Happy Birthday Duke Ellington
Apr
21
2:00 PM14:00

Happy Birthday Duke Ellington

Happy Birthday Duke Ellington
Sunday, April 21, 2024 (2-4pm)

This annual event is co-produced by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts and the American Tap Dance Foundation to commemorate Duke Ellington’s birthday. FREE & open to the public, this event is co-hosted by Mercedes Ellington & Tony Waag and features performances by the Duke Ellington Center Big Band and a host of musicians, dancers and vocalists.
The Duke Ellington Statue is on 5th Avenue and 110th Street in Manhattan

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Beyond Category - Celebrating Duke Ellington’s 125th Birthday!
May
6
8:00 PM20:00

Beyond Category - Celebrating Duke Ellington’s 125th Birthday!

Beyond Category - Celebrating Duke Ellington’s 125th Birthday!
Monday, May 6, 2024 (8 -10pm)

A fun family birthday party filled with love, led by Mercedes Ellington celebrating her grandfather, Duke Ellington! Featuring the Duke Ellington Center Big Band and an amazing group of musicians, vocalists and dancers who are all "Beyond Category"! Special guest artist, the 8 time Grammy Award winner, Arturo O'Farrill. Musical Direction by "Dr. E", Eli Yamin. Presented by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts in association with the American Tap Dance Foundation and its Executive Director, co-host Tony Waag
Peter Norton Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre

Get Tickets Here!

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A Celebration of The American Tap Dance Foundation
Jul
11
7:30 PM19:30

A Celebration of The American Tap Dance Foundation

Thursday, July 11, 2024 (6pm)
A Celebration of The American Tap Dance Foundation will honor its decades – long sharing of the joy of tap dance through its engagement of dancers, teachers, choreographers, and tap dance enthusiasts of all ages through year-round training programs for kids, teens and adults, premiere concert performances such as Rhythm in Motion, an Artists in Residence Program, a Teacher Training Program, Tap City, the annual New York City Tap Dance Festival, and numerous other preservation and public events that supported the tap community, both locally and internationally.

This special event will include the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Tony Waag, ATDF Founding Artistic/Executive Director, for his 24 years of service, leadership, and inspiration to the tap community. List of performers, presenters, and ticket link to be announced. This event is FREE and open to the public.

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Duke Ellington's Birthday Celebration
Sep
19
2:00 PM14:00

Duke Ellington's Birthday Celebration

This annual event is co-produced by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts and the American Tap Dance Foundation to commemorate Duke Ellington’s birthday. 

These events are FREE & open to the public, co-hosted by Mercedes Ellington & Tony Waag and feature performances by the Duke Ellington Center Big Band and a host of musicians, dancers and vocalists.

The Duke Ellington Statue on 5th Avenue and 110th Street in Manhattan.

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Mable Lee Centennial Celebration
Aug
7
7:00 PM19:00

Mable Lee Centennial Celebration

Mable Lee Centennial Celebration
Big Band Dance & Costume Party Fundraiser! 

August 7, 2021 (7-11pm)
The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
847 N Howard Street
Baltimore, Maryland

The Mable Lee Centennial Celebration is a big band dance and costume party fundraiser benefiting Tapology's Sweet & Able Mentorship Program & The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center

Tapology & The Eubie Center offer free and low cost dance education and mentoring programs to historically marginalized young people, continuing Mable Lee's legacy of mentoring, supporting and encouraging the next generation of dancers. 

Mable Lee was a singer and multi-genre dancer who embodied the beauty, grace, soul and humor of Tap, Jazz, and Lindy Hop. She was dubbed "The Queen of the Soundies" and graced the cover of Ebony in the 60s.  Mable toured extensively with Eubie Blake & his orchestra & continued singing, dancing and mentoring until she died. 

Join us as we celebrate and honor Mable Lee by paying forward to the next generation of dancers! 

Tickets: https://mablelee100.bpt.me 


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Tap City, the New York City Tap Festival
Jul
5
to Jul 10

Tap City, the New York City Tap Festival

Monday, July 5 - Saturday, July 10, 2021

Tap City is going virtual this year offering a total of 35 master classes with internationally renowned teachers and numerous diverse premiere performances & community events. Tap City is the preeminent tap dance festival of the world and is the quintessential celebration of our collective American heritage – virtues that are certainly evident in tap’s hometown, New York City.

