Arthur Duncan Returning to El Portal, 4/1-3

An intimate evening of song, dance and memories with living legend Arthur Duncan, and Musical Direction by Lenny LaCroix with the Lenny LaCroix Trio at El Portal's Monroe Forum Theatre, in the NOHO Arts District, North Hollywood, CA. This special 4 show only engagement will be presented April 1,2,3.

Duncan returns to the El Portal after a sold out weekend in 2014 . As a regular for 18 years on the weekly " Lawrence Welk Show" Arthur Duncan pioneered as the first African American to be seen throughout the US and the world on a weekly network show. At a time when tap dance was fading from Broadway and Hollywood, Duncan's charm and talent captivated audiences. He brought the art form to a new medium, allowing Americans across the nation to experience tap dance in their own homes.

He was born and raised in Pasadena, California to a family of 13 children, Arthur Duncan was born to dance. A highly visible performer, he is often referred to as an Entertainer's Entertainer as he performed around the world: a quintessential song and dance man, whose performances are a lively collection of sophisticated footwork and wonderful songs. He has performed in concert at both Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. His television credits include guest appearances in "Diagnosis Murder" with Dick Van Dyke, "Columbo" with Peter Falk, "The Phil Donahue Show", and "The Betty White Show". Duncan has performed in Las Vegas, in films (he was a featured personality in the movie "Tap" starring Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis Jr.), and toured with Tommy Tune in the Broadway show "My One and Only". He joined Bob Hope on several USO tours and even danced a high-spirited tap in a McDonald's commercial. Duncan is also a dedicated mentor and shares his spotlight experiences through lecture demonstrations and master tap classes. (PUT IN CURRENT TRIPS AND SHOWCASES HERE)

He was honored with the 2004 Flobert Award for Lifetime Achievement of Tap Artistry in New York City, the 2005 Living Treasure in American Dance Award from Oklahoma City University and received an honorary Doctor of Performing Arts in American Dance at OCU, as well. On July 21, 2011, the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters hosted a very special awards banquet, as tap dancing legend Arthur Duncan accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award, joining the ranks of an elite list of only three individuals who have received this honor in their 100 year history.

One of the most entertaining performers of today, Arthur Duncan's seamless blend of song and dance continues to make a significant contribution to the artistic legacy of dance and entertainment. For tickets and information please call 818-508-4200 or www.elportaltheatre.com.

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