75th anniversary
THE MICHIGAN CHRONICLE
October 13-19, 2010 Page C-8
The Tapology experience at the Flint Cultural Center
The 8th Annual Tapology Festival “Merging Rhythms” runs Oct. 21-24 on
the campus of the Flint Cultural Center. The Tapology Festival – the largest of its kind in Michigan – packs in professional dancers from all over the United States, Canada, Spain and the region to participate, support, give back to the community and master their craft. Not only are dancers immersed in the Tapol- ogy experience by way of workshops, master classes, a tap competition, and legends luncheon; they also “pay it forward” by offering community perfor- mances for all, from students to senior citizens.
The largest base of support for
the Tapology experience does not always come from those who dance, but those who appreciate the art form itself. These ardent supports are exposed to the his- tory of tap, from its roots to its integration in American culture, through historical lectures and community events that educate and entertain.
The highlight of the Tapology
surprise students with horses, historical depictions of African American calvary regiment
Buffalo Soldiers
Buffalo Soldiers depicting the African American regiment arrived at Timbuktu Academy last week to surprise students with horses and soldiers who will share the historical perspectives and give rides. The famed Buffalo Soldiers were established by Congress as the first peacetime all-Black regiment in the regular U.S. Army. The nickname was given to the cavalry by Native American tribes out of respect and the fighting ability of the 10th Calvary. The term eventually became synonymous with African American soldiers.
Dedicated to the health of our community.
experience for patrons each year is the concert performance. Audi- ences pack the Whiting to attend this dance extravaganza replete with live jazz musicians directed by Detroit’s own Orrin Evans, and a lineup of the hottest names in contemporary tap, and some of the most stylistically influential artists of the art form. Master Jason Samuel Smith is a featured artist this year, along with tap greats Derick Grant, Tina Pratt, Dianne Walker, Laurie John- son and tap legend Mable Lee. Nelida Tirado, from Spain, will perform flamenco dance to honor the influence of tap on her native style of dance, and Ryan Johnson will perform in the “steppin’” tradition, highlighting the symmetry between tap and “steppin’” moves made popular by college fraternities. The Bradley family – Bruce, Alexandria, Frances and Cherisse – share the familial tradition of artistry deliver- ing riveting songs and electrifying movements. Young masters Quynn Johnson and Natasha Graham return for a performance with the Flintstone Hoofers, a youth group nationally known for tap precision and performance excitement.
“The Tapology experience leaves an indelible mark on the community
because we have taken this art form off the stage and put it into the public schools, nursing homes, libraries and the cultural center institutions,” said Alfred Bruce Bradley, Tapology founder and vision ary. “Tapology offers something for everyone.
It’s an event that brings our community together for
something extraordinarily good.” Bradley works with youth throughout the state of Michigan year-round to
nurture their creative talents and provide them opportunities to develop their talent, build their résumé and launch their careers in the arts.
Festival Highlights at a Glance: • Public Schools Visiting Day – Oct. 21
• Workshops for beginning, intermediate and advances dancers – Oct. 22, 23, 24 at the Flint Institute of Music
• Living Legend Award Luncheon honoring Tina Pratt – Oct. 23 at the Sarvis Center • Historical lecture on tap presented by Daniel Dawson – Flint Institute of Arts • Tap competition with $1,500 cash prize – Oct. 23 at the Flint Institute of Music • Tapology concert at the Whiting – Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. For a complete listing of events and tickets, visit
www.tapology.org . For
more information call (810) 787-0197.
DANCER Jason
Samuels Smith.
To schedule an appointment, call 866-501-DOCS(3627)
People choose hospitals in the St. John Providence Health System because of our experienced doctors, caring nurses, superior technology and innovative procedures. But more importantly they trust St. John Providence Health System because we heal our community by caring for mind, body and spirit. And we’ve been doing it for over 165 years. So trust your healing needs to the health system that truly cares for its community. For more information about a St. John Providence Health System hospital near you, visit
stjohnprovidence.org or call 866-501-DOCS(3627).
A PA S S ION f o r H E A L I N G ST. JOHN HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER • ST. JOHN MACOMB-OAKLAND HOSPITAL • ST. JOHN RIVER DISTRICT HOSPITAL •
PROVIDENCE HOSPITALS–SOUTHFIELD AND PROVIDENCE PARK BRIGHTON HOSPITAL
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