For a complete list of activities, schedule and pricing visit: TapCity2021

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TONY'S TAP TV: Tap Masters Tap Mentors
Dec
13
2:00 PM14:00

TONY'S TAP TV: Tap Masters Tap Mentors

Tap Masters Tap Mentors

Sunday, December 13, 2020 (2-4pm) est

Twenty years ago we presented an evening that honored our master hoofers that included tributes to Leon Collins, Bubba Gaines, Charles “Cookie” Cook, Eddie Brown, Jimmy Slyde, Charles “Honi” Coles, Steve Condos & others. Also, the late LaVaughn Robinson, the late Jimmy Slyde & the late Prince Spencer even performed.

Produced by Tony Waag, this amazing, and very emotional production was, originally premiered on Wednesday, July 11th at Tap City in 2001.

Live moderation and discussion in the chat room!

To participate visit: (LINK COMING SOON)

FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate

ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!

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TONY'S TAP TV: Tap City Youth Ensemble (Part Two)
Nov
21
5:30 PM17:30

TONY'S TAP TV: Tap City Youth Ensemble (Part Two)

Tap City Youth Ensemble (Part Two)

Saturday, November 21, 2020 (5:30 - 7:00pm est)

This episode focuses on the 14 year history of ATDF's very own youth performance ensemble with rare footage from numerous performances by the Tap City Youth Ensemble.

Live moderation and discussion in the chat room!

To participate visit: TCYE PART TWO

FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate

ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!

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TONY'S TAP TV: Tap Divas
Oct
11
2:00 PM14:00

TONY'S TAP TV: Tap Divas

Tap Divas

Sunday, October 11, 2020 (2-4pm)

Twenty years ago three artists, dancers, choreographers and pioneers in the field of Tap Dance got together and created this very special and one of a kind themed show. Produced by Tony Waag and collaboratively conceived and written by Brenda Bufalino, Lynn Dally, Sarah Petronio and director Avra Petrides, this iconic production was originally premiered on Saturday, July 14th & Sunday, July 15th at Tap City in 2001.

Live moderation and discussion in the chat room!

To participate visit: (LINK TO VIEW)

FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate

ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!

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THE GREAT REUNION: ARMSTRONG & ELLINGTON
Sep
20
4:00 PM16:00

THE GREAT REUNION: ARMSTRONG & ELLINGTON

The Great Reunion: Armstrong & Ellington


Sunday, September 20, 2020
(4:00pm - 6:00pm est)

The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts in association with The American Tap Dance Foundation proudly presents this virtual concert celebrating the collaboration of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.

The dynamic duo of Mercedes Ellington and Tony Waag guide us through the history of Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington, accompanied by some of our favorite artists. There will be performances from Michael Choi, Marion Cowings, Kent Drake, DeWitt Fleming Jr., Sharon K. Janda, Glafkos Kontemeniotis, AC Lincoln, Antoinette Montague, David Ostwald, Vanda Polakova, Ty Stephens, Karen Callaway Williams, Andrea Wright, Eli Yamin, and James Zollar.

Plus, a special performance of "What a Wonderful World" from the legendary André De Shields of Hadestown.

REGISTER HERE!

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TONY'S TAP TV: Tribute to the Copasetics
Sep
13
4:00 PM16:00

TONY'S TAP TV: Tribute to the Copasetics

A Salute to the Copasetics

Sunday, September 13, 2020 (4-5:30pm)

A tribute to the Copasetics with numerous appearances including Brenda Bufalino, Michelle Dorrance, Barbara Duffy, Deborah Mitchell, Hank Smith, Jason Samuels Smith, Tony Waag, Cartier Williams & more. Premiered on Saturday, July 9th at Tap City in 2011.

Participate by clicking on this LINK 

FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate

ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!

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TONY'S TAP TV: Tap City 2001 - 2019 (Part Two)
Aug
18
3:00 PM15:00

TONY'S TAP TV: Tap City 2001 - 2019 (Part Two)

Tap City 2001 - 2019 (Part Two)

Tuesday, August 18, 2020 (3-4:30pm)

TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy!

Participate by clicking on this LINK 

FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate

ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!

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TONY'S TAP TV: Tap City 2001 - 2019
Jul
7
3:00 PM15:00

TONY'S TAP TV: Tap City 2001 - 2019

Tap City 2001 - 2019

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

TODAY, we’re showing an hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy!

Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!

ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center.

To register (and receive official invitation) click on this LINK

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Tap Twenty
Jul
6
to Jul 11

Tap Twenty

Monday, July 6 - Saturday, July 11, 2020 
Tap City, the New York City, Virtual Tap Festival

Monday, July 6, 2020 (7-9pm, EST)
Virtual Copasetic Boat Ride
Tap City’s opening social event with film, discussion and a tap jam with special guest artists.
Hosted by Captain DeWitt Fleming Jr. and featuring guest artists Max Pollak and Karen Callaway Williams.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020 (3-4:30pm, EST)
Tony’s Tap TV
ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. One and a half hours of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. Amazing footage, amazing dancing, amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public!

