San Jose Taiko
www.taiko.org

San Jose Taiko was founded in 1973 by young Asian Americans searching for an outlet to convey their experiences as third generation Japanese Americans, or Sansei. Looking to Japan for inspiration, they were drawn to the empowering sounds of the taiko, the Japanese drum, an instrument that embodies the spiritual essence and heartbeat of Japan and its people, replete with continued possibilities, renewal and transformation

With its roots in the folk tradition of Japan, the taiko has served many purposes. Priests used taiko to chase evil spirits and insects from the rice fields; samurai used taiko to bolster their courage and to instill fear in the enemy; villagers used taiko to pray for rain, to enliven festivals, and to give thanks for bountiful harvests.

Indeed, the practice and performance of taiko requires selfless dedication, physical endurance, harmony, and a collective spirit. San Jose Taiko has adopted these traditional values and infused the art of taiko with the vitality and freshness of their American spirit to create a dynamic and compelling Asian American art form. With the power and beauty of taiko at its center, San Jose Taiko aims to transcend cultural boundaries and to foster greater understanding of Japanese American culture.

The music of San Jose Taiko weaves traditional Japanese sounds with the beat of world rhythms. At San Jose Taiko, Japanese, African, Balinese, Latin, American rock and jazz merge to produce an innovative contemporary sound that bridges diverse styles and resonates with the Asian soul in America.

Availability:   General
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Tapestry Dance Company
www.tapestry.org

Acia Gray and Deirdre Strand founded Tapestry Dance Company on the passionate idea that dance is a part of the fabric of life.

Based in Austin, Texas, Tapestry is one of the nation's few professional tap dance companies. A critically acclaimed touring company, Tapestry weaves dance into life within a society that yearns for each individual's voice -- a voice that celebrates our diverse culture and community.

This unique dance ensemble explores dance design, rhythm and the human condition through the eclectic choreography of high-energy main stage concerts, lecture demonstrations, choreographic and development residencies, and master classes.

 

For 2007 – 2008, Tapestry offers:

The Souls of Our Feet: A Celebration of American Tap Dance

Tapestry Dance Company, under the direction of internationally acclaimed tap artist Acia Gray, will tour "The Souls of Our Feet: A Celebration of American Tap Dance" accompanied by the live music of the Eddy Hobizal Jazz Trio (starting 12/1/2006) 8/31/2008)

Led by the world's 21st century tap ambassador Dianne "Lady Di" Walker (protégé of the Late Leon Collins), this incredible celebration of classic and contemporary tap dance masterpieces will feature historical works of Bill "Bogangles" Robinson, Charles "Honi" Coles, The Condos Brothers, The Nicholas Brothers, Miller Brothers & Lois, Eddie Brown, Buster Brown, The Copasetics and Leon Collins as well as the reconstructed works of contemporaries such as Sarah Petronio, Brenda Bufalino and Dianne Walker herself among others.

Master artists including Dr. Jimmy Slyde (first generation tap master), his protégé and dance partner Sarah Petronio, and the beloved Arthur Duncan (who kept tap alive with The Lawrence Welk Show) are additional guests subject to each presenters budget and programming needs. A one-of-a-kind production of traditional choreographic classics from master artists of tap's heyday, signature works by contemporary masters as well as the best of jazz-tap improvisation.

This reconstruction of twentieth century American tap dance works by the original master artists and/or their protégés was initiated and developed by the NEA funded Legend Conservatory/The Soul to Sole Festival in Austin, TX.

Full lecture demonstrations, workshops, and master classes for all ages.

Availability: General