THE ARTIST SYMPOSIUM
Making Music Dance, TITDF 2017
In lieu of the Toronto International Tap Dance Festival operating in 2019, the idea for the Artist Symposium was born. Moving forward, this event will operate bi-annually opposite the festival. The master artist leading the Emerging Artist Residency Program for the upcoming festival year will be invited to spend a weekend in Toronto to get acquainted with our community.
The weekend will include masterclasses, in depth discussions, and a jam session with live music. This event has been created for professional and community development, with elements welcoming all ages, skill levels, and interest in tap dance.
This summer we're thrilled to welcome Dianne Walker!
DIANNE "LADY DI" WALKER
is one of a handful of internationally acclaimed women in the field of tap dance. Over the course of her career, she has been honoured with numerous awards including several for lifetime achievements in dance. She has performed with tap masters Gregory Hines, Steve Condos, Jimmy Slyde and her mentor, Leon Collins to name a few.
Performances include the Tony award-winning "Black and Blue" in New York and in Paris, and as the assistant choreographer/dance captain, she helped to remount the show prior to the new European and American tours. As a soloist, she performs regularly in clubs, jazz festivals and tap festivals across the U.S. and abroad.
Film credits include the movie "Tap", the PBS special "Great Performances: Tap Dance in America,” the PBS production of BLACK AND BLUE directed by Robert Altman; PBS Great Performances: ”Tap Dance in America”; Documentary, “Honi Coles, The Class Act of Tap”; Documentary, “Songs Unwritten...Leon Collins” and as the principal commentator in the PBS release, (WTTW-Chicago) “JUBA”.
To learn more about Ms. Walker, please click here.
THE ARTIST SYMPOSIUM
WITH
DIANNE WALKER
SATURDAY AUGUST 24
Professional Masterclass
10am-12pm
Youth Masterclass
1-2pm
Tap Talks
2-6pm
SUNDAY AUGUST 25
Professional Masterclass
10am-12pm
Tap Talks
2-6pm
Live Music Jam
8-10pm
Youth classes will operate at the intermediate/advanced level and are for dancers age 12+.
Professional classes will operate at the advanced/professional level, dancers 17+ are permitted to participate.
YOUNGER DANCERS WHO DO NOT MEET THE AGE REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN MASTERCLASSES WITHOUT PERMISSION.
Please email Allison at toffanrhythmprojects@gmail.com to inquire about age restrictions BEFORE registering below.
About the Tap Talks...
For anyone who will be learning from Ms. Walker for the first time, we highly recommend attending the tap talks as your first priority.
Dianne has a lifetime of stories and experience in tap dance. She'll be speaking about various projects and working with her mentors - mainly Leon Collins and Jimmy Slyde, her experience as dance captain and associate choreographer for Broadway's Black & Blue in the 80s, and her role in developing tap communities worldwide headlining the festival circuit. She'll also share exclusive footage from her personal collection of archives, as well as in-depth Q & A with the group. These kinds of opportunities to spend with the masters of the dance are what we live for, and will become treasured memories.
PRICING:
2 Hour Professional Masterclasses: $80 (single)
Purchase both: $150 (save $10)
Observe: $20 (single)
1 Hour Youth Masterclass: $40
Observe: $10
2-6pm Tap Talks: $50/day
Sunday Jam with Live Music : $20
First set features Dianne Walker & TITDF Artists, second set is open to all!
Professional Symposium Pass: $250 (Save $40)
Includes admission to masterclasses & tap talks Saturday & Sunday, observing youth masterclass, and Sunday jam.
Youth Symposium Pass: $150 (Save $50)
Includes admission to youth masterclass, tap talks & observing professional masterclasses Saturday & Sunday, and Sunday jam.
Observer Symposium Pass: $130 (Save $40)
Includes admission to observe all masterclasses, tap talks, and Sunday jam.
LOCATION:
All Masterclasses & Tap Talks:
Randolph Academy For The Performing Arts
736 Bathurst St
Toronto
Live Music Jam:
3030
3030 Dundas St W
Toronto
CANCELATION POLICY:
If you should need to cancel, a $15 retainer will be withheld and the remainder refunded up until August 10.
From August 11-17, 75% of your registration will be refunded.
From August 18-21, 50% of your registration will be refunded.
As of August 22, no refunds are available.