. TWO main, separate showcase categories
   Many tap teachers and choreographers have wonderful creative ideas which they may use for their own recitals but because the level of the students they work with may not be that high, they understandably shy away from entering showcases, competitions or even presenting their works in community performances. As a result, those wonderful creative ideas never get a chance to be experienced by anyone but just a relative few in a yearly recital. ATDCS has of course a category for high-level tap but also an entire category of entries dedicated ONLY to pieces featuring dancers at lower levels as well. Therefore these dancers' choreographers are NOT penalized before they even start (a dirty little secret of the dance world) nor are they competing against the higher levels in any way. These two categories are determined by the level of the dancers the choreographer has at hand, not by the level of the choreography/choreographer. The categories are as follows:
   
   "NIFTIES": Tap dance choreography pieces created for and taught to dancers at levels 2 through 4 (advanced beginner to intermediate) as determined by our professional, "absolute" scale. Sub-categories include: solo, duo/trio, groups (4 dancers or more.)  The groups in this category will usually be asked to audition on Saturdays.
   
   "GROOVIES": Tap dance choreography pieces created for and taught to dancers at levels 5 through 7 (advanced to professional) as determined by our professional, "absolute" scale which ranks levels from 1 to 7. Sub-categories include: solo, duo/trio, groups (4 dancers or more.) The groups in this category will usually be asked to audition on Sundays.
   
   Because encouraging creativity is very important to us, we allow up to 4 minutes for solo/duo/trio pieces, instead of the 2-3 minutes often allowed, and group pieces can be up to 6 minutes long. However we do not believe that arbitrary numbers should dictate one's creativity and we will be happy to consider longer pieces upon request (please email the staff.)
   
   If you have never worked with the National Tap Ensemble before or if you do not know what an "absolute" scale is, may we suggest that you use all the tools and information available on this web site prior to deciding which category you'd like to enter, especially NTE's professional Tap Dance Level Scale 
   
    
4. Criteria specific to tap dance choreography
   Performances are adjudicated on an "absolute scale" of 0 to 1000 where 1000 would represent a "perfect" score. More importantly, our proprietary scoring scale is unique in the profession in that it emphasizes many criteria that are specific to tap and percussive dance (rhythmic creativity, sound clarity, use of unison and counterpoint, quality and intent of moves/choreography in relationship to the music, etc. a complete and detailed list is provided to a choreographers once all their dancers are registered for a Regional Audition.) Just as importantly, it strongly emphasizes not the dancer's performance but the choreographer's skills. This means that because the actual execution of the piece amounts to a very small percentage of the score (compared to our Fabulous Taps Contest for example), if a dancer makes a mistake the choreographer does not end up being penalized in a significant way. This is in stark contrast to many other events - including strangely enough some tap festivals or events - that use general judging criteria which have little or nothing to do with tap dance.
   
   We have developed this one-of-a-kind scale as a true, honest, reliable benchmark of a tap choreographer's works. Besides opening the door to a tap choreographer's selection for a fantastic National Showcase, it is also a great "barometer" for personal progress and improvement.
    
5. "Double-judging" and fairness across the board
   These events aim to provide an experience that is fun, fair, positive and completely professional while reflecting the true spirit of tap dance and restoring ethics that are badly needed in the profession. No favoritism, behind-the-door deals or "buddy-buddy" system here, we guarantee a fair, even playing field with the very same strict criteria being applied to everyone. In addition, each Regional Showcase is both adjudicated "live" by one or more of the national company's principals and videotaped for a second, panel-based adjudication to be held in the nation's capital once all regional events are completed. The final score for a given piece of choreography is the average of these two scores, which ensures that any mistake that might have been made does not have an undue impact. For video-only auditions, the panel is subdivided and both halves evaluate the work independently. The two scores are then averaged as well.
    
6. Adjudication of the highest caliber
   Our judges/adjudicators are not from the ballet/modern/jazz fields, nor would we consider them "qualified" on the basis that they learned a few tap steps along the way to becoming accomplished in another field of dance other than tap, as is so often the case these days. Instead, they are chosen from the ranks of professional artists who are at the top of the tap field and are widely known for their accomplishments, such as members of the National Tap Ensemble cast or NTE guest artists. If and when we hire celebrities, we make sure that they have a strong background in tap and are therefore qualified.
    
