This section contains just a small sampling of the many tappers today who produce work, push choreographic edges, make films, teach classes, run studios, direct companies, dance, and write books, all while improvising the other aspects of their lives, like love, relationships, family, putting bread on the table and caring for the internal terrain of ourselves – our bodies and spirits.
The age of these artists span decades – from younger dancers like Chloe Arnold, Michelle Dorrance and Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards – to dancers such as Acia Gray, Barbara Duffy, Heather Cornell, Jane Goldberg, Diane Walker, Ann Kilkelly and Miriam Nelson.
Today features the stories of a few of these tappers: Harriet Butcher, Brenda Bufalino, Ayodele Casel and Ellie Sciarra. The first film created for Sole Stories (the first of many!) is an interview with Harriet Butcher, who eloquently expresses the delight of a life lived in the arts. Harriet has seen the glory days of tap – where live performances were a regular part of the artistic life of a community. Now witnessing live tap performances is rare, unless you live in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. Sole Stories intends to be part of inciting a tap renaissance!
Each story that is added to this living library enriches our understanding and appreciation of tap. Join our mailing list to share your work, add stories, suggestions and inspiration to Today.