The winners' works have been placed in the national company's archives. They are reproduced here solely for the enjoyment of the public and may not be used in any way without the express permission of the National Tap Ensemble.
| 2000 WINNING WORKS |
A Tap Shoe’s Story: From Dwight’s Perspective
by Karen Spahn
Dwight and Nefty were settled peacefully in the closet. They decided to tell the other shoes about their
summer vacation.
"I guess you could say that we tap shoes are kind of like bears. Bears hibernate for the winter. Well, Nefty
and I hibernate all summer. Normally we get to lounge around in a dark shoe box here in Karen’s closet. Not the
ideal way for most to spend their summer, but you know this Florida heat is unbearable. Everything changed
this summer. This summer Nefty and I had to endure a heatwave, but we weren’t in Florida. Karen packed us in a
bag and up and away we went. It was great."
"Speak for yourself, Dwight. If I never see that travel bag again, it’ll be too soon. I don’t like going through
those airport x-ray machines."
"Quit being so grouchy. Karen was just looking out for us. She knows the baggage handlers aren’t careful
with every bag. Besides, it was still great fun to go to a new studio to get a workout on different floors. That
parquet flooring allowed us a whole new sound. And thank heavens Cindy Hsu helped Karen improve her
technique. Now you can really hear what we do on her feet."
"The jazz improvisation with Artis Brienzo was better. Karen’s too shy about expressing her creativity. Artis
drew her out of that shell."
"Nefty, you’re so left brained."
"Well, that’s why I’m the left shoe, Dwight. And it was a lot of fun as you say. Except that one experience."
"What one experience? Oh, that experience with the metal file and the sandpaper. I must admit, that was a bit
harsh."
"Yeah, did you hear that Chris Baker? He said we were too sharp. Ha! That’s how we keep our edge. Ha ha ha!
Ok, it was a bad joke."
"Well, it’s done and over. With any luck, we won’t have to endure that kind of pain again. Or the pain of your
bad jokes for that matter."
"We better hope Karen doesn’t get a notion to come at us with a big needle. I saw some of the other shoes.
That’s really scary stuff man."
"What needle? Oh, are you talking about the screwdrivers? Yes, I must admit that did not appear to be
enjoyable. It’s a good thing we keep a tight hold on those taps. As long as we can do that, we won’t have any
worries about the screwdriver. Karen doesn’t need loose taps."
"I don’t know Dwight. I wonder what she does back there on that, that internet thing. That’s how we went to
the National Tap Seminar to start with you know."
"Nefty. You’re so insecure."
"You just wait! One day she’s gonna bring home another pair of tap shoes, and our cousins Telly and Tone
will be history."
"Karen doesn’t wear those anyway, but that doesn’t mean anything. Look at all these shoes that Karen hangs
onto, but never wears! Even if we’re forced into early retirement, we’ll have a fine time."
Dwight looked around and realized the other shoes had fallen asleep.
"Well, I guess they aren’t very interested. Tap talk always seems to make them fall off to sleep."
"I’m pretty tired too. It’s that jet lag you know."
"Whatever you say, Nefty."
"Goodnight Dwight."
"Goodnight."
Wow , I mean WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW
by Ramit Kumar
NTS’00, different venue, different menu, different atmosphere. Being held in Steamboat springs for the
past two years, I thought how could Conifer be matched with the fun of Steamboat but I was proved
absolutely wrong. I boarded my flight to Denver and I was praying that everything goes well this time around. I was excited because I was meeting Chris, Shimmy
and Artis again but I was scared & nervous as well because of the fact that I had a broken toe and was
worried if I could go through the week of workshop.
But fortunately for me I was allowed to attend the workshop this time on the condition that I have to
take complete rest after the end of NTS’00. Peak Academy of Dance holding the NTS’00 this time, I
got myself real motivated and determined to enjoy my dancing but it proved later that I didn’t have to
make any effort at all to have fun. It was so natural to fall in love with the whole place.
And there was Chris, the MAN, sitting & concentrating hard at the whole registration thing, and boy was
I ecstatic to see him or what reminded me of all the great times we all had together over the past NTS
years and how NTE had made a difference in my life. Got myself registered and the only little problem was
that I had no place to stay during that week. No big deal, Robin came long and helped me out with that,
what a big gesture. See this is what NTS is all about, Caring, and having a good time, personal concern
for and about the students. It's a big family with Chris and Cass as our parents. In the evening we had
our orientation which is a great way to start the workshop and letting all of us introduce to the
staff and importance of what and what not to do and important guidelines for the week, then came the most
uneasy night of the whole workshop. I bet no one can sleep out of anxiety and excitement the very first
night, I was no different even if this was my third time. Got up at 4:00 in the morning the next day,
took a shower and was rearing to go but at the same time quite nervous, excited.
I had Ira Bernstein (the surprise packet for NTS’00 ) the very first thing
in the morning, I was waiting for taking Step dancing lessons for very long but was very confused where and
when to start, what better than NTS and I was really lucky to be there this time. The class began and as
I went through the class, I thought to myself, Thank God, I didn’t make a mistake of not coming to
NTS this time, because if I had missed it, I would’ve definitely regretted the fact. Ira was great, what a teacher, what a personality, historian and
a walking encyclopedia for Percussive Dancing. He makes everything look so simple and basic.
Absolutely fabulous teacher and person. Funk Tap followed Ira’s class, to be really honest with you
people, I was most worried about this particular class as it was level 4-5 and a level above me.
