One of the world’s most vibrant tap scenes today is in Barcelona, Spain, and one of Barcelona’s premier companies is Tap Olé, an incredible fusion of classical Spanish guitar with tap dance.

Boston's 12th Annual National Tap Dance Day Concert will be presented at The Regent Theatre in Arlington on Friday, May 16 at 8pm. Produced by Thelma Goldberg's Dance Inn Productions, Tapestry 2008 will feature the spectacular 75 minute show from Barcelona’s Tap Olé. 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.

For International Tap Dance Day, tap artists around the world celebrate the birthday of tap dance pioneer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson with performances paying tribute to the roots of tap. By presenting Tap Olé in the North American Premiere of their full-length concert, Dance Inn Productions celebrates the globalization of an art form that has clearly transcended its American roots.

Following up on the well-received October performance of Barbara Duffy and Company’s “Stages,” as well as Josh Hilberman’s critically acclaimed “Heeling Powers,” Tap Olé promises a brilliant conclusion to Dance Inn Productions first full season presenting live tap in concert.

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 dictatorial imposition of Castillian culture. As they fought to keep their language and culture alive when both were forbidden, Catalan artists of the 70’s and 80’s 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 their forties and fifties, 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.

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. The Scotsman talked of their "perfect synchronicity... stunning technical precision... you never want them to stop.” From The List, the artists present an "enchanting, exuberant show." The Skinny described the show thusly:

“... 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."

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.

The Weekend

Complementing the Friday, May 16 International Tap Dance Day Concert, 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, as well as the iconic Brenda Bufalino, Boston’s own Dianne Walker, young lion Kelly Kaleta, Sean Fielder, Aaron Tolson and others, on Saturday and Sunday May 17 and 18, at the Dance Inn in Lexington and downstairs at the Regent Theatre. Click here for the registration and information form or call Thelma Goldberg at 781-863-5360.

A participant’s showcase, featuring the work of local artists including 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. Click on this link for more details: Participants Showcase Information - Boston Celebrates Tap '08.

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.

Hotel Information

A Group Rate of $95 is available at:
Bedford Plaza Hotel
340 Great Road, Bedford, MA 01730
This hotel is the most reasonably priced we could find and it is about 10 minutes from the Lexington studios and is a 20 minute drive to the Regent Theatre. It has nice amenities and is across the street from a large shopping area. To reserve a room, contact preeti@bedfordplazahotel.com and mention reservation #1165. Reservations must be booked by May 1 to receive this discount. FYI - this is a college graduation weekend and the average hotel rate, if available, is almost $300.