Episode 17, May 20, 2020
Hello everyone, and Happy National Tap Dance Day......week......month!

And, welcome to Tony's Tap TV. Episode 17.

National Tap Dance Day was signed into American Law by President George H. W. Bush on November 8th, in 1989. So, it's time to reflect, reminisce and remind ourselves that TAP DANCE is a really great dance form! It's available to anyone who is interested. And, how wonderful for some of us, that we get to practice it, share it, and talk about it. For a living! I like to tell everyone that TAP DANCE has allowed me to travel the globe and it's hooked me up with an amazing INTERNATIONAL bevy of other dancers, friends, partners and colleagues from literally ALL over the world.

I for one, am SO honored, and so thankful for what the art form has given me, and it continues to do so. I'm still absolutely fascinated with TAP DANCE.

So......let's celebrate everyone, celebrate.....celebrate.....dance to the music!!!!

In fact, let's dance along to my Routine Four below which was extracted from my Tap Basics Instructional video that I produced in 2000.

Next, we have a classic clip of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Who more appropriate to tribute right now considering May 25th is his birthday and why we chose this date for National Tap Dance Day in his honor.

And then, I've also added below the actual Joint Resolution for Tap Dance Day. I love what it says about Tap Dance being a joyful and powerful aesthetic force and a source of enjoyment and outlet for creativity and self-expression. Ain't THAT the truth!

Also, I'm inviting everyone to join in on a Talk I'm giving during the UK Tap Festival at 11am EST this coming Sunday, May 24th. (See details and link below)

Following this is some other info on an event that the marvelous Ms. Mercedes Ellington and I are hosting, also on Sunday, May 24th at 4pm EST. Try to make it. It should be a real hoot for sure.

And then I couldn't resist including a tribute performance I did at Town Hall in honor of the late Donald O'Connor for National Tap Dance Day back in 1997. Boy was I nervous, he was sitting right there!

So, I think "everything is Copasetic" for now, all things considered, and I look forward to seeing everyone in person as soon as possible! Now THAT will be a celebration for sure!

Enjoy, and I'll see you in the funny papers.

Tony

NOTE: Here's a link to all the previous archived Episodes. Click here to visit the: TAP TV ARCHIVES

Here we pay tribute to Bill Robinson who was inducted into the Tap Dance Hall of Fame in 2002.
Link to bio: Bill Robinson
JOINT RESOLUTION
To designate May 25, 1989, as `National Tap Dance Day'.

Whereas the multifaceted art form of tap dancing is a manifestation of the cultural heritage of our Nation, reflecting the fusion of African and European cultures into an exemplification of the American spirit, that should be, through documentation, and archival and performance support, transmitted to succeeding generations;

Whereas tap dancing has had a historic and continuing influence on other genres of American art, including music, vaudeville, Broadway musical theater, and film, as well as other dance forms;

Whereas tap dancing is perceived by the world as a uniquely American art form;

Whereas tap dancing is a joyful and powerful aesthetic force providing a source of enjoyment and an outlet for creativity and self-expression for Americans on both the professional and amateur level;

Whereas it is in the best interest of the people of our Nation to preserve, promote, and celebrate this uniquely American art form;

Whereas Bill `Bojangles' Robinson made an outstanding contribution to the art of tap dancing on both stage and film through the unification of diverse stylistic and racial elements; and

Whereas May 25, as the anniversary of the birth of Bill `Bojangles' Robinson, is an appropriate day on which to refocus the attention of the Nation on American tap dancing:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that May 25, 1989, is designated `National Tap Dance Day'. The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.on the Judiciary October 26 (legislative day, SEPTEMBER 18), 1989.
History Talk
with
Tony Waag

Sun. May 24, 2020
11am EST
4pm in the UK

Visit:

Conversations on Tap
Mercedes Ellington & Tony Waag
Sun. May 24, 2020
4:00-5:30pm
Join Mercedes Ellington & Tony Waag as they reminisce about Tap Dance, National Tap Dance Day, Jazz, their collaboration, Broadway history and future productions in the ZOOM ROOM!

This event is free & open to the public. You can register in advance to watch on Zoom HERE or watch live on our YouTube Channel.

OK now! Here is the entire Routine Four extracted from my Tap Basics Video. Go for it kids.
So, I was asked to perform a tribute to one of my favorite role models and performers the amazing Donald O'Connor in 1997 for National Tap Dance Day. Here it is. I didn't try to copy his dance, as that would have never happened. And he was SO relieved I didn't. Plus it was for National Tap Dance Day so I tap danced in it. Regardless, I think I captured his essence and the essence of the piece. Check it out. It was NOT easy. Just before I went on stage Jimmy Slyde said to me in the wings "just remember Tony, you have ALL the time in the world." I think that's what really made it for me. I had fun!
There are numerous instructional and performance products for purchase available now on-line through Vimeo. This is another way you can support the ATDF in this time of need.

Check them out HERE!


This project was created in a "pay what you can" format, and if you like what you see and if you send us some do re mi, we will consider it a donation. No strings attached. On the other hand, if there's no money, then no problem. Just know that the ATDF appreciates any donation you CAN make large or small, especially now in this crazy new world.

So my friends, keep safe, keep well & in the spirit of tap dance ... PLEASE keep time!

Tony Waag
Artistic/Founding Director
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