TAP Dynamics at The Grandel

Dance St. Louis kicks off its 2017-18 season with "TAP Dynamics," a powerful, lively production that combines tap with live jazz music featuring "three of world's greatest tap dancers" (The New York Times).

The production consists of Jason Samuels Smith's "Going The Miles" and excerpts from Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards' "And Still You Must Swing," performed by the three virtuoso award-winning tap dancers: Jason Samuels Smith (Emmy & American Choreography Awards), Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards (Astaire Award for Best Performance, Princess Grace Statue Award), and Derick K. Grant (Ovation & Helen Hayes Awards).

The trio are considered three of today's most influential and celebrated tap dance luminaries in the world.

"And Still You Must Swing" captures the heart and legacy of tap dance and honors the overwhelming influence of jazz roots on this outstanding art form. Named "Best Dance Performance" in 2016 by The New York Times, it's a rhythmic feast including live music, dynamic choreography and stunning improvisation.

"Going The Miles" takes a step further than simply tributing Mr. Davis, one of the world's greatest American jazz artists.The dancers engage on a musical odyssey, celebrating the diversity of contributions that our respective culture and collective consciousness continues to make through two of the world's most thriving American art forms. The work emphasizes interplay inspired by three of Miles' iconic tunes, highlighting just why "improvisation" is still the highest expression of these forms.

* Performance-only tickets are $20 and available through Metrotix.
* Performance plus post-performance cocktail party tickets are $40 and available through Dance St. Louis (www.dancestlouis.org).
* Performance plus post-performance dinner with drinks are $65 and available through Dance St. Louis (www.dancestlouis.org).