Produced by Toffan Rhythm Projects
with support from Harbourfront Centre
AUGUST 15 - 18, 2024
Join us to experience legacy, tradition, and innovation in tap dance:
Shows - Workshops - Panel Discussions - Nightly Jams
After experiencing sold out programming in 2022, our third edition of the festival expands to a
four day event for 2024, where the surfacing theme is duality:
Two legacies, two commissions, two percussionists, two mediums of expression.
Box Office and Registration open in June.
Scroll down to learn more!
Our 2024 festival opens with a film screening of Restorative Culture. Born of a 2021 film project produced by Luminato, curated by Travis Knights, the documentary explores local Indigenous Tap Dancer Johnathan Morin’s journey.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A, and a performance featuring Jonathan and live jazz trio.
TITDF will donate a portion of Opening Night's proceeds to an Indigenous charity of Johnathan's choice.
More details coming soon!
To learn more about the film, and other projects produced by Tap Love Tour, please click here.
The second evening of programming features NYC’s Brenda Bufalino. A pioneer of the 1970’s tap renaissance, she was integral in moving the form forward through her mentorship with Charles “Honi” Coles, touring with the Copasetics, Gregory Hines, and the Nicholas Brothers, and the creation of the American Tap Dance Orchestra.
A poet, author, vocalist, improvisor, and choreographer, Ms. Bufalino has received several awards from the National Endowment for The Arts, deeming two of her choreographies American Masterpieces. In addition, she's received The Flobert Award, The Tapestry Award, The Tap City Hall of Fame Award, The Dance Magazine, and the prestigious Bessie Award, all for outstanding achievement and contributions to the field of tap dance.
Still touring today as one of the world’s most in-demand artists, we're thrilled to welcome her to our festival!
BRENDA BUFALINO
RESIDENCY PROGRAM
By submission only, selected Canadian tap dancers ages 18-30 will have the opportunity to be a part of a unique residency program to train with and perform alongside Brenda Bufalino.
August 6 - 16, 2024
Submission info coming soon!
Please click here to learn more about Brenda.
photo credit: Turn Out Radio
Opening for Ms. Bufalino,
we're thrilled to present two new works!
TITDF will present 15 minute commissions from Vaughan’s Ryan Foley - an established and celebrated voice, juxtaposed with Toronto’s Victoria Miller, an emerging artist forging her path through consistent musical collaborations.
Foley is set to collaborate with his daughter, contemporary dancer Madison Foley, and composer Nathan Hiltz, while Victoria is joined by a high impact ensemble to explore the music of the Soulquarians in collaboration with pianist Darryl Joseph-Dennie.
On day three, we're proud to present a double bill featuring Danny Nielsen’s In Conversation (Vancouver) and Michela Marino Lerman’s
Love Movement (NYC).
Known for his prolific skill and musical sensibility, Danny is widely revered and respected across the globe.
In Conversation is Danny's collaboration with renowned Bulgarian pianist/percussionist Kristian Alexandrov which delves into the symbiotic relationship between tap dance and jazz piano. Touching on new takes of old standards, and original music, the two will co-create a performance drawing on everything from traditional and contemporary jazz to R&B, hip hop and rock.
Offering his invaluable experience, Matthew Shields will join the project as creative consultant and director.
Recently presented by the Joyce Theatre, The NY Times has called Michela a “prodigy”, describing her dancing as “flashes of brilliance”, while Quincy Jones states she’s an “absolute tap dancing star who knows her roots.”
Love Movement is not your ordinary band. The ensemble is a hybrid of the highest levels of musicianship and hoofing. This group incorporates original music, spirituals, jazz, traditional and electronic tap boards, which will surely challenge your thoughts, uplift, and send you dancing all the way home. Love Movement reflects a journey through the levels of love we experience throughout life starting with familial love, self-love and realization, protest, prayer, spiritual love, and finally romantic love. Love Movement is an immersive musical experience that will leave the audience feeling moved and empowered.
And finally, closing up the festival we're honoured to present a tribute to
Montreal’s Queen of Tap: Ethel Bruneau. (1936-2023)
RHTYHM LIVES:
HONOURING THE LEGACY OF ETHEL BRUNEAU
Born in NYC, Ms. Bruneau was a veteran performer of top variety shows including Ed Sullivan, moving to Montreal in 1953 while on tour with Cab Calloway. A pillar in Canada’s history, we pay her tribute, celebrating her legacy in an extravaganza resembling the height of her heyday.
Featuring members of the Bruneau family, local youth performers, selected pieces from the community
(by submission only) and other prominent acts, the show will be curated by local power couple, Travis & Tanya Knights - distinguished voices in today’s national scene, who began their journeys under Ethel’s tutelage.
More information coming soon!
In addition to festival performances, programming also includes masterclasses and workshops with festival artists, FREE panel discussions in and around the who's who and the what’s what in tap today, and FREE nightly jam sessions, hosted by local tap dancers in collaboration with some of Toronto's finest musicians!
Please check back here soon for more info on:
2024 TITDF Fundraiser - Tap Market, June 23!
Opening Night Party
Jonathan's selected charity
Brenda Bufalino Residency Program
Ethel Bruneau Tribute community call for submissions
Jam host lineup!
Box Office and Registration
SEE YOU AT THE FESTIVAL!
On behalf of the Toronto International Tap Dance Festival, Toffan Rhythm Projects graciously acknowledges the generous support from: