I was reading an article that just came out in DANCESPIRIT magazine titled “Out of this World” that echoes some beliefs I’ve stated on this website for several years.

Rasta Thomas, a rebel ballet star, is hoping to disprove the common stereotype that tap dancing is boring:

“The tap stars’ mission is to entertain audiences—even non-theatergoers who know nothing about tap—while paying homage to the strong legacy and tradition that longtime tap lovers embrace.”

Two of the tap dancers who are participating in this project are Jason Janas and Cartier Williams. I’m guessing that with talented tap dancers like Janas and Williams performing and Rasta Thomas telling them what looks good, any routines they produce will be spectacular. The project is called: “Tap Stars: A Dance Revolution.”

I can't wait to see this. Jason was my teacher.

I hadn't heard that stereotype, tap is hugely popular in my area and we have very strong tappers and teachers of tap.

I have never heard anyone say that tap is boring. Some people think dance in general is boring. I've heard people say ballet is boring. But I've never, ever heard anyone say tap is boring.

Tap that's not boring? ALL FREAKING TAP!!!!

Helen

My question is why is a ballet dancer have his heart set on proving this and why? I think those tap dancers could create exciting routines without the ballet dancer "telling them what looks good."

This is a quote from Tap Stars:

“These boys compete with the big names of the tapdance like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly or Sammy Davis Jr. and add absolutely new features. ”Tap Stars“, the new dance show of the American dancer and choreographer Rasta Thomas, who moves the audience worldwide into enthusiasm with his spectacular show „Rock the Ballet“ since his debut in the St. Pauli Theater three years ago, gives the tapdance new life. His dancers once again recall the 1920s, when the legendary Mr. Bill "Bojangels" Robinson virtually reinvented the tapdance. Until the 40s, there was no show or musical film without a prominent tapdance number….

Rasta Thomas company ”Bad Boys of Dance“, the ensemble from enthusiastic dancers, with spectacular solos pay homage to the legendary stars. With new show elements and trendy music - including rock, pop and rap – it is clear of that this American art form has arrived in the 21st century. This comes a new interpretation of tapdance - humorous and sexy, full of grace and, nevertheless with full power – something which dance enthusiasts as well as the internet generation can enjoy.”

www.tapstars.de . . .

That's going to be interesting, all of those dancers are dead...

Interesting that this show is so fabulous they have absolutely no tour dates.

His dancers once again recall the 1920s, when the legendary Mr. Bill "Bojangels" Robinson virtually reinvented the tapdance. Until the 40s, there was no show or musical film without a prominent tapdance number….

So are they going to be innovative with the new modern show or are they looking back and copying what has already been done. Dancing like Bojangles won't "reinvent" tap. It's already been done.

I hate to tell them that they aren't brining tap to the 21st century. Many of us are carrying that flag for awhile. But I'll be sure to tell the cast of the show I am performing with that dancing to rock, pop, and rap music is a criteria of being a new thing...even though I've been doing it in shows for 20 years??