Better Living Through Tap Dance

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 21, 2006 4:40PM

Chicagoist hasn’t really covered tap dance and, if you’re like most people, you probably haven’t thought much about the art form either. Chicago Tap Theatre is out to change all that. Since their 2003 incorporation they’ve spread the love for an often neglected American art form, performing in Dance Chicago and collaborating regularly with other Chicago tap companies and the French troupe Tapage.

Tapage’s work has been described as Martha Graham meets Marcel Marceau. Chicago Tap Theatre’s influences are all over the map. They’re young enough to take chances, talented enough to pull them off. This weekend, that Trans-Atlantic Alliance returns to the Harold Washington Library. An antidote to the ‘freedom fries’ mindset, CTT and Tapage present Liaison Deux, an showcase for both companies promising storytelling and emotional revelation. Their first collaboration packed the house in 2004, so advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Liaison Deux is at the Harold Washington Library Auditorium, 400 S State Street, Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2 & 8pm. Tickets are $15-20. More info at chicagotaptheatre.com.

Photo by Kristie Kahns, Chicago Tap Theatre