PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Did you know that tap started as a form of music?
Did you know that tap dance is "as American as apple pie"? Are you
familiar with the names of such legendary American artists as King Rastus Brown,
John W. Bubbles, Baby Laurence or the Nicholas Brothers?
Presenting the life and times of tap dance pioneers in the styles of the
period, this audience-involving performance of authentic dance masterpieces
shows how the classic American tradition of tap has crossed regions, eras,
communities and racial barriers to remain "the tempo of America."
The most widely
toured program of its kind, Tops In Taps: Great American Heroes has been
presented in hundreds of elementary, middle and high schools, community centers,
universities and theaters across America as well as overseas.
This cultural assembly program will help you discover and appreciate the great,
unsung American heroes whose phenomenal inventiveness, prodigious skills and
remarkable ability to overcome prejudice paved the way for countless other artists, from
obscure street performers to such Hollywood starts as Fred Astaire or Eleanor
Powell. The works of these masters influenced just about every American form
of music, theater and entertainment and have now spread worldwide!
The late, legendary Eddie "Scientific
Rhythm" Brown, seen here answering
questions at the end of a NTE school program in 1991, is one of several pioneers
whose tremendous legacy is celebrated and honored in the Tops In Taps program
Throughout history, tap dance has been passed
from dancer to dancer aurally: from feet to ears to feet. NTE’s stellar cast has
had many of the legendary originators of tap for mentors, which enables the
company’s performers to present authentic steps, dances and rhythms in their
historical context. Tops in Taps continues tap's aural tradition by emphasizing
audience participation such as listening games, call and response, and inviting
students and staff on stage for a short lesson. Please note that, unlike others,
the national tap dance company does not send apprentice dancers, dancers from
“company B” or teenagers/kids to schools. All programs are performed by NTE’s
principal dancers/choreographers, the same performers
who have appeared in movies, documentaries and on countless stages in over 30
countries.
Tops In Taps explains the origins of tap, spans 150 years of American history
and features rare works that have been reconstructed and are performed
exclusively by the national company. These
authentic steps, rhythms and dances are presented in the proper context, with
frequent, interactive audience participation. A feast for the ears, eyes and
soul!
Throughout this program, NTE's master performers demonstrate that tap dancing, behind its
joyful, highly energetic weave of rhythm and motion is also a profoundly
meaningful American cultural tradition. Brought to creative heights mostly by
Americans of African ancestry, this tradition is widely respected and admired
beyond our borders, a reality in which we, along with our young people can all
take pride.
Attention small-size schools! Our assemblies are always performed in age-specific versions (from Kindergartners to Senior Citizens) with age-relevant content, language and methodologies. Therefore, in the best interest of the children, the national company does NOT perform “one show for the whole school,” except in schools with special populations or special situations. The rate for one show is the same as for two.
If your facility does NOT have a resilient, resonant wooden stage, or if it has no stage at all, please read this!
When needed, the company travels with its specially designed PPDF (Portable Percussive Dance Floor.) This stage flooring has a great sound range (our dancers like to think of it as their "musical instrument,") breaks down in small sections that fit in a van and can be used with or without sound amplification. More importantly, the PPDF is designed to PREVENT INJURIES TO COMPANY DANCERS, a potentially career-ending risk that is very real on most school stages - and is not worth the small extra fee that is required! FYI more than 60% of schools use the PPDF during a given season.
Side curtains are also available. The company also travels with its own sound/PA system. Tops In Taps can therefore be performed in a very wide variety of settings.
Please follow the links at the top of this page
or here for additional feedback and pictures on this program.
Click here if you are interested in bringing this program
to your school or community. You will be required to fill out a form that will
provide the NTE Educational Programs Representative who is in charge of your region with the
information needed to in turn give you confidential access to all relevant
details: technical specifications (stage, equipment, etc.), fees, length, funding
and discounts availability (with several options that may help your school
reduce or eliminate program cost altogether) audience size, touring and dates info, etc. You will then be able to
make an informed decision on booking the program(s) of your choice if you so
desire.
