By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Broadway star Jimmy Tate tapped his way into some local schools this week. His performance with blues musician Rodney Appleby was commissioned by the Arts in Education Institute of Western New York. WBFO's Joyce Kryszak sat in an one of the performances of Toe Tappin Blues at Niagara Falls High School to see how they clicked with the students.
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Getting students into the groove is how Tate and Appleby set the stage for their special blend of tap and blues. The performance is the big pay-off for students from several Niagara Falls schools. They took classes with teaching artists from the Arts in Education Institute in preparation for the performance.
And they were in for a rare treat. Broadway came to Niagara Falls. Tate has starred on Broadway in "Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk" and other hits. Tate said star power definitely helps them connect with the students.
But these students aren't just awestruck. They are catching every nuance of the carefully choreographed performance. They attended classes in the weeks leading up to the performance to learn what to look for. Teaching artist Sarah Hooper said they learned the technical details of things such as melody, rhythm and cadence. And, more importantly, Hooper said that background helps them understand how it all works together.
One of the fans in this crowd is Markquon Fair. The wide-eyed, ten year-old is in the fifth grade at Niagara Street Elementary. He likes taking classes with Hooper. Fair said they do a lot more than just learn about dance terms. He said they practice them.
"We don't just stand there like statues," said Fair.
And Fair keeps movin' even outside the classroom. He and a few friends have a hip hop dance group and practice twice a week. Fair said he wants to be a professional dancer just like Tate. Tate said that is the reason why he takes time away from Broadway to come perform for the students. Kids need mentors.
His partner in the show, Rodney Appleby, has been a positive role model for western new york students for two decades. The bass guitarist also is a teaching artist. Appleby said he has had students who go on to become successful musicians, writers and engineers. And, yeah, Appleby said it makes him proud to know he might have played some part in their success. But he said it is really about empowering the kids.
"Toe Tappin Blues" travels to West Seneca Schools Wednesday. And Thursday night ffrom 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. Tate will be on hand at the Pearl Street Grill for "Beer on Tap," a fundraiser for the Arts in Education Institute. He will give tap lessons and a special performance for all in attendance.
More information is available at the Arts in Education Institute of Western New York.