NJTAP Ensemble to Celebrate 20 Years with 'XX' on Sept 21

The New Jersey Tap Ensemble (NJTAP), Jersey's premiere tap dance company known for their traditional approach and precise rhythmic expression, presents XX: A Celebration of 20 Years, on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown, NJ. All-star dancers will share the dynamic and delightful journey of the company from infancy to today, showcasing the outstanding tap dance artistry for which the company is widely known. Told through storytelling by host, Founder and Artistic Director, Deborah Mitchell, the audience will experience archival tap works, as well as the tap voices of a new generation.

"The talent of these artists is truly extraordinary," says Founder and Artistic Director Deborah Mitchell. "The audience will enjoy all of the charm, class, style and elegance of a bygone era, as well as, the next generation's new gifts, visions and directions."

The afternoon will feature impeccable classical tap dance technique with twenty pieces from over twenty years. Jersey Bounce, That Rhythm Man, The New Low Down, and Savoy, all choreographed and costumed by Deborah Mitchell, will include traditional tap styles reminiscent of 1930's. Caravan, performed by Evan Ruggiero as a tribute to the Peg Leg Bates, celebrates the power of the human spirit in the face of all odds - both artists having tragically lost a leg, but never the love and spirit of dance. In keeping with the classics, Opus One, choreographed by the late and great Dr. Harold Cromer, will be performed by Hillary-Marie Michael and Kyle Wilder.

Inspiring its young artists to honor the past and celebrate the present, NJTap welcomes special guests for the afternoon, NJTAP2 (ages 12-17). The second company will perform works including Crazy, choreographed by Maurice Chestnut, and Rhythms by Deborah Mitchell.

The audience will also be treated to two pieces accompanied by live music. J. Leonard Oxley, Musical Director of NJTAP, and Nicki Denner will each perform a live piece with the company. Oxley's credits include work with Carol Channing, Robert Preston, and Sophisticated Ladies, as well as Black and Blue, and Hello Dolly. Denner, of the renowned Nicki Denner Trio and Cocomama, has been involved in the New York Latin jazz music scene since 1999 and credits include The Apollo Theater, The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center's Meet the Artist program.

Tickets are $75 (VIP with post-show reception) and $40 (Regular) and can be purchased online at http://www.mayoarts.org/event/nj-tap-ensemble2. Tickets can also be purchased by phone, (973) 539-8008, or in person at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit performing arts organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. It is an ADA compliant venue for all patrons and accessible by car or mass transit at the New Jersey Transit Morristown station approximately two blocks away. Street parking is available.

About New Jersey Tap Ensemble - New Jersey Tap Ensemble, founded by tap legend, Deborah Mitchell in 1994, is a professional touring company starring some of the best rhythm tappers in the world. For two decades the company has celebrated and honored the great Hoofers of tap. In addition to touring, the company also performs in collaboration with other major performing arts organizations and at tap dance festivals such as the New York City Tap Festival, Tap Extravaganza, and Jersey Tap Fest. The resumes of first company members boast credits from: Black and Blue, Play On!, Riverdance, Tap Dogs, Steel City, Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk, tours with Savion Glover and ABC's Dancing With The Stars.

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