Tap World

Showings

Mary D. Fisher Theatre Thu, Aug 13, 2015 4:00 PM
Mary D. Fisher Theatre Thu, Aug 13, 2015 7:00 PM
Film Info
Event Type:Film
Release Year:2015
Run Time:72 minutes
Production Country:USA
Original Language:English
Trailer:youtu.be/GbLZ4fUEUpw
Cast/Crew Info
Director:Dean Hargrove

Description

“The language of music is rhythm. Rhythm is the language of life. Rhythm is the international language,” so says one of the tap dancers in “Tap World”, a documentary film that looks at the lives and contemporary styles of the American art form known as tap dance — as practiced around the world.

The dancing in “Tap World” showcases the innovations of artists in the 21st century, focusing on styles that are deeply connected to an improvisational jazz spirit, moreso than to the precision choreography of a Broadway show. While Savion Glover and Gregory Hines are frequently mentioned as inspirations for these dancers, the artists profiled in the film have continued to evolve the art form to include the modern movements of urban street dances and to express the powerful energy and emotion in their souls.

“Tap World” travels the world to paint a portrait of the global tap community, with visits with dancers in Australia, Brazil, France, India, Japan, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Taiwan and across the United States. The film features more than 200 dancers from ages 9 to 91. If one thing is certain, no matter where they reside, these dancers all reveal a burning desire to dance — often despite economic and social obstacles. Tap heals their souls.

Winner of the Audience Choice Award for Best Film at the Washington DC International Film Festival, “Tap World” has been garnering rave reviews from critics and audiences around the world. John Lahr of The New Yorker says “ ‘Tap World’ is a fascinating study of tap and how the beat goes on. I found it poetic, moving and enormous fun!”

“A sweet gem! Heartwarming!” says The Huffington Post. And The Village Voice calls it “a stirring doc … honors that most American form of dance!”