Relative Rhythms | Where Music & Dance Meet

Our interview with tap dancer and recording artist, Daniel Luka. We talk about his album with Roman Babik, his unlikely training tap dancing with live musicians at a young age, how he approaches tap dance musically, being mentored by Sarah Petronio, and his approach to teaching improvisation to tap dancers. Support our work at patreon.com/RelativeRhythms---DANIEL LUKAWEBSITE: https://www.danielluka.com/INSTAGRAM: @danielluka_...RELATIVE RHYTHMSWEBSITE: www.relativerhythms.comEMAIL US: relativerhythms@gmail.comINSTAGRAM: @relativerhythmsFACEBOOK: Relative RhythmsTIKTOK: @relativerhythms...MUSIC:Theme: "For the Love of It" by The Adam Price GroupMidroll: "Cambrio" by Daniel Luka & Roman BabikOutro: "3 & a Floor" by Daniel Luka & Roman Babik

Our interview with tap dancer Vuyo Mdingi and percussionist Sifiso Maseko of the South African band Tapcussionist Triad. We talk about the tap dance scene in South Africa, collaborating and composing together, tap dance as percussion, and how their various ethnic and musical backgrounds, rhythms, and languages influence their music. Support our work at patreon.com/RelativeRhythms---TAPCUSSIONIST TRIADINSTAGRAM: @tapcussionisttriadVUYO MDINGIINSTAGRAM: @tapcussionistSIFISO MASEKOINSTAGRAM: @masterpecs...RELATIVE RHYTHMSWEBSITE: www.relativerhythms.comEMAIL US: relativerhythms@gmail.comINSTAGRAM: @relativerhythmsFACEBOOK: Relative RhythmsTIKTOK: @relativerhythms...MUSIC:Theme: "For the Love of It" by The Adam Price GroupMidroll: A live performance by Tapcussionist TriadOutro: A live performance by Tapcussionist Triad

Max Pollak, a pioneering musician and tap dancer, shares his vibrant journey from childhood inspiration, sparked by Fred Astaire, to a successful career that blends tap, body percussion, and Latin influences. He reflects on the profound impact of his mentor, Carnell Lyons, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community in the arts. Max also discusses the necessity of music theory for tap dancers, his transition to New York City, and his innovative approach of integrating audience participation into performances, creating a dynamic and holistic musical experience.

In this conversation, Rachel Gain, a tap dancer, flautist, and Yale doctoral student, explores the overlooked world of tap dance in academia. They share their journey from flute to rhythm tap, influenced by jazz and improvisation. Rachel delves into the challenges of music notation for tap, emphasizing its embodied, ethical aspects and the limitations of traditional transcription. They advocate for a holistic approach to notation that respects tap's rich culture and improvisational spirit, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding between dancers and musicians.

Tyedric Hill, a dynamic lindy hop dancer and educator with a rich background in vernacular jazz dance, discusses his journey and teaching philosophy. He highlights the essential connections between lindy hop and other Black American dance forms like tap, emphasizing storytelling over technicality. Tyedric dispels myths surrounding the swing community and explores the transformative role of dance in personal and cultural identity. The conversation celebrates improvisation and the deep connections forged through music and movement.

Our interview with tap dancer, musician, and educator, Heather Cornell. Heather co-founded the ground-breaking tap company Manhattan Tap, and has worked with many jazz musicians and tap dancers throughout her career. We talk about her company, her work with legendary bassist Ray Brown, and her approach to tap education. Support our work at patreon.com/RelativeRhythms---Heather CornellWEBSITE: https://www.manhattantap.org/INSTAGRAM: @officialheathercornell...RELATIVE RHYTHMSWEBSITE: www.relativerhythms.comEMAIL US: relativerhythms@gmail.comINSTAGRAM: @relativerhythmsFACEBOOK: Relative RhythmsTIKTOK: @relativerhythms...MUSIC:Theme: "For the Love of It" by The Adam Price GroupMidroll: "Parallel Realms" from Heather Cornell's album "Making Music Dance", composed by Adriel WilliamsOutro: "NY Nocturne" from Heather Cornell's album "Making Music Dance", composed by Adriel WilliamsMusicians featured on the album are Andy Algire, Tony Romano, Anna de la Paz, Adriel Williams, and Heather CornellPhoto Credit: William Frederking

