Urban Tap

by Deni Kasrel

The way things are going these days, it looks like the world could use a cultural ambassador. I nominate Tamango for the job. He's got the perfect pedigree for the position -- born in French Guinea, Tamango spent his formative years in Paris, which he left to attend what he calls "the university of the streets" before settling in New York. Nowadays Tamango leads an eclectic ensemble called Urban Tap, featuring an international cast of artists. Their program at the Kimmel Center, titled Full Cycle, immersed the stage in a kaleidoscopic genre-bending atmosphere that went in many directions yet always managed to hold its center.

Full Cycle begins in darkness with a shadowy figure (Tamango) lightly tapping on a drum. The sound is like a pulse that gradually grows in intensity as the lights come up to reveal Tamango, dressed in cowboy hat, fringe vest, gaucho-style cargo pants and shoe-boots, and looking every bit the urban cowboy. Surrounded by a jazz ensemble that includes cello, drums and trumpet, he proceeds to gently tap and sashay with his feet. He throws in some funky steps and the band follows his lead. This give and take continues throughout the presentation, and because Tamango's shoes are miked, his percussive steps serve as a powerful sonic component, and he becomes another instrument of the band. Meanwhile a large video screen projects layered visuals featuring environmental scenes and abstract images, plus real-time captures of what's happening on stage. The latter are among the most intriguing -- allowing us to see the action from all angles in larger-than-life fashion.

Tamango's tapping takes many courses, such as soft-shoe, moonwalking, sand-dancing and ritual gesture, and the sounds he makes with his feet veer from lyrical to scratchy, depending on the mood he's looking to create. Though Tamango's steps are masterful, rather than tear up the floor he massages it to create a soothing hypnotic patter. Taking an occasional break, Tamango sits down and plays drums while other dancers in his troupe get down with b-boying and capoeira. Their muscular movements provide a contrast to Tamango's subtle stylings, though their agility is every bit as impressive as Urban Tap's lead attraction. From start to finish the dancers, musicians and videographer interact in tight synthesis, feeding off one another's tempos and temperaments. It's like a jam session among kindred spirits from around the world, where the universal language is rhythm.