A broken toe didn’t help the cause at all and I knew there’s no mercy here,
but I stayed on. As the class started, my nightmares were coming true, everyone
picked the steps up in click of a finger and here I was bucking myself up every second, common Ramit you
can do it and as the class progressed, I started feeling part of the class and started picking up steps
much more quickly and the major part of the reason being Cindy and her choice of music,
both go well together, peppy and chirpy and charming. She is a wonderful teacher and its amazing what she can do at
her age. She inspires us so much and its such an interactive hour and half with her. Two classes dealt
with real satisfaction, one more to go and then came Artis for me. What can I say about her, she is a
master craftsmen or craftswomen I must say. Her Jazz Tap groove is much more than a class,
she observes her students carefully and treats them like her child and
it's just not a class, it's more of a discussion class where the talking is done by feet. And the best
part is the elegance and style that Artis possesses, she does her sequence with such poise and with no
effort at all yet she is all grace and perfection, One is bound to increase their musicality. And
invariably before the end we have a jam session to just relax and be yourself, no pressure on us to
learn more steps or sequence, just let loose. And then Thankfully after three consecutive classes, I
had a long break which I needed badly .The lunch hour was special to all of us , we all met at the
community hall, that was a great time to interact with fellow Tappers and exchange ideas and getting to
know each other better. See, it's just not about tapping, it's also about knowing other
people, their culture, their values. That was one of the great features of this years camp. Getting together of
students at lunch hour and sharing a laugh and invariably everyday there was
someone on the floor laughing with cramps in their stomach .That’s NTS for
me .
What I really like about NTS are the choice options of taking so many different courses at different
levels and every class is a special one and has something different to offer b/c of the range of
different styles that the staff possesses, SO you can pick and choose easily.
The courses and timings are designed according to the comfort level for students.
Students can’t take more than 4 dance courses a day, it's not like we tap 24 hours a day.
They care about us, they understand the heavy load that we have during the camp.
This was my third consecutive year at the NTS and many people might think that hey, Ramit,
isn’t it stale going to this workshop every year? The only thing I have to say in my defense is
you gotta see it , experience it to believe it. First year , I was so damn nervous mainly because that was my first time
abroad for any kind of workshop and it was really intimidating for me but with NTE’s help everything
seem to fall in the right places, they made me so comfortable and relaxed, then last year was
a real learning experience for me as I was more confident as a Tapper and that was as result of NTE’s constant help
to me and somehow it keeps getting better for me each year and this year was no exception.
Last year I thought oh lord, how can I have so much fun ever like that again, well this year was absolutely great
in terms of dancing, feeling comfortable, and I didn’t have to make an extra effort to make myself
comfortable to the new setting of Peak. They were great. You should see our faces by the end of the 4rth or the
5th day, dark circles round the eyes, all tired and exhausted but at the end everything pays off at the
students show, it's all worth it. Save the Best for the last. Well, almost every student participates in
the show, it's not like a professional show where you are deducted some points for not doing something right. It’s a very friendly & informal atmosphere where
everything’s comes together, whatever we have learnt in a weeks time.
And I personally really look forward to the show, I am sure everyone does but for me it
has a special meaning altogether. It gives me so much of self confidence and belief that
my long trip here from home is all worth it, every second of it is valuable.
The responsibility of doing a Guy’s sequence was on “us,” the senior lot . We decided and agreed upon the
music and then the hardest part was to find time and rehearsal place to practice the sequence.
I remember four of us (The DIXIE boys) sneaking out of the Barbeque party and practicing for couple of hours and
every night after the day was over for almost everyone, we would rehearse for an hour. It all seems so
tiring and exhausting for all of us, and it is, but we all know its all worth it . And there we were,
all prepared and rearing to go at the students show. After all, we were answerable to the DIXIE CHICKS
and of course we knew that the people would be expecting to see the GUYS SEQUENCE. I would
especially wanna thank Aaron Wallo for his tremendous help in choreographing this sequence,
without him it was gonna be impossible and not to forget Joey Hennessey and Dylan, Thanks to you guys.
Without you, there would be no guys sequence, u are the real charm guys, you are the real Masala (spice). And
most importantly I wanna thank NTE and Peak for all their help and giving us all something to look forward
to next year. Thanks again.
National Tap Seminar inspired me to write a few short verses for my Dear friend.
An Ode to My Friend
Yet another class , another grace ,
we were even closer than I ever knew,
Conifer , Oh My ! what A place !
with my buddy , My Tap shoe
A distinct reason,
for joy that I brew,
this festival season ,
with my buddy , my Tap shoe
You know !
3 Years , since we’ve been married,
and life feels just very new ,
so much bliss , so much varied,
with my buddy , my Tap shoe
It’s a long cruise
and the seas are rough,
Tough times ain’t anymore tough,
as a friend in need are very few,
like my buddy , my Tap shoe
No race , that we are in ,
no one’s better , no one’s in queue,
there’s nothing what so ever to win,
says my buddy , my Tap shoe
Purity , like the morning dew,
never has been friendship so true,
lucky are those very few ,
who dance on steps laid by you,
my buddy , my Tap shoe
The Dream of a Dancer
by Aaron W. Wallo
The dream is having a connection with others through rhythm. The dream is having such a connection with rhythm that one no longer has to use any mental capacity to keep time. The dream is to be able to focus completely on the friends that are in the circle around you. In the circle are all the greats of tap and rhythm and I know them all as close friends. They all know me. Every one is in his or her prime, having a full life ahead of them, not knowing what will come next in their life, but just for the moment... dancing. Everyone is taking their turn in the circle, not competing, but just enjoying doing what's in their own "bag." No one is better than anyone else, and all are far above reproach, executing flawlessly what they are doing. Everyone is in the moment, just enjoying the sounds of their friends as they weave in and out of the constant methodical bass of everyone else. Sometimes one of them will comically imitate another, and everyone cheers him on, but no one is insulted by the jest. We would all be planning to going to dinner afterwards to just talk about life, not dancing, not rhythm, just life, but the dream never gets that far. In the dream we only dance.
