TATD Celebrates 75 Years!
Texas Association Teachers of Dancing celebrated their Diamond Anniversary, June 28, 2005, at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson, Texas. Jackie Troup Miller and Persis Forster, hosts for the evening, chatted, encouraged and improvised to the delight of the appreciative audience. The Honorable Gary Slagel, Mayor of Richardson, read the Proclamation with verve.
The Opening Number, "Raise the Roof," was performed by TATD members. The stage was filled with teachers who dance and dancers who teach. The hours of rehearsal and camaraderie among the performers were delightful to watch. Studio owners and dance teachers who can manage to find time for themselves to rehearse are multitask people!
Three pieces form Word in Motion, a new company based in Los Angeles, illustrated the depth of their concepts. They blended modern dance, contemporary, video moves in groups of three or five or more in triangles and lines. A grand battement can be followed by a spiral turn or a contraction.
Inga Lujerenko, a native from the Ukraine and now with Dancers Workshop in Austin, represented ballet with gentleness. Her repertoire includes more than fifty principal and soloist roles in classical ballet. Ms. Lujerenko elegantly performed "The Dying Swan."
Tap Sounds Underground with Gregg Russell brought their mission statement to life: "Invading the past and developing the future." Their energy captivated and their technique challenged the audience.
The Clifton Drum Tap Trio used drums, tap shoes and guitars to create their rhythms. Their extended work offered sections using all three styles while other sections included only one or two mediums. Members are Keith, his brother Terry and Keith's son, Kory.
Sibling Rivalry summed up the good fun with the challenge of a "Tap Off." Jay Fagan has developed a new dimension of the Stand Up Comedian with his dance impressions and one liners. Connie Fagan performed effortlessly with rippling sounds and a dare devil smile. She turns, glides, stomps with equal skill.
Sandra Bell and D'Ette Ray-Rice served as President and Chair of the 75th Steering Committee. Other credits must include Janis Geddes, Mary Knight, Lyn Cramer, Dawn Weiss, Stephanie Berry, Renee Boydstun and Pam Bucher. Corporate Sponsorship was provided by Art Stone, The Competitor, Dance Olympus, Dance America, International Dance Challenge, Compudance, and Liberts.
1930-2005 is only the beginning for the next decades. Congratulations to TATD, its founders, visionaries, leadership and goals!