BWW Reviews: TAP 'N TIME - NJ Tap Fest's Extraordinary Main Stage Event

Tap dancing is an art that has endured through the enthusiasm and creativity of its performers. New Jersey Tap Fest's main stage event, "Tap 'N Time," was performed at the Westminster Arts Center at Bloomfield College on Saturday night, August 24th. The two act show delighted the audience with a wide variety of tap dance styles and an incredible slate of talent.

Directed by performer and producer Hillary-Marie Michael, "Tap 'N Time" was the highlight of the New Jersey Tap Fest, which focuses on serving tap dance, teaching its history, preserving its percussive traditions and promoting tap as a cherished American art form.

"Tap 'N Time" was hosted by the charming Baakari Wilder. Exceptional live music was provided by Music Director and drummer Andrew Atkinson, along with Darwin Noguera on keyboard and Teymur Phell on bass.

The show opened with Brandenburg, a number by the Advanced Repertoire Class. This group of young tap dancers proved that there is plenty of new, upcoming talent. The program continued with a diverse number of solos from the rhythmic tapping of Jeffry Foote performing Ca Lee So to the swinging piece, Oh, Lady Be Good, flawlessly danced by Josie Say. Highlights such as Karen Callaway William's classic tap performance of The Late Show and Jason Janas's Shadow of Your Smile kept the program interesting and dynamic.

Ensemble numbers included Opus, choreographed by the late Dr. Harold 'Stumpy' Cromer. The dance was performed as a tribute to Cromer. The piece was beautifully performed by Kyra Durfee, Jeffrey Foote, Hillary-Marie Michael, Michael Murphy, Alexis Robbins and Kyle Wilder.

The Boston Tap Company, with choreography by Sean Fielder, had two numbers in the program, As Long as You Live, and Change. The company's unique blend of hip-hop and tap confirms that the art has an enduring presence in dance culture.

"Tap 'N Time" was more than a program for tap enthusiasts. The show elevated the treasured art form to the highest performance standards. For more information on NJ Tap Fest, visit their web site at www.jerseytapfest.com.

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