Archive for May, 2009
National Tap Dance Day Toronto 09
Happy National Tap Dance Day to all the hoofers, tap dance supporters, teachers, photographers, videographers, researchers and everyone who continues to share the love of tap dance.
We honour the birthday of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (May 25th, 1878) who opened the doors for tapdancers around the world to perform on film.
Bojangles was famous for his work teaching and performing with Shirley Temple (in photograph). He was a left-footed tapdancer, light on his toes, with a charming stage presence.
His personal life not as charming, and Bojangles used alcohol as a councellor. Despite his private life’s worries, Bill Robinson left a historic impression and memory for all tap dancers worldwide.
Toronto has an annual celebration at Nathan Phillips Square, 12 pm. Cities around the world continue the celebration with shows, screenings, lectures and tap dance classes from pioneers of the art to the next generation of tap instructors and choreographers.
Here’s footage of myself performing at City Hall in honour of “Mr Bojangles”
Dance is universal. I encourage you to keep the dance alive and support the art form however you can, where ever you are!
- Shawn Byfield
3 comments May 29, 2009
Tap dance footage from Samba Squad Show
Just some footage of me tap dancing with aka Subliminal and Samba Squad. Which turned out to be the most energetic, extremely musical, nearly 4 hour show!
- Shawn Byfield
Add comment May 24, 2009
Tap Dance Meets Samba Rhythms
The percussive energy of latin drumming and tap dance rhythms collide!
I’ll be joining SAMBA SQUAD this Friday May 22 at Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto, to celebrate the squad’s 10 year anniversary. Led by master percussionist Rick Lazar, this group is a non-stop powerhouse of energizing samba, salsa, funk, cuban and more rhythms.
My tap shoes will play with the latin percussion, and I’m excited to share the stage with aka Subliminal, Canada’s finest and only Soul-hop emcee, beat boxer and more.
We’ll be celebrating with Samba Squad though a blend of scatting, tap dancing, beat boxing and all round musical fun. Support! Bring a friend! Show starts at 10 pm, and there’s a whole roster of other talented artists performing in the show.
Visit the Samba Squad website for info, and make sure to bring yo’ dancin’ shoes!
- Shawn B
Add comment May 21, 2009