Wednesday, July 8, 2020 (2-3:30pm, EST)
Rhythm Tap Teacher Training Info Session 1

Centering and Teaching Our Black Rhythm Tap Legacy
A Rhythm Tap Panel and Q & A for all Tap Teachers
Moderated by Margaret Morrison with Susan Hebach, Dexter Jones, Lisa La Touche & Toni Noblett. The dances and jazz culture of the Copasetics are the basis of the ATDF Tap Teacher Training. The artistry of generations of African-American artists give contemporary tap dancers the rich heritage that we, as teachers, can pass on to our students. Join a panel of expert tap teachers who share ideas and their best rhythmic practices for exciting dance classes. Bring your rhythm tap teaching questions.

Thursday, July 9, 2020 (7-8:30pm, EST)
Rhythm Tap Teacher Training Info Session 2

Centering and Teaching Our Black Rhythm Tap Legacy
A Rhythm Tap Panel and Q & A for all Tap Teachers
Moderated by Margaret Morrison with Barbara Duffy, Thelma Goldberg, Dexter Jones & Lisa La Touche. The dances and jazz culture of the Copasetics are the basis of the ATDF Tap Teacher Training. The artistry of generations of African-American artists give contemporary tap dancers the rich heritage that we, as teachers, can pass on to our students. Join a panel of expert tap teachers who share ideas and their best rhythmic practices for exciting dance classes. Bring your rhythm tap teaching questions.

Friday, July 10, 2020
Virtual Rhythm in Motion Concert 2020 (7-9pm, EST)
Works that were created and supported by the ATDF Artist in Residency Program and presented in Somethings Afoot choreography showcases and Rhythm in Motion concerts in 2014 - 2019. Boundary breaking new takes on tap by NYC’s finest tappers & choreographers including: Vikas Arun & Ramita Ravi, Brenda Bufalino, Christina Carminucci, Felipe Galganni, Susan Hebach, Lisa La Touche, Margaret Morrison, Max Pollak, Charles Renato, Tamii Sakurai, Dolores Sanchez, Leonardo Sandoval, Joseph Webb and others! Directed and Curated by Tony Waag FREE and Open to the Public.

Saturday, July 11, 2020
Tap it Out - On-Line (12 noon, 4pm & 8pm, EST)

Register, dance and submit your footage and then observe YOU and around 150 other tappers from all over the world in this virtual version of Tap it Out created by Tony Waag.

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VIRTUAL CONCERT: BRINGING YOU THE CITY OF JAZZ
Jun
21
4:00 PM16:00

VIRTUAL CONCERT: BRINGING YOU THE CITY OF JAZZ

Virtual Concert: Bringing You the City of Jazz


Sunday, June 21, 2020 (4-6pm) est

The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts and the American Tap Dance Foundation proudly presents a virtual concert in honor of Father's Day. Hosted by the iconic duo of Mercedes Ellington and Tony Waag, and featuring the talents of A.C. Lincoln, Frank Owens, Sharon K. Janda, Glafkos Kontemeniotis, Malik McLaurine, Dave Chamberlain, Michael Choi & Vanda Polakova, Antoinette Montague, Jason Curry, Karen Callaway Williams, Ty Stephens, James Zollar, and Marion Cowings. Music, singing, dancing, spoken-word and celebration! Free and open to the public.

Visit: decfa.org!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUKE ELLINGTON
Apr
29
8:00 PM20:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUKE ELLINGTON

Happy Birthday Duke Ellington

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 (8-10pm) est

The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts
and The American Tap Dance Foundation presented this livestream event. It was hosted by Mercedes Ellington and featured artists Dave Chamberlain, Marion Cowings, Jason Curry, Ethan Fein, Sharon K. Janda, AC Lincoln, Antoinette Montague, Malik McLaurine, Frank Owens, Ty Stephens, Tony Waag, Karen Callaway Williams, and James Zollar.

Visit: decfa.org!

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Something's Afoot!
Feb
15
7:00 PM19:00

Something's Afoot!

A New Tap Choreography Showcase exploring "works in progress" currently created by upcoming &
working professionals in the field. Directed and Curated by Tony Waag. Choreographers include: TBA

Tickets: $20
 ($25 day of show) $10 Children, Students & Seniors ($15 day of show)

To purchase visit: 
REGISTER HERE!

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CRACKER JAZZ
Nov
3
5:30 PM17:30

CRACKER JAZZ

Cracker Jazz

Sunday, November 3, 2019 (5:30-7pm)

Compositions from Duke Ellington’s 1960 Nutcracker Suite.  

