The Tap Love Tour Podcast

Brinae Ali, an internationally acclaimed tap dance artist and leader of the Baby Laurence Legacy Project, delves into the transformative power of art. She discusses the importance of balancing creativity with community impact and shares her insights on bridging generational gaps through artistic practices. Brinae also talks about her upcoming Mars Project, which weaves dance, music, and theater to explore identity and heritage. With a focus on resilience and empowerment, she underscores the role of gratitude and collective efforts in fostering a thriving artistic community.

Ian Berg, an incredible Tap Dance artist, composer, and educator, discusses the fusion of tap dance with music, the importance of jazz culture in higher education, choreography, composition, and creating music for tap dancers. He reflects on his tap dance journey, influential figures, and the interplay of music and tap dancing through melodies and time signatures.

Stacey Achieng, co-founder of TapaTapa Tap Dance Group in Nairobi, Kenya, discusses spreading dance across East Africa. Topics include the journey of learning tap dance in Kenya, Kenyan culture, lineage and migration history, tap dance self-help groups, and community engagement initiatives.

Tap dancer Molly Smith, director of Chicago Tap Theatre's new production, discusses the significance of queer tap dance, embracing queerness in tap dance history, exploring the choreographic process for the show, challenges and celebrating representation in tap dance history, and promoting ticket purchasing and Patreon support.

Brazilian tap dancer and podcaster Leonardo Dias shares the urgent call for help as Brazil faces devastating floods. The podcast discusses the power of community and unity in supporting those affected by natural disasters, highlighting the need for international aid within the tap dance community.

Dancer and author Felix Lambert delves into the history of African American dancing, discussing the complexity of identities in historical contexts and the evolution of dance styles beyond Lindy Hop. He explores the tension between tradition and innovation in jazz dance today, emphasizing experimentation and personal exploration. Lambert also shares his aspirations for a series of historical books filled with rare pictures, aiming to enlighten and motivate readers of diverse backgrounds.

Join Travis Knights and Allie Stewart as they chat with Lynn Dally about tap dance legends, passing on knowledge, preserving tap dance legacy, Black and Irish dancers influence, and intergenerational dialogue. Reflect on family, art, racial awareness, and the importance of studying past masters like Eddy Brown and Jimmy Slide in tap dancing tradition.

Dr. Daniel Black, author and professor, discusses reclaiming tap dance from minstrelsy. Topics include honoring ancestors, foot washing ritual, historical propaganda in Black culture, and healing through bold dreams. Collaboration in the Black community and support for education initiatives are highlighted.

Pamela Hetherington and Conner Kelly discuss the Philadelphia tap dance scene, emphasizing its gritty and scrappy nature. They talk about the upcoming Brewerytown Tap Dance Festival, its programming, and the cultural significance of tap dance in Philadelphia. They express frustration with the fractured tap dance community and highlight the importance of dedication and influence in tap dance.

Join Brinae Ali and guests as they delve into the legacy of tap dancer Baby Laurence, exploring his influence on jazz culture, tap dance history, and jazz rhythms. The episode also reflects on jazz clubs, the Left Bank Jazz Society tradition, cultural revolution, and the importance of preserving Black musicians' contributions. Listen for insightful discussions and personal anecdotes that highlight the lasting impact of Baby Laurence.