7. Safe and appropriate flooring for a full range of tap sounds
   Because tap dance was born as a music tradition, the quality and the range of sounds produced by the tap dancer are extremely important. Yet, this very basic fact is often ignored and judges have to evaluate a tap piece without hearing the taps because the stage flooring is inappropriate, because the music completely covers the sound of the taps, or both (members of our cast jokingly refer to this as "mime tap.") Translate this into ballet, where the visual aspects of the dance are the primary ones, and that would be exactly like asking a ballet judge to evaluate a ballet piece without ever seeing the dancers or choreography! This is of course completely unacceptable here at the national tap dance company. Unlike most other organizations we only allow sound levels that allow the dancers to hear the music and allow the judges to hear the sounds coming from the taps. We also pledge that barring factors beyond our control, all regional events will be held on floors that adhere to our high standards and therefore permit a full range of sounds, which is paramount to any good tap composography/choreography (again, tap started as a MUSIC tradition back in the days of slavery!) As to the National Showcase, it will be performed on the newest version of the national tap dance company's own Portable Percussive Dance Floor, a floor that has great feel, a phenomenal audio range, and can be safely described as the world's best tap dance floor.
    
8. "Total tap education"
   Both regional and national events are held during, and in conjunction with, great workshops and a major tap conference that also offer participants first-rate opportunities to further their tap dance education (even professional tap dancers will tell you that one is never finished learning!) Regional auditions are organized by levels (usually lower levels on Saturday and higher levels on Sunday, please see events pages.) This means that dancers only have to commit to one day, and it makes it much easier for choreographers to "round up the troops." While we have kept class fees as low as possible (there was a a very small increase this year after three years of most fees being frozen) we do require that Regional Showcase participants also register for a minimum of two master classes to help us balance the budget. The maximum size of our classes and courses are usually anywhere from 15 to 35 students, a far cry from the outrageously large classes found in many other dance events.
    
9. "What's in it for me?" Benefits and discounts galore!
   
   A) Simply interested in attending master classes at a Regional event or the annual American Tap Dance Institute "Spirit Of Tap" Conference?
   You will find some excellent , small-size classes, all taught by ATDI-certified teachers or tap master teachers.
   There are great group rates at both.
   
   B) Are you a TAPPER who will be performing a winning choreographer's works at the National Showcase?
   Take advantage of tuition (class) fees that are lower than at many tap events of lesser quality.
   Take advantage of the savings realized through group rates at the workshop, they actually pay for part or all of your audition entry fees!
   Entry fees for the showcase are also quite affordable, especially when one considers the caliber and the standards of the showcase.
   You are eligible for additional special scholarship of $20 off Conference courses 224 (lower levels, i.e. "Nifties") or $40 off course 522 (higher levels, i.e. "Groovies") both of which are choreographed by world-renown tap masters and will officially be performed as a World Première at the end of the Conference. This is IN ADDITION to the various existing discounts and scholarships which can already reach up to 25% of your total ATDI Conference tuition. This means that in effect you can learn an original piece from a world-leading tap choreographer for about half the price of what other students will pay, Please ask your choreographer for the instructions and specific discount codes ATDI has provided them with to help you take advantage of all discounts (we recommend that you give permission to your  choreographer/teacher to register you with the rest of your group.)
   MATH TIME! Whether you audition live or via video, for the average Conference tapper all of the above represents savings that are many times your initial ATDCS audition entry fees.
   
   C) Are you a CHOREOGRAPHER whose works have been selected and confirmed for the National Showcase?
   Take advantage of tuition (class) fees that are lower than at many tap events of lesser quality.
   Take advantage of the savings realized through group rates at the workshop, they actually pay for part or all of your audition entry fees!
   Entry fees for the showcase are also quite affordable, especially when one considers the caliber and the standards of the showcase.
   You receive a $100 scholarship on your own ATDI Conference tuition which you may use in addition to the many other available discounts (yes, including the Group Coordinator discount, which actually means that your own tuition may end up being next to nothing.) This means that you are likely to attend the ATDI Conference for free!
   Enjoy the prestige of being invited to join the Conference Faculty on a distinguished panel of choreographers that will discuss the many aspects of Tap Dance Choreography and answer questions. This event is open to the public and is already generating quite a bit of interest. Your name will be officially listed on the web site (this particular panel is typically added to the schedule in late May.)
   In addition to your detailed score sheet you will be presented at the Conference with a special Award Certificate stating you and your dancers' selection for the National Showcase.
   You receive a one-time 50% discount on those cool NTE products ($100 minimum order with NO maximum, must be ordered by June 15, 2005.) A great way to get a few wonderful posters for your studio or to stock up if you have a dance shop in your facility!
   Funding permitting we plan on recording the National Showcase for a future film or television documentary on Composography (Tap Dance Choreography) which will give your works even wider exposure!
   You will be placed on the National Tap Ensemble's own in-house list of "quality and promising tap choreographers" a list which we use to recommend quality tap work when the need arises. This means that you and your dancers may be invited to perform in shows or other programs produced by the national tap dance company, its partner organizations, producers, etc.
   