In the dream I'm in this circle. I have the rhythm that I only hope to fully get some day. Rhythm is a supernatural thing that can take over your heart, your mind, and your body. It has the power to inspire creativity, induce happiness, and rejuvenate the mind from any battered state. I've had glimpses of what it's like to be in the rhythm, and not just trying to stay with it. Yet, I'm still so far from being connected to it fully it saddens me to think how far I have yet to go. Someday I hope I will be able to consider myself good enough, in my own way, in my own "bag," to be in that circle with the greats.
I think I will see that circle someday, whether it's here on earth or in heaven. I believe I will be there, right next to my friends, making rhythm, being in the rhythm. In heaven it will be with the Greats, here on earth it will be with a new set of people that have this same dream, but hopefully both places. Afterwards we'll all go together and have a drink, we'll talk about what is happening in our lives or what has happened in our lives. Morning will come again, and there will be another circle and more rhythms. Everyone will be in their prime, full of life, enjoying their friends... making rhythm.
And I will be in the circle.
| 1999 WINNING WORKS |
A Dancer's Dream
by Jennifer Dickey
I was 4 years old when I first started dancing. My mom had signed me up
for a summer tap class. I thought it was great. In fact, I loved it so much that I decided to take it in the fall. After my first recital, I
knew that dancing was for me. So as I got older, I started taking more and more classes. One year I realized that I was dancing 7 days a week 2
hours a day, but that was what I loved to do. I would try to get into every dance number possible. My schedule was crazy by the time I was 8,
but I loved the life of a dancer. I truly don't know what it is about tap that I love so much. I've always
loved to make noise and move my feet. In both tap and jazz, I like to feel the music. I always enjoy expressing myself through dance. When I
listen to the radio, the first thing that I do is find the rhythm and snap my fingers or move my feet. It is kind of an
indescribable feeling that is really hard to explain. You just get so excited that you want to
get up and DANCE!!!!!
I have never danced in competition before, just for fun. Although when I was in 7th grade, I was in a school talent show doing a solo called I2I.
I was a bit nervous about performing in front of 200 piers, but I had confidence in myself. So I got out there and did my thing and was pleased
to hear that the crowd loved it. Later on, I found out that I won first place and was awarded a $100 gift certificate to a music store. I was so
proud of myself, and so were my parents. That afternoon, after the show, a lot of people came up to me and said they wanted to learn how to dance
as well as I did. I really felt good, not only about the fact that I won, but the fact that my number influenced others to try dance. And believe
it or not, some people joined!
The highlight of my life lately has been talking about summer camp at the National Tap Ensemble. In dance, school and even at home I find myself
always talking about what an incredible and unbelievable experience the camp was. It had made such a big impact on my life. I had always wanted
to go to a dance camp where I could just have fun and learn things that I had always wanted to learn. Cassandra, Chris, and Chester taught me so
much in that weeklong session. I learned about all the different styles of dance, including how to do a time-step 50 different ways! One of my
favorite times to dance was during "Jam time". I would put on my tap shoes in a studio and practice, practice, practice. One night, I was
dancing so much that I lost track of time and had to be reminded that I needed to stop because it was 10:00 p.m.!!! Yep, those were the good
times. Another thing that I loved about camp was the fact that you could hear tap dancing from anywhere in camp. I would lay in bed in our cabin, which
is one of the last 3 cabins on top of High School Hill, and still hear the rolling thunder of tap shoes. You could even be at the horse stables
or in the dining hall and still hear the sweet sound of taps. It was so awesome. Those sounds and memories will always be with me. Every time I
think about it, I get so excited that I want to break out my tap shoes and dance, which I usually do!!!
It is such an honor to have danced with some of the finest dancers in the world. I have learned so much from these teachers. I will always remember
them and I am proud to carry on with the steps they have taught me. I want to thank everyone for making my week at N.T.E the best ever. I am
looking forward to seeing everyone next year. Happy Dancing!!
An Experience Of A Lifetime
It was 4 a.m and I was packin' my bags
I thought "I'm not ready!" oh boy what a drag!
I got my stuff packed and we were on our way,
I can't believe we'll be there later today!!
As we pulled in the airport
I squealed with delight,
Only 1 more hour till we all take flight
>From San Diego to Denver,
and then to small Hayden,
my little tappin' feet just could not stop cravin.
As we drove into town
my heart began to race,
I knew that this was a happenin place.
We pulled into camp
and my heart suddenly stopped,
the camp was so awesome; it totally rocked!
We registered in
and headed up to our cabin,
we ran up High School Hill gigglin and a laughin!
The next morning I woke up
tired yet happy,
I was ready to go and feeling quite tappy.
My teachers were Cassandra,
Chester and Chris,
boy the classes their teaching you don't want to miss!!
The week was a blast
and was very exciting
we even had rain with some thunder and lightening!
And finally when Sunday came
it was hard to say goodbye,
we were giving lots of hugs, trying not to cry.
