Interview: Acia Gray, Producing Artistic Director of Austin's Tapestry Dance Company

Founded in 1989, Tapestry Dance Company has been a hallmark of the performing arts in Austin and one of the most respected tap dance companies in the world for over 20 years. The company has won many prestigious awards, including "Best Dance Company" from the Austin Chronicle and "Best Ensemble" from the Austin Critics Table. In addition to producing several events and concerts every year, Tapestry Dance Company also teaches dance trough their award-winning academy.

Tapestry Dance Company's Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Acia Gray has toured the world as a soloist, choreographer, and teacher. Ms. Gray has shared the stage with such tap greats as Lon Chaney, Donald O'Connor, Savion Glover, and Gregory Hines. In June 2002, Ms. Gray was inducted as a premiere member of the Austin Arts Hall of Fame.

Ms. Gray recently took the time to answer our questions about Tapestry Dance Company and her personal journey as a dancer and performer.

1. Tell us about Tapestry Dance Company. How did it come about?

Tapestry Dance Company was founded by Deirdre Strand and myself in 1989 as a performing company of three and soon after two males and two females inclusive of Deirdre and myself. Our earliest performances were held at Capitol City Playhouse and the critically acclaimed international Austin Festival of Dance at the Paramount Theatre as well as touring "gigs" and commercial work. Tap dance was our hook, but we actually operated as a multi-form Dance Company inclusive of contemporary ballet, jazz and modern dance as well.

2. What have been some of the highlights of Tapestry's nearly 25 year history?

Performing with such companies and soloists as Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, New York City Ballet, Parsons Dance Company, San Francisco Ballet and many more within the Austin Festival of Dance, being the recipient of numerous "Best of Austin" awards from The Austin Chronicle, hosting 13 years of The Soul to Sole Festival presenting such tap dance legends such as Gregory Hines, Fayard Nicholas and Arthur Duncan in Austin, touring the award winning "The Souls of Our Feet - A Celebration of American Tap Dance" including 5 weeks in China, surviving as the only full-time, professional tap Dance Company in North America.

3. Tell us about Tapestry's Academy?

Tapestry's Academy was founded a few years after the non-profit was incorporated and started as a one room studio at the corner of 183 and Burnet Rd upstairs in the Colonnade Shopping Center serving adults and children of all levels. After relocating twice over the years, the company has now settled in its current space on Western Trails near Central Market South which houses six studios, lobby and reception areas as well as office and storage space inclusive of costumes and archive. The academy currently serves over 300 children as well as an eclectic mix of adults from beginners through professional. The Tapestry Academy prides itself as a friendly and inclusive educational atmosphere that nourishes the creative spirit and "shares the power of dance."

4. Why do you think dance, particularly tap, is so special?

Dance exists as an organic source of our natural creative human spirit and rhythm is the magic of tap dance and its popularity.

5. What inspired you to get into dance?

I was actually on a two week vacation back home to Austin from NYC having recently graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts when I heard about a new tap Dance Company being formed. The drummer in me (I've played drums since the age of 7) was intrigued! I showed up and the rest is history. I spent 1983 through part of 1989 in the touring tap company Austin On Tap until I was chosen for the 1st Creative Residency for tap dance held at the Colorado Dance Festival. The residency hosted legendary Tap Master Charles "Honi" Coles and literally changed my life. It was at this event that the decision was made to leave AOT and begin the steps it took to start Tapestry.

6. You've danced with some of the greatest, most celebrated dancers of all time, including Donald O'Connor, Savion Glover, and Gregory Hines. Of all of the performers you've shared the stage with, who are the most memorable?

I believe my most memorable moment was dancing the traditional tap chorus "the shim sham" in St. Louis between Fayard Nicholas of the famous Nicholas Brothers and Donald O'Connor. To dance between these two legends was incredible!

7. What does the future hold for Tapestry Dance Company?

The future is bright for our professional company that houses International Artists from around the world on the verge of continuing to produce new and eclectic works of rhythm tap destined to make a difference in the world of dance worldwide. The best of Tapestry also brings 25 years of instructional excellence to the company's academy continuing to "share the power of dance" for adults and children of all ages. Rhythm, Dance, Music & You! also brings the magic of dance to the AISD school district each spring by bringing the best of Tapestry and it's professional company to elementary and secondary schools each year!

8. How can people support Tapestry Dance Company?

Support can come as audience members throughout our performing season at the Long Center, as academy students throughout the year in our classes for all ages and levels or as a contributor by donating to our non-profit in support of our professionals, our outreach programming or our artistic programming at www.tapestry.org or by calling 512-474-9846.

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