Urban Tap
I am in a whirlwind of excitement after seeing Tamango’s Urban Tap show at the New Victory Theater in New York City. I saw the world of tap move forward tonight as the performers connected brilliantly with the audience, full of cheering kids and their families. The musicians, voice and sound people were all on stage. There was live video projected overhead as the drummers, trumpet player and, and bass played incredible music. There were other musicians – the DJ and the “Human Orchestra” who could make multiple sounds with his voice, stunning everyone. I grooved to the Afro-Brazilian beats, jazz sounds, Haitian drumming, horn blazing, and bass thumping.
Didki Conde, a dancer and musician from West Africa, danced on his hands. Vado Diamonde, a stilt dancer couldn’t be outdone by Tamango’s precise feet during their tap challenge. Rod Ferone was joyous as he twirled his hat up his arm onto his head. He and Max Pollak did a duet and made humorous sounds and spoke as they danced, saying, “salt peanuts, salt peanuts,” and, “slide,” when they slid across the floor. Max was impressive, creating Afro-Cuban rhythm with his hands slapping his chest and legs. Roxane “Butterfly,” guest performer, was an additional spark to the show. When she danced and twirled, I had to ask myself, was I really hearing that many sounds from her feet?
I was impressed by Tamango’s grace and precision. This brilliant collaboration of artists in Urban Tap exhibits new changes and growth in the tap scene. It’s an uplifting fusion of music, culture, dance, costume, sights, and sounds. I really want to see this inspiring show again!