Athens Tap Jam, Greece’s only permanent event dedicated to jazz and tap improvisation, is set to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special edition featuring internationally acclaimed tap dancer, choreographer, and director Derick K. Grant. Hosted at the Theatre of the NO, Athens’ premier English-speaking theatre the event is scheduled for Friday, March 14, at 10:30Pm while doors open at 10pm.
The 10th Anniversary Edition will open with a high-energy first set, featuring Athens Tap Jam’s founders, guest artists, and a live house band.
This performance will be followed by an open jam session, inviting dancers and musicians of all levels to take the stage in the spirit of spontaneous collaboration.
Since its founding in 2014 by Natasha Chanta-Martin and Elina Vafeiadi, Athens Tap Jam has become a premier destination for jazz and tap dance enthusiasts. Over the years, it has hosted an impressive roster of world-class performers, including Sarah Reich, Max Pollak, Roxane Butterfly, Heather Cornell, Tony Romano, Lenny Sendersky, Thomas Wadelton, Pedro Consorte, and Dayna Szydrowski. In recognition of its contributions to the European jazz tap scene, Athens Tap Jam was recently honored by the Changing Times Tap Initiative of New York.
Modelled after New York’s renowned Smalls Jazz Club, Athens Tap Jam has remained dedicated to the art of improvised tap dance, bringing together dancers and musicians to explore rhythm and movement in an interactive setting, once a month.
Derick K. Grant: A Tap Icon
The highlight of the evening will be the presence of Derick K. Grant, a towering figure in the international tap community. With a career spanning over three decades, Grant has starred in Broadway’s “Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk,” earning critical acclaim and the prestigious Bessie Award.
In 2021, he was one of five tap legends honored with a U.S. postage stamp, celebrating the legacy of tap dance in America. His collaborations extend beyond performance, as seen in his work with Só Dança, developing an innovative line of professional tap shoes.
The Music Behind the Movement
The live house band accompanying the event will feature:
Andreas Papagiannakopoulos – Electric Guitar
Panagiotis Charalambopoulos – Double Bass
Seraphim Tourikas – Drums
Host: Thanos Daskalopoulos
Info
When: Friday, March 14
Time: Arrival at 22:00 | Start at 22:30
Where: Theatre of the NO, Athens
Admission: A ticket is required at the price of 10 euros which can be purchased either upon arrival or here.
To stay updated with the the upcoming Athens Tap Jam sessions you can follow their official page here.
To follow up with the next concerts, performances and events hosted at the Theater of the NO please go here.
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