Tradition in Tap - Dancer Magazine
by Debbi Dee - Friday, April 23, 2004

“Tradition In Tap,” also known as the 'tap dancer’s dream come true,’ is an experience that all tappers should know about.

Avi Miller and Ofer Ben, the artistic director and executive director of “Tradition In Tap,” are devoted to preserving the historic legacy and technique of our "tap masters" and so 'Tradition In Tap was born. They are in their second year of producing these spectacular events in conjunction with the Jazz Tap Center.

I had the honor and privilege to be on faculty of one of the workshops supported in part by Broadway Dance Center in New York on Memorial Day weekend 2003. It was one of many events in New York during National Tap Dance Day weekend and a highlight in my career. I was part of the event titled The Dr. Henry LeTang Tap Experience.

The weekend started on Friday evening with a film presentation on the remarkable life of Henry LeTang. It was followed by a master class by me to start things off. I am one of Henry's many protégées and a dance educator for over 35 years. The event gave me the opportunity to tell all the tap dancers who attended this sold-out event just how Henry has influenced me as a performer, friend and teacher.

“Tradition In Tap” focuses on preserving the stylization of such masters, therefore it was important to me that I shared with my class the life lessons that Henry has taught me.

The next few days were filled with non stop tap! Your day starts with a warm-up class with Avi Miller, Ofer Ben and Germaine Salsberg. This high energy, uplifting class gets you ready for the day.

I have known Germaine for years, yet this was the first time we have worked together in New York. Germaine who is also on the advisory committee of “Tradition In Tap” credits Avi Miller for bringing her on board. We had a chance to talk and she expressed the importance of preserving the original material and unique style of footwork and rhythms taught by the masters themselves, she went on to say that the ultimate goal is to acquaint as many local and national studios and companies as possible with this work. In doing so the ultimate goal is for tap dancers everywhere to incorporate this choreography presentations and performances, thus memorializing our masters.

The day continues and the master himself enters the room. Dr. Henry LeTang receives an ovation fit for a king! Now I may be a little prejudice but to me Henry IS the king. He teaches two classes each day and the energy in the room can not be measured, for everyone present not only knows that history is being made, but that they first hand are experiencing it.

Henry teaches with such love for what he does...still...after all these years. You can feel the love he has for his craft as he passes his knowledge down to others.

Shea Sullivan - another one of Henry's protégées, expresses her feelings. She states that “Henry has taught me as much about the art of dance as he has the art of life. He has inspired me in many ways and has helped me not only to shape my career as a performer, teacher and choreographer, but my character as well.”

She went on to talk about the “Tradition In Tap” and said that the contributions by our legends are important for us as dancers to learn, honor and embrace. "One should never stop learning and this gives us as dancers the unique opportunity to learn and share with our great pioneers.” Shea also shared her talent by teaching master classes at the event.

Another contribution was made by the beautiful and talented Mercedes Ellington, who taught a master class at the workshop.

One of the highlights of this weekend was the appearance of many friends that stopped by to say hello out of respect for this great man. It was a who's who of great tap dancers.

Maurice Hines, another one of Henry's students and long time friends, stopped by to present Henry with a very special award. Maurice gave a speech that brought so much emotion into the event and he spoke so elegantly about his teacher and the memories that he has for himself and his late brother Gregory, growing and learning under Henry's direction. The “Tradition In Tap” Award was created out of recognition for the people who actually influenced the creation and tradition of tap.

For me, working for Avi Miller and Ofer Ben was a true joy and uplifting experience. I was confused as to why they would start such a program like “Tradition In Tap,” so I asked them. They told me that from Israel, where they are from, that tradition goes back in their country 4000-5000 years, and that it is so easy to forget the good works that have been done. They found it very disturbing that a portion of this art form was being lost and not memorized. They feel that tap is built on layers, and the main layer is the creation. They both feel so strongly in new works, moving forward with new stylizations, however nothing can be built without understanding the roots and the foundation of its history. By preserving the roots, and the masters, you will then be able to move forward.

Tap dancing has never been preserved by any organization, and that the art form is vulnerable. Avi and Ofer felt the need in starting “Tradition In Tap” out of this love of tap but also the need for future generations of tap dancers.

Avi credits his mentor in Tel Aviv, Ya'acov (Jacob) Kalusky. He was twelve years old when he started tap, and realized that sometimes it only takes one person to change your life. Mr. Kalusky did that for Avi out of his love and knowledge. "He was a big name in tap," Avi says, and a huge influence not only to Avi, "but the whole tap scene in our country." Avi continued to say that he owes his teacher so much and even though he has since studied with many masters, he credits Mr. Kalusky for his foundation. "He taught us not only the steps of tap but the roots of tap!"

“Tradition In Tap” is devoted in their mission in preserving this art form. As far as we know, they are the only organization in this country establishing a library on the history of tap and historic material that everyone will be able to share in.

The first workshop was devoted to Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson. The next workshop honored Dr. Buster Brown. Both workshops were such a success that they continued with the Dr. Henry LeTang Tap Experience. Both Avi and Ofer were thrilled that they could get Henry to New York to share his gift. "It was truly an honor for us to have him be a part of “Tradition In Tap,” and we were proud to dedicate the workshop to Henry's late wife, Ellie LeTang."

The next workshop will be "The Dr. Jeni LeGon Tap Experience." It is scheduled for "National Tap Dance Day" weekend - May 28th-30th, 2004. With the help of Michel Marino-Lerman as her assistant, Dr. Jeni LeGon will teach her work as well as a routine she did with the legendary Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. It promises to be another exciting weekend of tap. The workshop is sponsored in part by Broadway Dance Center in NYC, where most of the classes will be held.

For information on future workshops, contact Jazz Tap Center at 718.486.5947 or visit the web site at www.JazzTapCenter.com.

On a personal note you can't help admire Avi Miller and Ofer Ben for their passion and their dedication in preserving our an form. “Tradition In Tap” is in good hands and it was an honor and pleasure for this tap dancer to be a part of. Thanks Avi and Ofer for your hard work and for a weekend of pure tap magic. •