Derick K. Grant News

The Joyce Theater Foundation announced today new programming for its Bring Dance Home collection of curated digital performances, interviews, podcasts, film, and classes aimed at bringing dance-loving audiences together from the comfort and safety of their own home.

Serving as a bridge between tradition and innovation, history and progress - Indian Kathak and American Jazz Tap dance - continents and ages apart share parallel stories of struggle and perseverance in SPEAK.

The Joyce Theater Foundation (Linda Shelton, Executive Director) brings together three tap superstars and a special guest for a celebration of tap dance in And Still You Must Swing. Honoring the heart and legacy of the art form, the dynamic evening of dance featuring Dormeshia, Derick K. Grant, Jason Samuels Smith, and Camille A. Brown will play The Joyce Theater from December 3-8. Tickets, ranging in price from $10-$65, can be purchased at www.Joyce.org, or by calling JoyceCharge at 212-242-0800. Please note: ticket prices are subject to change. The Joyce Theater is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at West 19th Street. For more information, please visit www.Joyce.org.

Gallim makes its Ted Shawn Theatre debut with a Pillow co-commissioned world premiere, August 7-11. Under the direction of perpetually groundbreaking artist Andrea Miller, Brooklyn-based Gallim embodies human connection through bold, raw, transformative works. As New York Magazine attests, a?oeher viscerally physical movement wrings every inch of life from her dancersa?"and you'll be holding your breath, too.a??

 Linda Shelton, Executive Director of The Joyce Theater Foundation, announced today the New York City dance organization's programming for its Fall '19 Winter '20 season, the first in collaboration with The Joyce's new Director of Programming, Aaron Mattocks. With dance styles from contemporary and modern to street and social, and traditional movement from Argentina, India, Spain, Samoa, and beyond, The Joyce continues to lead the way in international dance presentations while nurturing and supporting artists from all disciplines at every stage of their careers. The New York City organization, one of the world's largest presenters of dance, is especially excited to announce that live music will be featured during each and every engagement from the start of the season through the end of 2019. Fall '19/Winter '20 at The Joyce will be a true celebration of diversity in dance with programs and styles that encompass the wide range of aesthetic interests of both its artists and audiences.

On December 7 and 8 at 7:30 PM, the legendary Fresh Tracks Performance and Residency Program at New York Live Arts will showcase the work of their five selected emerging choreographers: Emma Rose Brown, J. Bouey, Liana Conyers, Collin Ranf, and Dolores (Lola) Sanchez. As part of its annual programming, Fresh Tracks has been a 54-year commitment to bringing new voices to the forefront. The program offers a unique vantage point for the artists who are provided an unparalleled opportunity for professional development, experience, and recognition. Fresh Tracks performances take place at New York Live Arts Theatre, located at 219 West 19th Street, NYC. Tickets start at $15 and may be purchased at 212 924 0077 or online at newyorklivearts.org

On December 7 and 8 at 7:30 PM, the legendary Fresh Tracks Performance and Residency Program at New York Live Arts will showcase the work of their five selected emerging choreographers: Emma Rose Brown, J. Bouey, Liana Conyers, Collin Ranf, and Dolores (Lola) Sanchez.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, now in its 40th season, presents The Blues Project, combining the exceptional dance company Dorrance Dance with the elemental musical force that is Toshi Reagon & BIGLovely. Created by Michelle Dorrance, Derick K. Grant, Toshi Reagon, and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, The Blues Project brings together today's best tap artists, musicians, and choreographers in an innovative evening of rhythm, original live music, explosive energy, and raw emotion. The work reveals 'a deep merging of forms: As Ms. Reagon's music envelops the dancing, the dancing seeps through to the last chord and sometimes even beyond it' (The New York Times). The performance, which takes place at the Prospect Park Bandshell (9th St. & Prospect Park West) is free to the public (with a suggested $5 contribution at the gate) and begins at 8:00pm on June 28.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, now in its 40th season, presents The Blues Project, combining the exceptional dance company Dorrance Dance with the elemental musical force that is Toshi Reagon & BIGLovely. Created by Michelle Dorrance, Derick K. Grant, Toshi Reagon, and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, The Blues Project brings together today's best tap artists, musicians, and choreographers in an innovative evening of rhythm, original live music, explosive energy, and raw emotion. The work reveals 'a deep merging of forms: As Ms. Reagon's music envelops the dancing, the dancing seeps through to the last chord and sometimes even beyond it' (The New York Times). The performance, which takes place at the Prospect Park Bandshell (9th St. & Prospect Park West) is free to the public (with a suggested $5 contribution at the gate) and begins at 8:00pm on June 28.