It's an experience of a lifetime
that I never will forget,
so will I be back next year?????…….. Oh yeah! You Bet!!!!!!!
NTS COLORADO
by Elizabeth Plott
"Hello, I remember you." Those were the first words spoken to me by
Chris as I was checking into camp. I had taken a master class from him in Columbus Ohio a few months before. I had also talked with Megan McDaniel on
the internet a few weeks earlier, so when I met her it was neat. However I did feel intimidated by her (just because she was a "Counselor"), though by
the middle of the week, I was definitely a lot more comfortable. After the shoe inspection, I got my cabin assignment, and I started on
what was soon to be the best experience of my life! As I starting walking towards the unfamiliar area, I took a second to pause. There, I stood in
amazement, at a foreign dusty dirt road filled with feelings of excitement and fear. I am sure, like everyone else, I was overwhelmed and scared. Not
only because I did not know anyone, but also because I honestly was not sure if dance and performing was still in my soul; I guess deep down inside I knew
it was, but I had been missing that for so long, I had forgotten the feeling. So, there I was, tugging on my mom's arm saying I had changed my mind, I
wanted to go home. Of course, that wasn't going to happen, so we unloaded my luggage (oh yes, all my film too. Don't you all just love candid shots?). On my long hike up to the cabin, I was thinking of all the beloved "What
ifs" . . . What if my roommates didn't like me, what if I didn't like them, what if my classes were too hard or my teachers were mean. Thoughts were
still running through my head as I opened the squeaky blue door of my home-to-be for the next week. I entered the very rustic cabin to two smiling
faces. I knew then, I was going to have a great time! After my luggage was unpacked, my bed made and I parted with my mom, I got to know my roomies. I
found out we all had a lot in common and each of us live a state apart. At that point, I wanted to dance, so I asked them to grab their shoes and follow
me. We went into the main studio and improvised for about an hour. Yes, I was having fun, but I still was not "there". I do not think I slept at all
that night. Mostly just because I was excited, but the thought of all the nasty bugs was enough to keep me awake. The next morning at breakfast was
quite an awakening, talking with everyone and at the same time still feeling out of place. As the day went on and my first two classes were over, I was stunned. I
knew that it was worth it. The next two hours passed very quickly - it is still a blur - but I do know that it was great. I was on my break alone, as
I did not have anyone I had met yet who had a break when I did, so I just sat outside the cafeteria and wrote. About 15 minutes later while I was sitting
there by myself, I saw a man walking towards me. He was about 20 something, has dark hair and a smile that just radiates a room. He came up to me and
said, "Hi, I'm Ramit". I introduced myself and we began to talk. I asked
him about India and his country, if things were the same, about dance there, and I am sure some of the questions that I asked he had to think were not too
bright! However, I did not know. I have never been to another country, let alone India! After my last class, I joined my roomies, Joy and Audrey and we
went to history class. Oh boy, history was quite interesting. Talk about feet! WOW. A room full of sweaty dancers' feet and the worst part was we
were supposed to massage someone else's. I am sorry, yes I like having a good foot massage once in a blue moon, but let's just leave it with "it was
quite an experience". I did learn something useful - how to take care of blisters. Thank you Cassandra and Chris! The next day is one I will remember for the rest of my life. Not that I
will not remember all of the camp, I will, but I owe so much to this one day. It was Tuesday, August 10, 1999, I was on my second break waiting for my
last class. Funk Tap was going on in the main studio. I had wanted to peek in it since the first day of camp. However, I thought I would get into
trouble. Well, I decided to go and see what they were doing. I walked in to the teacher demonstrating something, I do not know what happened, but I was
ready to dance again. Just like that. After 8 months of going to dance just because I had a class - I was working on rote - watching this amazing
teacher's spirit affected mine. I watched about 5 minutes of the class, then decided since little ballet was open, I would go in there and work on
something for the student show. I practiced for about 45 minutes until it was time for jazz tap. I got into Artis's class and felt alive. We were in
the middle of doing a little combo when she stopped everyone. She looked at me and said I was doing the step very well and asked if I would do it in
front of everyone. I didn't want to at first because I didn't want to mess up and have her think less of me, but I chose to overlook my insecurities and
just do it! After I was done, everyone clapped and returned to what they were doing. Thanks to her, my self-esteem was now a little above ground
level. I felt some sort of unexplainable joy. I was dancing with my heart and soul!
Even though I didn't have all the teachers in class, I learned something from every one of them! Chris taught me about the history and brought me
back to the "roots" of tap. Cassandra, well she was just outstanding, she taught me how to do things the proper way. The best thing is I wasn't bored
because she made the class fun with all her energy. Artis is just incredible, her unique style and grace is so admirable. She brought the
appreciation of music to me. Cindy, I didn't have the opportunity to have a class with her. However her enthusiasm, spark, and talent overflowed into
me. She also made me understand that sometimes you just have to slow down. It doesn't mean give up, or quit, it just means that you have to know how to
pace yourself. Thank you. Then there is Chester, what can I say about him? He is a master, one who has done it all and then some. He is so amazing it
is hard to believe how incredibly humble he is. I learned about the old timers and the "games" on the streets of LA. He is not just a dancer - he is
a true performer! There are two more people I would like to acknowledge. They were not teachers, but they deserve a noted thank you, Megan McDaniel
and Christina Holt. Megan, a great person, dancer, friend, thank you for being there when I needed you. Christina (my
gangsta), who could ever forget
the "walk", yes we had it down. What an amazing tapper you are, thanks for everything. I cannot stress enough the fact that because of everyone there, I came
back to life. I left Colorado, knowing who I was, what I love to do, I was finally myself again. You all revived me and brought me back to life and to
myself. You cared when you did not have to, you listened when you could have talked and most importantly, you stopped to smile when you could have kept on
walking. I have written a poem about my experiences, they will help you better understand my time in Colorado. Thank you all very much and I will
see you next year, oh and… I will be in a "Modern cabin!"
