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CONTACT:  LELAND STEIN (617) 694-6612

April 7, 2008

BOSTON'S 12TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TAP DANCE DAY CONCERT TO FEATURE     BARCELONA’S TAP OLE´ AT ARLINGTON'S REGENT THEATRE  FRIDAY, MAY 16 AT 8PM
Produced by Dance Inn Productions Performance Will Kick-Off Weekend of
International Tap Dance Day Events

On Friday, May 16 at 8pm at the Regent Theatre, Boston’s annual celebration of International Tap Dance Day, “Tapestry 2008” will feature a spectacular 75- minute show from Tap Olé, an incredible fusion of classical Spanish guitar with tap dance. Tap Olé is one of premier dance companies in Barcelona, Spain, home to one of the world’s most vibrant tap scenes. Led by the fiery Guillem Alonso, a warm, witty, and brilliant performer, this four-person ensemble blends two flamenco-style guitarists with two powerhouse dancers to create a dynamic, unique, mesmerizing dance experience. Following the well-received October performance of Barbara Duffy and Company’s  “Stages,” and Josh Hilberman’s critically acclaimed “Heeling Powers,” this North American Premiere of Tap Olé’s full-length concert, promises a brilliant conclusion to Dance Inn Productions’ first full season of live tap concerts. 

Tap Dance in Barcelona?
According to the dancers, Catalan tap dance emerged as one of the many forms of resistance to the Spanish dictator Franco, and his oppression of Castilian culture.  As they fought to keep their language and culture alive when both were forbidden, Catalan artists of the ‘70s and ‘80s rejected many things typically Spanish, including Flamenco.  For them, tap dance was a gateway to artistic freedom and a response to cultural oppression. Now in its 40s and 50s, the first generation of Spanish tap dancers trained younger dancers, including Guillem Alonso.

Guillem Alonso

A transformative figure in the history of Spanish tap dance, Alonso began his studies as a youngster with the first generation of Catalan tap dancers, and developed his chops in New York City by apprenticing and performing with Manhattan Tap, Brenda Bufalino’s American Tap Dance Orchestra, and others.  His progress to “world best” happened with Catalunya’s first family of tap, the Mendes Brothers, with whom he continues to perform.  A decade of performing, teaching, and leading monthly tap jams has cemented Guillem’s position as leader of the Catalan scene.  One of the most in-demand dancers in the world, Guillem is this year’s guest artist at the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, where he will make four separate appearances throughout 2008, including one with Tap Olé.

Sand Dance

Guillem discovered the craft of sand dance, as taught by the late New Yorker Harriet Brown, during his apprenticeship with New York’s Manhattan Tap.  He has taken the craft to levels never seen before. Even the late, legendary Sandman Sims would have to be considered ‘old guard’ in comparison to Alonso’s flat-out technical virtuosity and artistry.

Tap Olé

After premiering parts of their show in Chicago and New York, Tap Olé captivated audiences and critics alike at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. By presenting Tap Olé, on International Tap Dance Day, Dance Inn Productions celebrates the globalization of an art form that has clearly transcended its American roots. 

The Weekend

Complementing the Friday, May 16 International Tap Dance Day Concert, Thelma Goldberg’s Dance Inn Productions will present tap master classes and workshops with the featured artists including Guillem and his partner Roser with both guitarists accompanying classes, the iconic Brenda Bufalino, Boston’s own Dianne Walker, New York’s favorite Germaine Salsberg,  and young lions Kelly Kaleta, Sean Fielder, and Aaron Tolson on Saturday and Sunday May 17 and 18, at the Dance Inn in Lexington and downstairs at the Regent Theatre. More information is available at www.danceinnproductions.org or call Thelma Goldberg at 781-863-5360.

A participant’s showcase, featuring the work of local artists including New England Tap Ensemble, the Boston Tap Company, the Legacy Dancers, and students of Julia Boynton, Pam Raff, Drika Overton, and choreographers from around New England, will be held at the Regent Theatre on Saturday night, May 17, at 8PM. Tickets $15.00.

Tickets for Tapestry 2008-Tap Olé are $32 for advanced seating, $35 day of show. Seniors and Students: $28.  For tickets, directions, and information on groups of 10 or more, call 781-646-4849 or visit www.regenttheatre.com. The historic Regent Theatre-located at 7 Medford Street (off Mass. Ave.) in Arlington, Massachusetts-is wheelchair and MBTA accessible with free parking across the street.

THE CRITICS ON TAP OLE´

"perfect synchronicity... stunning technical precision... you never want them to stop.”   --The Scotsman

"enchanting, exuberant show." –The List 

“... this hot passionate show perfectly suits its surroundings. Two dancers and two guitarists, each a master of their skill in their own right, command attention from the outset. A simple beginning, a classical Spanish guitar piece, snowballs into an explosion of ferocious tap dancing, the feet of the pint-sized dancers providing the rhythmic accompaniment for the guitars. “ -- The Skinny

Dance Inn Productions is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to preserve and pass on the artistry and traditions of dance through programming that educates, entertains and inspires.