American Tap Dance Foundation's Spring 2012 Gala Set for Tonight; Tommy Tune to Host

Global health service company Cigna is sponsoring the Gregory Hines Youth Scholarship Fund. "Cigna supports and nurtures an individual's unique strengths to achieve their full potential," said David Guilmette, President, National, Pharmacy and Product for Cigna Corporation.  "At Cigna our GO YOU tagline is more than a campaign -- it's who we are -- a company committed to meeting the needs of individuals and, in the process, helping the people we serve improve their health, well-being, and sense of security. We believe that the American Tap Dance Foundation is an excellent example of the spirit of GO YOU and we are proud to support the Foundation's efforts."

Known as one of the most prolific director/choreographers of the twentieth century, Tommy Tune has enchanted audiences over the past 50 years with his charisma, vision, and innovation.  Tune has been honored with nine Tony Awards celebrating him as a performer, choreographer and director. In addition, Tune has been awarded eight Drama Desk Awards, three Astaire Awards and the Society of Directors and Choreographers' George Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement.Film credits include Hello Dolly, The Boy Friend, and Mimi Bluette…fiore del mio giardino.  Mr. Tune celebrates his 50^thyears in show business with his latest work, Steps In Time, A Broadway Biography in Song and Dance. In 2009,  He was designated as a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.  Tune is the recipient of the National Medal Of Arts, the highest honor for artistic achievement given by the President of the United States, and he has been honored with his own star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

The American Tap Dance Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to establishing and legitimizing Tap Dance as a vital component of American Dance through creation, presentation, education and preservation.  American Tap Dance Foundation, Inc. was formerly the American Tap Dance Orchestra. It was founded in 1986 by master tap dancers Brenda Bufalino, Tony Waag, and the late Charles 'Honi' Coles. From 1986-1999, the Orchestra performed in hundreds of concert, stage, and film projects and thrilled audiences around the world. From 1989 to 1995, the company also operated Woodpeckers Tap Dance Center in NYC, and presented year-round programming of performances, workshops, daily classes for adults and children, tap jams, lectures, and film presentations.  In 2002, with a new generation of tap dancers and enthusiasts, the organization was renamed, and under the direction of Tony Waag, renewed its vision of establishing the first-ever Center for Tap, -- an international home for dancers, based in NYC.

 

 

Some of the programs include: • Tap City, the annual New York City Tap Festival; • the Tap City Youth Ensemble; • Concert Performances & National Tours; • the Gregory Hines Youth Scholarship Fund; • the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame; • Annual Hoofer & Tap Preservation Awards, and • the Gregory Hines Collection of American Tap Dance archives at the Lincoln Center Library.  The American Tap Dance Center opened in 2010 as the home to theAmerican Tap Dance Foundation, and offers year-round educational programs including:  • Tap Dance Conservatory; • Ongoing Classes for Youth, Teens & Adults; • Tap Choreography Intensives & Showcases; • Master Workshops for Professionals; • Artists In Residence Program; • Reconstruction  & Choreography Commission Projects; • Rental Space for rehearsals and• Tap Talks, Jams & Film Presentations.  They are located at 154 Christopher Street #2B NYC, NY 10014. For information contact: 646-230-9564 and Fax 646-230-7777; Email: info@atdf.org or visit the website at http://atdf.org/

            Tickets are: Benefactor $1,000; Patron: $500; Partner: $250; Friend: $125. For tickets you can Call: (646) 230-9564or buy at http://www.atdf.org/ATDFSpringGala2012.html