Return of the Dancer
Sitting on a hillside
In the stillness of the night
I watched the dewdrops glisten
While the moon was full and bright.
I searched my thoughts within me
And walked within my mind
Until a feeling came upon me
That I could not define.
And upon my cheek there rested,
A single shinning tear
Unhidden in its feeling
Transparent, cool and clear.
A shimming tear created from my wish to see
The sights of dancers dancing
Free and joyously.
When my wish came true
And the dancers I did see
I paused and took a breath
For I had an epiphany:
I was quite uncertain about why I was here
The dream I had been dreaming
Was stripped from ear to ear
But when I saw these masters
Who were caring, honest, and true
I knew that what I was doing
Is what I love to do.
The memories from that week
Are cherished in every way
I learned not just the steps
But how to pace my day.
So as I reach within myself
And think of what I should do
The best thing I came up with
Is to thank each and all of you.
“Funky Bear”
Rhythmic Impressions of a Tap Camp - NTS 1999
by Karin Dierckx
Note: the jury loved this work! Unfortunately, due to its format it cannot be reproduced here with an accuracy that would make it legible in all browsers. However, we can tell you about the work. Ms. Dierckx wrote lyrics and steps to “The beat goes on”, by Britney Spears, which was used by Cindy Hsu for her 1999 Funk Tap choreography. The idea was original and the end result excellent!
The chemistry of tap
by Dianne Homan
Listed in the table
of chemical elements are a little over one hundred substances which, in various
combinations, make up all matter in the known universe. Considering the vast
variety of "stuff" around us, from Big Macs to fire hydrants to spider
webs to granite to nerve endings to Nikes to seahorses, that's a mind-boggling
illustration of the possibilities of combination and organization.
In tap dance, we only deal with about
fifteen elements: step, heel drop, toe tap, brush, flap, dig, scull, stomp,
stamp, knock, chug, hop, toe stand, clicking metal to metal, and the
all-encompassing "etc.". And still there are mind-boggling
possibilities of combination and organization within this rich art form.
There's the flash and dazzle and
charisma of the Nicholas Brothers who flew like aerial acrobats around the
stage. There's the elegance and precision of a Coles and Atkins soft shoe.
There's the athleticism of a Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor duet, and the suave
sophistication of Fred Astaire romancing with Ginger. There's the endless
rhythmic variety of a Baby Laurence performance and the good-natured, fun-loving
frolic of a Bill Robinson/Shirley Temple scene. Not to mention the wonder of a
Chester Whitmore big band number, a Cassandra Baker Shim Sham, a Chris Baker
SambaBop, and Artis Brienzo Bebop, and a Cindy Hsu funky "thang."
So our challenge as tappers is to
work like chemists, continuously experimenting with new combinations, new forms,
new ways of looking at the same old elements. Chemists need to be mindful of the
fact that their experiments could blow up in their faces. But we tappers seek
out explosions -- those moments when the energy of body, feet, sound, rhythm,
and presentation combine to send a wave of excitement out into the tap universe.
|
1998 WINNING WORKS |
Tap Is Everything To Me
by Stephanie Rodriguez
The Joy of Tappin'
by Luke "Skywalker" Poitras
I just love Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, Anita Herle-Bauch, Buster Brown, and the National Tap Ensemble!!!!
When I was 4 year old, I used to watch my sister and her friend practice their dance competition routine. And then one day I said to my mom, "I need to go into the dance lessons and get those shoes that make noise!" At my small dance club, I was too young to join so I had to sign up for ballet lessons when I was 5. My Dad was worried about that because I was the only boy in this town who wanted to join. But that’s what I wanted to be and I wanted to serve my country through artistic expression.
My second year, I finally got to be in tap, and got a pair of tap shoes. They were girls’ shoes and I didn’t know then, but I know now and don’t care, and I will never look back. My dad was right though, I did get teased a lot at first. I’m still not part of the "in crowd" at school because I don’t do any sports, I dance. My parents told me it doesn’t matter about other guys, you do what you like doing. They were right because I never get enough, soon I was taking all the classes I could and the fever keeps growing.
Enough about my younger years, I still do ballet and jazz but I’m going more towards tap because it is most important to me. I started taking exams and going to competitions. Last year I joined Irish when it started in our dance school so that I could learn how to tap like those guys on Riverdance. You can tap to any kind of music because your feet make music and rhythm like a drum. In the school band I wanted to play the drums and the teacher let me. He said, "I’m gonna’ let you be the drummer because I’ve watched you tap dance and you’ll be okay with the rhythm." Sometimes tap is really hard but I like that because it makes me work harder until I get the steps and I want to learn all I can.
