Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival 2010

August 9, 2010
For Immediate Release

2010 Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival
September 3 – 5

Everyone – Time to Tap!

Vancouver, BC – The 11th annual Vancouver International Tap Dance Festival will once again be celebrating the art of tap dance September 3 – 5. Everyone from newcomers to professionals, youngsters and adults, have a chance to learn how to tap from an incredible group of professional tap dancers sharing their knowledge and artistry. The festival will also feature performances and presentations, along with some of the most glorious moments in tap dance.

Presented by the Vancouver Tap Dance Society, the Festival is proud of the exciting line up of inspired and expert teachers from the past, present and future of tap, who will take your dancing to a new level of excellence. The talent includes New York’s legendary Harold Cromer, making his inaugural visit to Vancouver showcasing his masterpiece, Opus One, created by Harold in 1943. Also returning is tap star, Jason Samuels Smith, whose choreography and performance credits include So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars, offering a 3 day course with his intricate rhythms and original style. And returning is Boston based, Dianne “Lady Di” Walker who has a 30 year career spanning Broadway, TV, film and concerts. Other artists participating are from Washington, DC, Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Texas and of course include our local talents Jeff Hyslop and Troy McLaughlin.

TAP GRACE
Saturday, September 4, 2010, 8pm
After a decade of generosity and grace bestowed on us from a roster of amazing artists, we have aptly entitled our presentation Tap Grace. Legends and internationally renowned artists will take to the stage in the unique premiere event. This highlight of the tap calendar will present legendary Harold Cromer, of the famed dance duo, “Stump and Stumpy”. Tap Grace features Dianne Walker, Jason Samuels Smith, Jason Janas, Terry Brock, Jeff Hyslop, Johnson & Peters, Matt Shields, Jessie Sawyers, Troy McLaughlin, Brock Jellison, Sarah Reich and the Vancouver Tap Ensemble.

This year we wanted to garner the momentum created from last year’s inaugural Canadian in Tap Conference. As a result, we created the BC Tap Project, a program to spotlight BC’s professional tap community. We’re honored to announce an excerpt from Jeff Hyslop’s “On Tap”, celebrating its 25th year, will be featured. Jeff performs with Mary Lou Brien, Lindsey Sterk and Teryl Rothery.
Norman Rothstein Theatre
950 West 41st Avenue, 8:00 pm
Tickets: Adults: $42 Seniors (65+): $40 Youth (18yrs): $33

Hot Feet-Showcase & Cutting Contest
Sunday, September 5, 8:30pm
Jason Samuels Smith will host our first ever CUTTING CONTEST!
The Cutting Contest, an improvisation event in the style of Buck dancing competitions, pits hot young tap dancers against each other in foot-to foot combat. The showcase is a wonderful gathering of tap enthusiasts, solo, duets, ensembles of emerging and professional artists who will showcase their favorite work or piece they have been working on all year. Share this impressive and entertaining perspective on the bright future of the art of tap dancing.
Tix: $15.00- Grandview Ballroom- 2205 Commercial Street


Classes range from beginner to advanced, young and old, and offer a range of styles, techniques, and rhythms.

To Purchase Tickets and for a complete list of Classes, Events, Registration Information and the Festival Brochure, visit www.vantapdance.com or phone 604-253-0293.