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Produced by Toffan Rhythm Projects

in partnership with Harbourfront Centre

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August 19-21, 2022

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Join us to experience legacy, tradition, and innovation in tap dance: 

Shows  -  Workshops  -  Panel Discussions  -  Nightly Jams 

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Scroll down for full details, box office, and registration links!

After much anticipation our festival returns this summer welcoming Dianne Walker, “America’s first lady of tap” (Boston Herald), well known as a pioneer of the tap resurgence in the 1970’s, her iconic contribution to Broadway’s Black & Blue, the only female dancer included in the Hoofer’s Line alongside Jimmy Slyde, Chuck Green, and Savion Glover to name a few, as well as her ongoing role as “Aunt Dianne” to the tap community, acting as a trusted mentor worldwide.

DIANNE WALKER
RESIDENCY PROGRAM

photo credit: Turn Out Radio

Also visiting from the US is Jumaane Taylor (Chicago).

With his ensemble of 4 musicians and 4 dancers he’ll present Supreme Love, exploring John Coltrane's A Love Supreme with all original choreography and improvisation. Following runs in Chicago, Jacob’s Pillow, and various dance and music festivals, this will be the Canadian Premiere. Joining the cast are Toronto musicians Chris Gale, Lauren Falls, and Thompson Egbo-Egbo. 

photo credit: Christopher Duggan

photo credit: The Art of Movement Photography

New commissioned work debuts from David Lafleur and Ella Steele in a cross Canada collaboration. From Gatineau, Winnipeg, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto, their group “(in)sight” presents an exciting exploration of rhythm at our 2022 festival.

Also featured, an excerpt from Trax, a film by Canadian tap icon Lisa La Touche - discovering unknown Tap Dance ancestors, sending her on a journey exploring the borderless Black History unimaginable right underneath her feet.

As well, the next stage of development of Her, from Toronto’s Dianne Montgomery, originally premiering at the inaugural 2017 festival for which she composed both the music and choreography.

photo credit: ES Cheah Photography

And finally, closing up the festival we're thrilled to welcome Max Pollak (NYC) who transforms one body into three instruments. A tap dancer, vocalist, and body percussionist, Max blends these mediums within an Afro-Cuban musical context, providing audiences with a completely innovative approach to playing rhythm.

PERFORMANCES:

Friday August 19:  Between Two Di's

We begin with Dianne Montgomery’s Her. Originally commissioned as a 15 minute piece at the inaugural festival, this will be Montgomery’s extension into a 30 minute work.

The second set highlights the incomparable Dianne Walker (Boston), featuring the dancers from our new generation residency program hailing from across Canada, repertoire from Leon Collins - her treasured mentor, live music, and personal anecdotes.

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Saturday August 20:  Convergence

Set one includes our new festival commission: (in)sight - a collaboration between Winnipeg’s Ella Steele and Gatineau’s David Lafleur followed by a screening (excerpt) of Trax - a film by  Lisa La Touche.

Set two features the Canadian premiere of Supreme Love (Chicago). Celebrating John Coltrane's A Love Supreme with live jazz and tap dance, the work displays the spiritual, artistic and historical values that infuse human life, using a symbol of nature to transcend hope.

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Sunday August 21:  Perspectives in Rhythm

Set one highlights the performance ensembles from the Toronto Rhythm Initiative summer youth programs with choreography by Ella Steele, Cori Giannotta, Johnathan Morin and a participant collaboration from the pre-professional track directed by Allison Toffan. Also featured are David Cox, Tanya Knights, Travis Knights, Cori Giannotta & Johnathan Morin, and The Rhythm Ensemble.

Set two showcases Max Pollak performing a solo set sharing his original compositions through a cappella, duo pieces, and with full band support.

photo credit: William Frederking

photo credit: William Frederking

Location for all shows:
Harbourfront Centre Theatre
231 Queens Quay W
Toronto, ON
7:30pm

Festival show packages & group rates available:
(packages are for box office only, not workshops)
*group rates are automatically applied for purchases above 10, 15 and 20*


 

OBSERVER PASSES FOR WORKSHOPS & MASTERCLASSES NOW AVAILABLE:



Location for workshops & masterclasses: 
Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre 
627 Queens Quay W
Toronto, ON

On Behalf of the Toronto International Tap Dance Festival,
Toffan Rhythm Projects & Harbourfront Centre graciously recognize the generous support from:

Can't make it to the festival, but you'd like to show your support?

Please consider donating to our fundraising platform. It is not only to help us reach our goals for this year's event to be successful, but also to support the continuum of our values - more accessibility in the future through more free programming, and the opportunity to elevate the diverse voices of our homegrown excellence in tap dance, alongside other global leaders in our scene.

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We'll be accepting donations through our online fundraiser up until 11:59pm on Monday August 22 here: 

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A contribution of any amount is greatly appreciated.

On behalf of the entire production team, we thank you so much for your support!