I won some awards in dancing, mostly tap, and I never get teased anymore. My cousin Josh is very talented at sports but he likes to come watch me dance, because he thinks it’s awesome. I thinks he’s right! My parents take me to workshops and Summer schools and I have met a lot of nice people in dance. I was really lucky at tap a couple of times. When I was 11, I became totally obsessed with Gene Kelly so my teacher choreographed my tap solo to "Singin’ In The Rain". She entered me in the Saskatchewan Youth Talent Search and I had to dance 3 times that week and the judges kept picking finalists. At the end, I won first place, and was very surprised and happy. Two years ago our tap group got picked to be in a special show called "Dare To Dance." We had to dance our piece and then be in the Finale. I got to do a short little duet with the Canadian Tap Champion, Anita Herle-Bauch. I felt really honored to be able to dance with someone as awesome as her! Last year an adjudicator came to our festival, who had a degree in dance from the University of Nebraska, and a Masters Degree from Florida State University. I did a tap solo called "L-O-V-E", and she gave me a mark of 98. I was shaking and when I saw my mom I started to cry. I just couldn’t believe that anyone would think I deserved such a high mark. My mom cried too and when I asked her why, she said, "well, I’m crying because you appreciate it and don’t act like you’re hot stuff!" I don’t think much about winning and stuff, I just want to dance well for the audience and perform the best I can. If people are clapping, that’s good enough for me. Sometimes I see parents giving their kids heck about dancing and I feel sorry for them. Even when I flub up big time, my parents think I did a good job.
So far for me, the National Tap Seminar has been the highlight of my tap dancing. In my point of view, what I like most about the Tap Ensemble is that I got to learn the hard, rhythmic steps that I had never been taught before. Chris, Cassandra, Artis, Chester, and Buster are really encouraging teachers and they are the most awesome dancers too. I love the styles of tap they do. On the third day of the camp I told my parents this would be an awesome summer school to come back to.
I also enjoyed meeting new friends and teachers, and dancing with them. Everyone was so nice and friendly. The other dancers helped me and we all practiced together. I have never been at a workshop where all the people got along so well together. The best thing too, was straight tap. Usually at workshops you have to ballet and other stuff. This was so cool because with all tap I really think I learned a lot, a whole lot. I wish the seminar would go for 2 weeks.
When we came back from Colorado I saw Buster Brown’s picture in Dance Magazine. I guess I kind of was bragging in a way, because I showed it to some kids in my class and told them, "This guy was one of my teachers and he’s awesome!" I think all the people at the Seminar were awesome dancers too.
I really want to keep dancing and hope that if I work hard I will get better. I’d be happy to be half as good as some of my idols and the National Tap Ensemble. I can’t wait to come back to the Seminar and my dad says he’s gonna’ take me! Thanks for a great tap experience!!!
Copasetically Yours
by Ramit Kumar
Well let me introduce myself first, I am Ramit Kumar from India . Oh yes ,
India , you read it right , not Indiana but INDIA. I know what you guys must be thinking
by now, I coming all the way to Colorado from here just to attend this Tap workshop. I
must be crazy, If you are thinking that way , then you are absolutely on the right track.
" I WAS DAMN CRAZY" .
Wow, I am so excited about this writing contest that I can write 38 pages on it
[publisher's note: work size was reduced, with Mr. Kumar's permission]. Gees, I
had a blast and I can easily say that a week of this camp was " the best week of my
life". Oh man , what an experience . I had not learnt so much in my 6 months of
Tapping in India as much as I did in Colorado in a weeks time. Oh boy I have to say this
" THIS SEMINAR HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN MY LIFE TO THE EXTENT
OF BEING A MAJOR TURNING POINT." I have learnt so much about Tap as a dance form ,
its evolution , history and all that I couldn't have even dared to imagine sitting here in
India.
INDIA , the place where I come from has no Tap history or culture of its own at all. Tap's
absolutely unknown here in New Delhi. Even to me , Tap was and had no meaning till about a
year ago. I knew that it was a kind of dance form but nothing beyond it. Only a few here
and there know that such a dance form exists . And if by any chance an average man in
Delhi has heard of Tap dancing , he'll not know more than just tuk tuk tuk tuk....
Wow, I was lucky or what to get a chance to look at a Tap dancing class in Delhi school of
Music. An American lady was taking it. I thought to myself then, " great form of
dance , Unique and different , why not try it ?" And that was my beginning. Before
coming to Steamboat, I had tapped exactly for 6 months on a concrete( cemented) floor
which was really dirty with broken mirrors to be content with. And the taps I got nailed
for my shoes were really rough and hard to tap on. But that time, I was very happy
cos' I
knew nothing better exists. I soon realized that I was very lucky to have been introduced
to tap dancing. Then, I had no idea that Tap was originally done on a wooden floor. I
still remember I enjoyed and loved every moment of my dancing there at that school
cos' I
knew nothing better and had never experienced such joy. After a few months, I finally got
to know that TAP DANCING is supposed to be done on a wooden floor.
As time went by , I began to enjoy it more and more , I didn't care
about anyone or anybody. STILL, when my relatives call me, and they ask me, what are you
doing? I tell them that I am a Tap dancer, and I get such startled reactions from them,
that they have to be seen to be believed . Its kinda funny. This camp in COLORADO has been
an extremely fateful and timely one for me. Its all cos' of my family support. I remember
landing at the DIA, I was so excited , and then after I saw the TOPS IN TAPS show in Fort
Collins I grew more excited but very very nervous as well. The camp was supposed to start
a day after the Tops In Taps show. When I arrived at Steamboat with the rest of the
people, I acted pretty cool, as if everything was alright and there was nothing to get
excited about. But ooh la la , was I excited or what? I think I could have bursted out of
excitement any moment but I thought I contained myself and I kept talking to myself each
and every moment to keep my cool and calm. Because this was my first time to steamboat for
a Tap camp , I didn't know what to expect from the camp in general. So I had signed up for
4 dance courses and 2 for observation. I never knew that I would have to work so hard!
