Rusty Frank performs for Nat'l Tap Dance Day. photo courtesy: DanceInc
The Old Pueblo’s denizens are known to celebrate many lovably quirky nationwide holidays: Park(ing) Day, The Great Guinness Toast, Thrill The World. Add to the list National Tap Dance Day. For the second year running Tucson will be home to performances, classes and dances held in the days leading up to May 25, the birthday of tap dance innovator Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.
Producer and DancInc president Krystyna Parafinczuk says National Tap Dance Day has been “embraced” by the dance community and general public and that “enthusiasm for this year is better than last year.” Tap is indeed a thriving art form which originated in the United States, says ex-Chicagoan Parafinczuk, and Tucson’s participation in National Tap Dance Day “puts us on the tap map.”
On Saturday, May 22, 7 p.m., the Pima Community College Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre, 2202 W. Anklam Rd., hosts Sounds of the Soles of the Southwest, featuring an appearance by guest artist and author Rusty Frank.
Frank’s “Tap! The Greatest Tap Stars and Their Stories 1900-1955” is a “staple in every dancer’s library,” says Parafinczuk. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door; call the PCC CFA Box Office at (520) 206-6986. A second community performance Sunday, May 23 at 3 pm is free, but reservations are advised. Call (520) 743-1349 to secure a pass.
Big band swing dance and Lindy Hop master classes will also be held. Find out more online at DancInc.biz/NTD.