    
10. Audition via video
    If you live in a far away country or if you live in the United States but are unable to participate in a Regional Showcase you may audition your works via video. A specific set of fees and requirements applies but the PROCESS IS VERY SIMPLE. Please see specifics on the FAQ page (answer #31.)
    UPDATE: We are pleased to announce that we have considerably streamlined the procedures for those who apply by video. It is now easier and
    much faster, with audition results sent your way within 2 weeks of receiving your footage.
    DEADLINE FOR VIDEO AUDITIONS (this is typically the latest possible deadline for your works to be considered for the National Showcase): JUNE 1, 2005
    
     
11. A healthy, relaxed environment
    We take concrete steps to offer maximum fairness and to help alleviate the type of unhealthy or unpleasant situations that so often develop during such events. For example:
    To help performers relax and concentrate, we do not allow anyone but the choreographer, performers and the adjudicators in the studio or theater during auditions.
    We remove any participant, relative or teacher whose attitude creates tension or is detrimental to an event in progress. 
    Most importantly, we provide a healthy, nurturing and positive environment throughout any event we produce. We actually encourage choreographers and dancers to be supportive of each other. Those who have worked with the National Tap Ensemble cast in the past know that they teach by example and truly "walk the talk."
     
12. Professionalism & high ethics, easy & convenient registrations, low fees, etc. A few more important things
    We produce our events in facilities that are designed for dance and the performing arts, such as dance studios, rehearsal halls or theaters. Not in hotels with small, dead-sounding, unsafe parquet flooring and the like.
    We provide true online, 24/7 registration on a secure server for all events. We do NOT sell personal information gathered from entry forms to the highest bidder (ever wondered why you are receiving more and more dance-related junk mail or spam email? More than likely your children went to a competition and you didn't notice that fine print...)
    Each showcase allows for a limited amount of entries. This amount is not exceeded regardless of the circumstances (i.e. we do not "squeeze in" as many routines as possible.) Entries are simply processed on a first come, first served basis until all slots are filled. Additional time slots may be scheduled on an ad-hoc basis.
    Our events run on schedule and on time.
    We work closely with dancers, teachers, studios, families and local communities to ensure the most pleasant experience for all participants.
    We videotape performances strictly for evaluation and archival purposes (we do not re-sell others people's choreography with no compensation of any sort, a practice which we consider totally unethical and is often illegal anyway.) 
    Showcase sessions rarely exceed two hours. Judges love it because their concentration can remain very high (and so in turn can their fairness,) and performers love it because they do not have to sit around all day long. 
    For their safety and to ensure fairness to all, participants are required to adhere strictly to our Tap Shoe Policy. Judges may disqualify contestants who have loose taps, protruding screw heads, jingle taps or anyone who looses a screw on the dance floor. 
    Performers may audition in as many pieces as they wish, but they all must be on the same day (i.e. a semi-professional level tapper may not audition in any piece on Saturday, the day for the lower levels) and vice-versa. However, you are welcome to take any class you wish. The choreography auditions are entirely optional (taking just the workshop is OK.)
    Choreographers must of course audition their own works. It is OK however to present a piece that is inspired by or derived from works by another choreographer, just be sure to enter that info on your registration.
      Participating and giving one's best effort is what really matters. Any choreographer who enters works in a Regional Showcase receives a Certificate of Completion along with her/his detailed score sheet. 
    Simple registration process
    No multiple registration and entry forms, no mind-boggling sets of rules, categories or divisions, no complicated procedures. Just make sure that a registration form is filled out for each one of your dancers (you have entire freedom to decide if the audition entry fee is paid by you, split with the dancers, etc.) If you are a soloist and enter your own work, you only pay one low solo fee. If you are a choreographer entering several works in different categories on both Saturday and Sunday, you are only required to take/observe a minimum of two master classes each day. In other words, you only have to pay an entry fee for yourself if you are performing IN the piece. There are NO HIDDEN OR ADDITIONAL FEES FOR CHOREOGRAPHERS TO AUDITION THEIR WORKS.
    
    Disclaimer. Although we take great care to provide accurate information right here on this official site, should the need arise, we reserve the right to add, cancel, alter or update programs, descriptions, rules and procedures at any time.
     

DEADLINE FOR VIDEO AUDITIONS:    JUNE 1, 2005

2006
TBA:                                Northeast
TBA:                                Southeast
TBA:                                Canada