Anyway, to be honest and frank , I didn't learn so much in terms of tap sequences but I
learnt so much more in terms of Tap history and its evolution and the right techniques to
do the steps. I think that's more important. And moreover , I met so many interesting and
fun loving people that made me feel like at home .
Each and every moment of this camp has been a memorable one. You know , if anyone asks me
what happened at 3:25 in the afternoon of 15th of August, I can tell him that precisely,
cos' whatever was happening during the camp was a memorable event for me. From Tap to
food. Everything. I must be compared to a new born baby who has absolutely no idea how to
react when he sees the world through his own eyes. Everything was so different from
whatever I do here in India. Well I had never tapped so much in my life before, I never
thought, I would be enjoying it so much, sitting back here in India, and most importantly
FOOD. Oh yes, the food , I loved the breakfast but I cannot say the same when it comes to
lunch and supper. Boiled and green leaves, oh no. I think for the whole week, I was on
lemonade and oranges. And of course the weather. Here in India we are so much used to the
Sun. It sometime gets up to 110F or something , may be even more than that and then
suddenly here I'm in a place like Colorado which is a famous ski resort. It's not funny. I
mean everything was so different . But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the camp life. Oh
boy , the best time I ever had.
When I was going to attend Chris' s TIME STEPS class for the first time, the first morning
of the camp. I was very nervous I had taken all the necessary things with me, like a diary
, pen , my record player and so on. But when I reached Louis Horst, I had a hunch as if I
was missing something but couldn't recall what. Everyone around me were practicing and
getting warmed up. I thought lets put on my shoes, and then GOSH! MY SHOES ! My SHOES. I
think I was a dud more than an exciting bum that time.
And boy, after all the hard work we all did , who can forget the students show. And all
the work paid off when we all got together for that show. It's all worth it. Boy, was that
an experience or what. I certainly won't forget the full Monty blues, the all male spoof
sequence. And all that G string media stunt that we all did to make the females excited.
HAHAHAHA! That was so much fun . And of course the bon fire , where we all sang songs and
laughed... Anyway , I had a ball during the camp and it'll remain like a sweet
memory always.No expression of mine should be taken as exaggerated but may be as an
understatement. Can't help saying the following.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
One fine morning , I connect on to the net,
Somehow, www.usatap.org, I reach,
To my greatest surprise, this is what I get,
The best in the world, ready to teach.
My bags were packed, I was ready to go,
My destination Colorado,
Where the mountains are high and the sky's blue,
And I knew my dream's coming true.
29th of July, with 500 people in the line,
NO VISA!! I try,
LORD! Shouldn't I Cry?
Cos' the times passing by,
God said it'll be all fine,
& after standing 8 hours in the line,
HE let me go.
Over was all the pain,
And only ecstasy would describe that day,
Finally I knew it was all for gain,
The moment I landed at the DIA.
>From Denver to Ft. Collins and then to Steamboat springs,
In the zest of spreading my wings,
I remembered I had all those things,
To see that this place was just meant for me,
And I said to myself that to make the best of it was now all up to Thee.
Buster 'the legend' Brown,
Cool man, cool talk of the town,
Legendary Copasetic, you would set the stage on fire,
One must be a nerd to think you would ever retire.
Chester, oh man!! All rubber and no bones,
For you No duplicate, No match, No clones,
Tap, jazz, ballet, Lindy Hop,
Keep naming until you drop.
Chris!!! A gentleman of your kind,
So hardworking, so knowledgeable, what a mind,
Under your leadership, the NTE
Is the best it can be.
Cassandra!!! My dear, or "Shimmy" should I say,
What a teacher, you made my day,
A thorough entertainer!!I Exclaim!
If one goes mad seeing you, you're to blame.
Artis, I felt, you had plenty of grace,
Shy and cool, you're in no race,
What ears for music you have, Good Lord!!
Lend quarter as much and I'll be thankful to God.
I remember my first class when I forgot to carry my shoes,
But Dad said before leaving me that I should let loose.
I remember those cold chilly morning bugs,
Were over with warm, hot Shimmy (Cassy) hugs!!
How can I forget the G strings and the Full Monty Blues?
The girls going crazy, they also letting loose.
With so many hours of tap a day,
I also have something else to say,
If I can still be hearty and hale,
Even though I am down 29 pounds on the weighing scale .
I must have had a time of my life
A time I'll never forget.
Thanks to all of you there.
If I can be there next year too with all of you back again, I promise
lots more to offer than I had this time.
Getting In Sync
by Dianne Homan
Imagine an old clock shop. The
clock maker goes in each morning and, first thing, winds all of the beautifully crafted
time pieces. Because of the varying sizes of the penduli, hands, springs, and so forth,
the ticking of the many clocks is, at first, random and scattered. But before long, all
the clocks are ticking together. The sound waves affect the delicate workings of each
clock until synchronicity is reached.
Humans strive for synchronicity in their
relationships with each other. When we first meet an acquaintance on the street, we say
things like, "Hi, how are you?", "How's the wife and kids?",
"Nice shirt!", or "Beautiful day, isn't it?" These are our random
tick-tocks that allow us to get into sync with each other.
Dancing allows us to do this very directly.