This is the last part in our 3-part series on Cruise Ship Work. This episode focuses on how to get a cruise ship dancer gig, and dancers' perspective on the job. I interview Mitchell Thomas McCrone and Alexandra Cooney from backstage onboard.We talk about how to get a gig as a cruise ship dancer, what a typical day is like, what the work is like, and all the good, bad, and ugly. We also talk about the differences in treatment between dancers and musicians, and the difference between entertainment and other crew and departments on board. Support our work at patreon.com/RelativeRhythms---MITCHELL THOMAS MCCRONEINSTAGRAM: @mitch878CHOREOGRAPHY: @jmc_collabALEXANDRA COONEYWEBSITE: https://www.alexandracooney.com/INSTAGRAM: @wandaaroundtheworldBRAND: @yesdancer247...RELATIVE RHYTHMSWEBSITE: www.relativerhythms.comEMAIL US: relativerhythms@gmail.comINSTAGRAM: @relativerhythmsFACEBOOK: Relative RhythmsTIKTOK: @relativerhythms...MUSIC:Theme: "For the Love of It" by The Adam Price GroupMidroll: "Cheia e Vazante" by Alexandre PivatoOutro: "Circuito das Aguas" by Alexandre Pivato

This is the second part in our 3-part series on Cruise Ship Work. This episode focuses on how to get a cruise ship musician gig, and musicians' perspective on the job. I explain how to get the gig, dealing with agents, and what gear you need as a musician to get on board.I also interview Brazilian guitarist Alexandre Pivato about his experience as a cruise ship musician to get a slightly different perspective than just my own. W talk about navigating relationships on board, some of the tricky parts about cruise ship work as a musician, and working with different nationalities and cultures. Support our work at patreon.com/RelativeRhythms...ALEXANDRE PIVATOINSTAGRAM: @alexandreboynaRELATIVE RHYTHMSWEBSITE: www.relativerhythms.comEMAIL US: relativerhythms@gmail.comINSTAGRAM: @relativerhythmsFACEBOOK: Relative RhythmsTIKTOK: @relativerhythmsADAM PRICEWEBSITE: www.adampricemusic.comINSTAGRAM: @adampricemusicMUSIC:THEME: "For the Love of It" by The Adam Price GroupMIDROLL: "Nascente" by Alexandre PivatoOUTRO: "Encontro das Aguas" by Alexandre Pivato

This is the first part in our 3-part series on Cruise Ship Work. This episode focuses on how to get a cruise ship gig, and what it's like to work on board. I talk about requirements to get on board, such as visas, STCW's, medicals, etc. I also cover the living accommodations, crew life, night life, getting off the ship, and interpersonal relationships. I go over all the pros and cons of ship life, and go into some detail about some of the darker things to watch out for if you decide to work on ships. CONTENT WARNING: In this episode we cover topics such as alcohol, drugs, sex, prostitution, sexual abuse, worker abuse, and racism.Support our work at patreon.com/RelativeRhythms...RELATIVE RHYTHMSWEBSITE: www.relativerhythms.comEMAIL US: relativerhythms@gmail.comINSTAGRAM: @relativerhythmsFACEBOOK: Relative RhythmsTIKTOK: @relativerhythmsADAM PRICEWEBSITE: www.adampricemusic.comINSTAGRAM: @adampricemusicMUSIC: THEME: "For the Love of It" by The Adam Price GroupMIDROLL: "A Rainy Night at the Inn" by A Carousing ConsortOUTRO: "A Pirate Lullaby" by A Carousing Consort

Our Premiere for Season 2! We talk about what we've been up to over the past 6 months, and our goals and plans for the upcoming season. A nice short re-introduction to us, and a teaser for what's to come!Support our work at patreon.com/RelativeRhythms...RELATIVE RHYTHMSWEBSITE: www.relativerhythms.comEMAIL US: relativerhythms@gmail.comINSTAGRAM: @relativerhythmsFACEBOOK: Relative RhythmsTIKTOK: @relativerhythmsADAM PRICEWEBSITE: www.adampricemusic.comINSTAGRAM: @adampricemusicEMILY JANE ACREEWEBSITE: www.emilyjaneacree.comINSTAGRAM: @emilyjaneacreeMUSIC: "For the Love of It" by The Adam Price Group