Event

Tap or Die

In an intimate look at the history of an art form struggling to make its way back from nostalgia to current sensation this documentary follows African American choreographer Derick K. Grant in his epic struggle to legitimize an art that peaked in the era of big bands. Grant is holding auditions to bring his hip, rousing show 'Imagine Tap' to Broadway Grant is one of a new generation of performers who has been nurturing tap dance in obscurity and transforming it in a myriad of ways. A legacy of racism and the many pitfalls of commercial success that renowned hoofers have always battled lurk in the byways of Broadway. TAP OR DIE is unique for its access, insights, beautiful cinematography, and original music by "Stomp" sensation and accomplished hoofer Nicholas Young and pianist Brian Marsella of Cyro Baptista's Beat the Donkey. The film weaves arresting performance footage of Grant and other masters from around the world, including Bessie Award winner Michelle Dorrance, Emmy Award winner Jason Samuels Smith, the Ella Fitzgerald of tap Dianne Walker, Barcelona Tap's Guillem Alonso, Sevilla's flamenco star Juan de Juan, and France's first lady of swing, Sarah Petronio, with provocative with critics, historians, producers, and living legends of the genre.