Tap in Rio is a yearly event that takes place on the last week of January (summertime in Brazil). It runs through five days of intensive workshops and master classes of tap dance, rhythm studies, body percussion, Lindy Hop, improvisation and other themes of interest to tap dancers (Hip Hop, musical perception, stage floor amplifying, etc). An evening of performances, the Tap Challenge, jam session, tap talks, and the “Outstanding Contribution Award” help to make Tap in Rio a central event in the calendar of Brazilian tap dancers.
A block away from famous Copacabana beach, the event takes place in the pleasant settings of the Nós da Dança studios (www.nosdadanca.com.br).
Aspiring to boost local interest for tap, to raise awareness and to stimulate cooperation between Brazilian students and professionals, the festival centers on the Brazilian tap scene. However, international visitors have always been welcome and we feature renowned international guests (along the years we had the pleasure of receiving Chloe Arnold, Heather Cornell, Lionel Arthur, Jason Samuels Smith, Cíntia Chamecki and Katherine Kramer).
Most leading tap professionals of Brazil have been included in the event: Adriana Salomão, Adriana Brunato, Amalia Machado, Bia Mattar, Bruce Henri, (musical perception), Bruno Barros (Lindy Hop), Charles Renato, Christiane Mattalo, Cíntia Martin, Érica Belo, Flávia Costa, Flávio Salles, Frank Ejara (street dance), Luiz Cruz (sound, miking taps), Hebert Stalin , Juliana Castro, Leonardo Sandoval, Luizz Baldijão, Marcela Castilho, Maurício Silva, Munique Mattos (body percussion), Rafa “Multiartista” (body percussion), Rafael Rocha (percussion), Robertinho Silva (percussion), Samanta Varela, Sérgio Rocha (percussive dance), Steven Harper, Thiago Marcelino, Valeria Pinheiro and Wellington Lopes (lindy hop).
Participants come from the four corners of Brazil, from Argentina and Uruguay. The event sets the stage for an intense week of studies and exchanges – a strong human experience. The end of January sees Rio as it prepares for its world-famous Carnaval. The energy level is high and the nightlife (for those who still have energy) booms. For those who wish to make this trip a total “Tap + Brazil” experience, we can also organize extra-curricular percussion or samba dance classes.
The 11th edition of the Tap in Rio Festival will take place January 24-28, 2012. The event is organized by Steven Harper and Adriana Salomão.