Mercedes Ellington, Tony Waag and the Duke Ellington Center's Big Band conducted by multi Grammy nominated Bobby Sanabria, join together to honor this legendary icon of American Jazz. Included in the program are special appearances by jazz vocalists Sharon K. Janda, Antoinette Montague and Ty Stevens as well as tap dance performances by DeWitt Fleming, Jr., Felipe Galganni, members of the Tap City Youth Ensemble, Karen Callaway Williams and belly dancer Anna Pipoyan

Birdland, 315 West 44th Street

REGISTER HERE!

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SACRED SUNDAY
Sep
1
5:30 PM17:30

SACRED SUNDAY

SACRED SUNDAY
the gospel According to Ellington

Sunday, September 1, 2019 (5:30-7:00pm)

The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, Inc. (Artistic Director/Founder: Mercedes Ellington) and the American Tap Dance Foundation, Inc. (Artistic Director/Founder: Tony Waag) present SACRED SUNDAY featuring The Duke Ellington Center's Big Band. With music from the Sacred Concert, My People and more!

Mercedes Ellington, Tony Waag and the Duke Ellington Center's Big Band conducted by Anthony Evans, join together in honor of this legendary icon of American Jazz with performances by the Sacred Sunday Gospel Choir, vocalist Jahneen Otis and tap dancer DeWitt Fleming.

Birdland, 315 West 44th Street

Visit: decfa.org

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ELLINGTON ON BROADWAY
Aug
4
4:00 PM16:00

ELLINGTON ON BROADWAY

Ellington on Broadway 

Sunday, August 4, 2019 (4-6pm)

Songs from the hit musicals Play On and Sophisticated LadiesDuke Ellington Center for the Arts, Inc. (Artistic Director/Founder: Mercedes Ellington) in association with American Tap Dance Foundation (Artistic Director/Founder: Tony Waag) present the Duke Ellington Center Big Band.

Mercedes Ellington, Tony Waag and the Duke Ellington Center's Big Band conducted by Frank Owens join together again in honor of this legendary icon of American Jazz  with performances by leading vocalists and Broadway performers Marion Cowings, Ty Stephens, Allyson Tucker Mitchell and Brian Stokes Mitchell as well as special appearances by Tap dancers A.C. Lincoln and Karen Callaway Williams.

Birdland, 315 West 44th Street

Visit: decfa.org

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Tap City 2019
Jul
6
to Jul 12

Tap City 2019

Adult Master Classes - Saturday, July 6, 2019
Tap Treasures Orientation, Tour & Event - Sunday, July 7, 2019
Youth, Pre-Pro & Adult Choreo Residencies - Mon, July 8 - Thu, July 11, 2019
Copasetic Boat Ride ~ Monday, July 8, 2019
(Departs 7pm/Returns 10pm)
Tap Awards Show ~ Wednesday, July 10, 2019 (8pm)
Rhythm in Motion ~ Thursday, July 11, 2019 (8pm)
Tap Future (All Student Showcase) ~ Friday, July 12, 2019 (8pm)

visit: atdf.org for detailed information

American Tap Dance Foundation, 154 Christopher St. #2B, NYC, NY 10014 646.230.9564 ~ info@atdf.org

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Something's Afoot!
Apr
20
8:30 PM20:30

Something's Afoot!

A New Tap Choreography Showcase exploring "works in progress" currently created by upcoming & working professionals in the field.
Directed and Curated by Tony Waag
Choreographers include: Jaye Allison, Tina Baird, Sydney Burtis, Rebecca Cannaday, Liz Carroll, Ryan Casey, Denise Caston-Clark, Tracy Dupre, Kelly Kaleta, Felipe Galganni, Margaret Morrison, Tamii Sakurai, Leo Sandoval, Caleb Teicher and Kaitlyn Way
Tickets: $20
 ($25 day of show) $10 Children, Students & Seniors ($15 day of show)
To purchase visit: 
Something's Afoot Tickets

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Tap Ellington
Jul
14
7:00 PM19:00

Tap Ellington

Tap Ellington is a celebration of a man’s life, music and legacy. Master of ceremonies Tony Waag and the Duke Ellington Center Big Bandconducted by Eli Yamin join together in honor of this legendary icon of American Jazz with tap dance performances by emerging raw talent, contemporary soloists and leading tap masters that include Brenda Bufalino, Ayodele Casel, Mercedes Ellington, the Lisa La Touche Ensemble, Sarah Reich, Caleb Teicher, Sam Weber, Josette and Joseph Wiggan and the NEW Tap Dance Orchestra.

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