Don't you wish you had a dollar for every movie you've seen in which the main characters
fall in love on the dance floor? Tap dance, while not usually having such romantic
connotations, certainly is a great catalyst for friendship. After our first day of classes
at the tap seminar at Perry-Mansfield, students of all ages and ability levels are
enjoying each other's company at meals and break times, are exchanging friendly greetings
on the road between Louis Horst studio and the camp office, and are helping each other
with new steps between classes. We establish common rhythms among ourselves, rhythms much
more complex and interesting than just the old tick-tock. Those beautifully crafted
rhythms allow us to move with greater ease into a friendly web of relationships.
There are allusions to the human striving for
synchronicity within our language: "two hearts beating as one", "getting in
step", "being upbeat", making beautiful music together", "having
good vibes", "getting into the swing of things," etc. When we're tapping
together, we're not just developing an American art form, being percussionists, developing
our musical and motor skills, carrying on a tradition, learning the tools for future
creativity, and appreciating the interplay between music and movement. Oh no! We have the
additional priceless benefit of tapping our way into each other's hearts where there will
be a special spot for friends we met at the National Tap Seminar at Perry-Mansfield.
| 1997 WINNING WORKS |
A Parallel Story?
by Dianne Homan
In the late 1500's, the dancing masters of Italy were brought to the courts of Europe to improve the quality of the dancing there. You see, the courts were quite competitive about producing the grandest possible spectacles. The Italian dancing masters brought their figure dances like the brando and balletto and their social dances like the coranto and galliard, and anyone who was anyone in the courts knew each step and variation of the dances. The earliest ballets were crafted by integrating these dance patterns. Within a few generations however, the brando, balletto, coranto and galliard had been forgotten by most dancers, but the elements within those dances, like the plié, dégagé, and pas de bourrée had become the basic vocabulary of ballet. Choreographers rearranged these dance elements in innovative ways in the ballets of the 17th - 20th centuries.
In the early 1900's, the best tappers went to the Hoofers' Club in Harlem to see and be seen. You see, those hoofers were quite competitive about showing their best stuff. King rastus Brown was a much respected contributor in that he always showed up with a new variation on the time step and its breaks. Anyone who was anyone in the tap world knew a variety of time steps. Early tap choreography was crafted by integrating several of these steps. Within a few generations though, the time step had been at least partially forgotten by many dancers. But the elements within the time step like the stomp, shuffle, and flap had become the basic vocabulary of tap. Choreographers rearranged these dance elements in innovative ways during the rest of the 20th century.
Rap The Rhythm Tap Thing
In Colorado's Steamboat Springs
by Darrlyn Smith
On Sunday the 27th of July
We got to Perry Mansfield by and by
We could hardly wait to tap our tap happy feet
And dance to the rhythm of the wilderness beatChris, a master tapper, introduced all the crew
And we met other tappers, young, old, and new
We chewed down on spaghetti, salad and breads
And then went to sleep with tapping in our headsNext morning, the first class, Cassandra was great
As we Shim sham shimmied and we couldn't be late
Such a caring and warm personality was she
As she filled us in on tap news from all vicinitiesMovin' on we tapped with Chris who taught basic time steps
And he cautioned us to do them with lots of class and pep
"Drag your feet back slowly, make a scraping, raspy sound
King Rastus Brown was a classy guy when he tapped around""Suzy Q, chug and then jump cross and turn
Come on you guys, you must listen to learn"
Achin' feet, tired from all the tap our feet could do
"Do it again, shuffle hop turn, you're not nearly through"Movin' on we tapped with Skip, stretching our minds about tap
Putting you on the spot to count to fill the rhythmic gap
"Six bars and a two bar break is a chorus. Now begin
Listen to the music and do it over and over again""Do it slowly, make it clean, give your audience a show
Make them wonder how you did it. Tap is fast, tap is slow
Come in at the right place in the music all the time
Or your steps won't fit the rhythm or the lyrics with tap rhyme""Show some style, perform your dance, do more than your very best
You will be putting yourself and others to the rhythm tap test
Squeeze lots of tap style into every musical phrase
And you'll wow your audience for many, many days"Movin' on we tapped with Chester, a fellow rare
He can teach you how to lift your whole body in the air
His class had rhythm, style and real pizzazz
And he really showed you how to interpret that jazz"Make every step sound like one person is dancing
Performing a rhythm tap dance can be entrancing
Hear the beat of the bass and the beat of the drum
Listen to the rhythmic pattern and hum, hum, hum""Get in step, perform your rhythm tap with loads of style
And you'll capture your audience for more than a while
Come on you guys, give it movement, stretch your arms to the sky
And practicing will make you a star by and by"After Chester's complicated and break neck class
We went to dinner and a swim to make the time pass
Then back to camp to learn about rhythm tap history
How past performers "made it" in show biz is a mysteryBut made it they did and they paved the way
For rhythm tap to be available today
so I say to rhythm tap dancers one and all
Follow NTE next year for a tap dancing ball
The Music Of Tap
by Wendy Kearney
Listening, feeling, making music with my feet.
The heavy and loud, the light and quiet, all make up the
music of tap.
A brush here, a flam there, be sure to stay on count.
Stomps start on eight, anything else on one; don't forget,
a flap is two sounds.
Learn how to go slow, before you go fast, always go
back to the basics.
I always tap my toes, and my heels mix in, making music
with my feet.
Shim Sham is the tap anthem and Improv is important, all
building up to perfecting my music of tap.
Time steps are six bars, and a break of two,
This makes up the music of tap.
I have learned so much already, yet there's always more
to know, about the music I make with my feet.
the pictures I took, the Masters of the dance, the steps
I wrote down, all contribute to the progress of the music
of tap that I make.
"The floor is the drum, your feet are the sticks and the
brushes."
