Tap Sensation Rhythmic Circus Comes to Palo Alto

The Oshman Family JCC brings rapid-fire tap dancing accompanied by a swingin' seven-piece band to Palo Alto, when it presents the world renowned Rhythmic Circus in its international sensation show Feet Don't Fail Me Now! Brilliant staging and astonishing choreography are the hallmarks of this wildly creative, infectiously joyous production, which has had audiences cheering in more than 100 cities worldwide where Feet Don't Fail Me Now! has performed in sold-out engagements, capturing rave reviews and numerous awards. This one-night only performance will be presented 7:30pm, Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the Oshman Family JCC Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. For tickets ($70 premium/$60 general/$55 JCC members and J-Pass holders) and more information visit paloaltojcc.org/circus or call (650) 223-8649.

Rhythmic Circus is a troupe of 11 individually renowned artists who have integrated an inventive style of tap dancing with a variety of rollicking musical genres including big band, rock, blues, and soul, to create a show that presents an entirely new view into the indomitable power of the human spirit. With their combined and highly integrated talents, the troupe is known for leaving audiences on their feet and dancing in the aisles. The New York Times praised the "fast and furious footwork," and also noted, "The musicians are an equal part of the show, laying down funk, blues and even salsa grooves with bass and brass, guitar and keyboard." TheatreMania declared the show "An exuberant, toe-tapping, hand-clapping hour-and-a-half of music and dance!" while the New York Post called it, "A family-friendly tap extravaganza!"

From an a cappella singing and tap number to a percussive chair routine to an acoustic number inspired by a front porch jam session, Feet Don't Fail Me Now! enthralls audiences of all ages with its medley of positivity and infectious rhythm. "We created Feet Don't Fail Me Now! out of the desire to get people back in touch with the spirit of celebration. The show helps remind our audiences that there is always a reason to get up, let go, and dance," said co-creator Nick Bowman. "The name of our show comes from an old New Orleans chant dating back to the early 1900s - a time when the city was rich with culture and spirit, they literally had parades every Sunday just to celebrate their lives and community. Rhythmic Circus has adopted the chant as more of a rallying cry. We have been ecstatic to see it strike a chord with people everywhere from our home town to Off-Broadway and all the way across the globe."

Officially founded in 2007, the troupe's core members have actually been collectively choreographing and performing together since 2000. They have been featured on "Minnesota Original," a weekly art series on Twin Cities Public Television, collaborated with Vocal Essence in Witness: A Tribute to Duke Ellington at the Ordway Performing Arts Center and appeared in the Crash Bang Boom! Festival at the Minnesota Orchestra Hall. Feet Don't Fail Me Now! has performed around the globe, including a six-week tour throughout China, and a 25 performance run at New York City's New Victory Theatre. Among its awards are two Minnesota SAGE Awards for "Outstanding Performance" and "Outstanding Ensemble," as well as "Best Dance Performance" by the Minneapolis/St. Paul City Pages, the "Spirit of the Fringe" Award (Edinburgh Fringe Festival's top theatrical award), and two Upper Midwest Emmys.

Under the Artistic Direction of Ricci Milan and Executive Direction of Nick Bowman, Rhythmic Circus includes dancers Nick Bowman, Galen Higgins, Ricci Milan and Kaleena Miller. The musicians of Rhythmic Circus include guitarist Alex Rossi, beatboxer Aaron Heaton, keys player Cornell Blanchard, drummer Patrick Nelson, bassist Dan Ristrom, saxophonist Peter Vircks and trumpeter Aaron Wiener.

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center (OFJCC) on the Taube Koret Campus for Jewish Life is a community-supported nonprofit that serves the South Peninsula through educational, social, cultural, fitness, sports and other programs. The OFJCC is a multi-generational Jewish neighborhood where all are welcome and which fosters new personal and community connections through rich and rewarding experiences. The OFJCC provides a common ground for Jewish institutions, other local groups, organizations and individuals to work, learn and play together for the betterment of the whole community. The OFJCC's registered trademarks are Live Fully and J-Pass. For more information, visit www.paloaltojcc.org or call (650) 223-8700.

Photo credit: Rhythmic Circus