Tapping the Talent

by Deni Kasrel

dance

Gregory Hines was truly a giant of tap dance. One of the biggest stars of the style, he was also among its most impassioned advocates, constantly using his good name to help promote the dance form as practiced by performers of all stripes. Tony Waag, founder of the New York City Tap Festival, says that Hines was into "inclusiveness," always encouraging tap in its many variations. "There are different styles of tap," Waag notes. "There's jazz tap, soft shoe, bebop, just all kinds of styles and influences, and each person brings a whole deck of cards with them. Maybe they play an instrument. Maybe they juggle."

A spirit of inclusiveness pervades "Thank You Gregory: A Tribute to the Legends of Tap," produced by Dance Affiliates in conjunction with Waag. The program features folks who embrace traditional and contemporary modes of tap to include Roxane Butterfly, a free-style soloist; Brenda Bufalino of the American Tap Dance Orchestra (pictured); Nate Cooper, who dances on roller skates; and Waag, who taps while playing the ukulele and also serves as master of ceremonies.

A celebratory homage to Hines and other notables of tap, the production presents historical images plus live action tributes to famous dancers of the genre. At the end, anyone with a pair of tap shoes may join in the fun. "It's a tradition in a lot of tap shows to invite others onstage to do the shim-sham at the end," Waag explains. "It's kind of the national tap dance."

Thank You Gregory: A Tribute to the Legends of Tap, Thu., May 19, 7:30 p.m.; Fri., May 20, 8 p.m.; Sat., May 21, 2 and 8 p.m., $32-$44, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900.