Arts Fifth Avenue celebrates the art of tap dancing with a two-day festival featuring performances and workshops.
At 8 pm on Friday evening, October 21, Gracey Tune, one of the nation’s most recognized tap historians, will host a multi-media presentation on the evolution of the only all American dance form, Tap. Join her for a night celebrating the past, present and future of Tap. Bring your tap shoes and Tap the Night away … and how about a taste of some “TAP JAM”balaya!! Suggested donation: $5
On Saturday, October 22, the fun continues with a series of three workshops:
A STUDY OF RHYTHM: 10:30 am-noon with Debra Bray.
A STUDY OF STYLE: 12:30-2:00 pm with Gloria Whetstone.
A STUDY OF GRACE: 2:30- 4:00 pm with Tex Clyde.
Workshops are $15 each, or you can take all 3 for $30. Sack lunches are available for $5.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Gracey Tune – is a native Texan and a long-time resident of the City of Fort Worth. Gracey is recognized nationally and internationally as a noted Tapologist and Historian. In 1993, Gracey was included in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame by Governor Ann Richards and in May of 2005, she received the inaugural Texas Tap Legends Award from the Dance Council (Dallas). Gracey has performed with and produced shows for a number of tap greats, including her wonderful brother, Tommy Tune.
Debra Bray – began dancing at age 7 and later founded one of the first professional Tap Dance companies in Texas, Austin on Tap. Debra studied with “Mr. Scientific Rhythm”, Eddie Brown, and incorporated his influence into her work as Artistic Director and primary choreographer for Austin on Tap. Debra currently dances with and choreographs for the RHYTHM JUNKIES in Dallas.
Gloria Whetstone – began dancing at age 5 and first taught at age 15 in her hometown of Shreveport, LA. Gloria studied in New York City and California with many outstanding ballet and tap instructors such as Ernest Carlos and Henry Latang. In 2003, Gloria was honored with the Mary McLarry Bywaters Award for Lifetime Contribution to Dance by the Dance Council (Dallas).
Tex Clyde – Olin “Tex” Clyde Eddleman was born in Weatherford, TX on April 16, 1922 – that’s right 83 years ago! At the age of 10, Tex walked through the doors of the old Southside Recreation Center and observed his first dance class. Tex immediately fell in love and at that moment, he knew he was destined to be an entertainer. Tex is still performing and is truly one of the few remaining “Song & Dance Men”.