Indian Kathak dance and American Tap dance are continents and ages apart, yet they share parallel stories of struggle and perseverance.  They join forces in a unique and sensational collaboration - as The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage presents SPEAK: Tap & Kathak Unite, a program that brings together MacArthur Fellow Michelle Dorrance, Founders of Leela Institute for the Arts Rina Mehta and Rachna Nivas, and Broadway performer Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, for three performances only, March 22 - 24.

From July 28 - August 11, the Vail Dance Festival will celebrate its 30th year with a season of newly commissioned choreography and music, highlighting Festival debuts by acclaimed companies and dancers, who join an ever-expanding team of returning artists. In the spirit of pioneering collaborations at Vail, the season is designed to give dancers and musicians the opportunity to experiment in new forms and with new partners. This year, the Festival will feature 7 new commissions including a work by New York City Ballet Resident Choreographer Justin Peck, set to a new composition by the Festival's Leonard Bernstein Composer-In-Residence, the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw.

For one night only, October 7, 2017, six award-winning tap artists, connected through their Broadway background in Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk, reunite to celebrate their art form in the newly renovated Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Featuring D.C. natives Joseph Webb and Baakari Wilder along with Omar Edwards, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Derick K. Grant, and Jason Samuels Smith, this unique performance is choreographed to honor the roots of tap dance, their predecessors, and each other, all to live jazz music by the Lafayette Harris Jr. Quintet.

City Parks Foundation has announced the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. The festival is New York City's annual salute to the legendary late saxophonist, featuring storied veteran players as well as young jazz musicians who continue to shape and drive the art form.

City Parks Foundation has announced the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. The festival is New York City's annual salute to the legendary late saxophonist, featuring storied veteran players as well as young jazz musicians who continue to shape and drive the art form.

Astonishing tap artists from across the U.S. and abroad come together in a Jacob's Pillow-exclusive program curated and introduced by the "tireless ambassador of tap" Michelle Dorrance (The New York Times).

Living through political tumult and societal unrest brings many emotions to the surface: fear, worry, anxiety, and most notably, anger. In these times of uncertainty, the healing powers of dance can reflect all that is good and beautiful about humanity. And it's just what Dorrance Dance achieved on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 during their run at The Joyce Theater. In a stunning collaboration with the velvety vocals and musical styling of Toshi Reagon & BIGLovely, esteemed dancers Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards and Derick K. Grant and chorographic help from Karida Griffith, Michelle Dorrance created a mesmerizing, imaginative universe; one filled with tap dancing so powerful, it brought the entire room together through love and light.

STG presents a two-night engagement of DORRANCE DANCE WITH TOSHI REAGON AND BIGLOVELY IN 'THE BLUES PROJECT' at The Moore Theatre November 11-12 at 8pm. This innovative evening brings together today's best tap artists; musicians; choreographers Michelle Dorrance, Derick K. Grant, and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards; and acclaimed composer/musician Toshi Reagon with her band BIGLovely for an unforgettable night of rhythm, original live music, explosive energy, and raw emotion.

In their first official engagement, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents Dorrance Dance with Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely in The Blues Project, October 5 and 6, 2016 for two performances in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Acclaimed tap dancer, choreographer, and 2015 MacArthur "Genius Grant" winner Michelle Dorrance and renowned versatile singer, songwriter, and guitarist Toshi Reagon combine their energetic ensembles for a dynamic collaboration honoring tap's uniquely beautiful history by pushing the boundaries of the genre. 

In their first official engagement, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents Dorrance Dance with Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely in The Blues Project, October 5 and 6, 2016 for two performances in the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. Acclaimed tap dancer, choreographer, and 2015 MacArthur "Genius Grant" winner Michelle Dorrance and renowned versatile singer, songwriter, and guitarist Toshi Reagon combine their energetic ensembles for a dynamic collaboration honoring tap's uniquely beautiful history by pushing the boundaries of the genre. 

The 17th Vancouver International Tap Festival will once again celebrate, showcase and explore the hot, enduring art of Tap Dance from Sept. 1 - 4, 2016. Internationally recognized as one the premier events of it's kind, its unique and ambitious programs have become VITF's trademark.