The show will feature original music and lyrics by distinguished Jazz vocalist Emily Braden (produced/composed by Misha Piatigorsky) from her debut album Soul Walk and original choreography by Hillary-Marie Michael (Ridge High School class of 2009) under the musical direction of Andrew Atkinson, performed by eleven professional tap dancers from Boston, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.
"I'm honored to have an opportunity to bring tap dance home and am thankful for the strong and thriving arts opportunities that Ridge High School provided me with as a student and now as a graduate," says director and choreographer, Hillary-Marie Michael. "I'm beyond excited to collaborate with one of my favorite artists, Emily Braden. Her music is real, it speaks to the soul and has truly inspired me. Sharing this new show in my hometown will make the premier of it very special."
"My album Soul Walk is defined by fun, high-energy groove and working with a team of talented tap dancers is a dream come true," explains Emily Braden.
"I'm excited that my students will have the opportunity to share the stage with this amazing roster of professional tap dancers," says Ridge High School Dance Department teacher, Rachel Miranda. "We are thrilled to be bringing a piece of New York City artistry to Basking Ridge and to see the success of our RHS graduates."
This exciting premiere will be held January 18, 3:00 p.m. at Ridge Performing Arts Center and will feature eleven prominent and young emerging tap dance artists, including Hillary-Marie Michael, Kyle Wilder (NJTAP, Tap Stars), Corey Hutchins (Riverdance), Gabe Winns (Dorrance Dance, Tap Kids, Rumba Tap) and other dancers from the Boston Tap Company and New Jersey Tap Ensemble youth company.
Ridge High School Dance Department students will open the show with a piece choreographed by Jeff Foote (NJTAP) and there will be a free public outreach tap dance class offered the day of the show taught by Karen Callaway Williams (NJTAP, Riverdance, Play On!) for ages ten and up.
This feel-good, family-friendly, powerhouse percussive dance performance is guaranteed to bring audience members to their feet!
Soul Walk director and choreographer Hillary-Marie Michael has been recognized in dance publications as one of the youngest accomplished directors and producers on the tap scene as founder and director of Jersey Tap Fest, NJ's sole dance festival featuring world-class tap faculty and extravaganza. "Her enthusiasm and talent have won allegiances in the tap community," says Robert Johnson, Star Ledger. A native of New Jersey, she joined the NJTAP Dance Ensemble in 2006, and since has been featured at some of east coast's most prestigious venues as her sophisticated performances and high-energy classes have brought her to studios and stages around the world. She performs weekly at Harlem's historic Cotton Club as a part of Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards' "Sophisticated Ladies" and has worked with Jason Samuels Smith (Company A.C.G.I.), Derick K. Grant (Rhythm Is Our Business), Heather Cornell (Conversations), Maurice Chestnut (The Above Ground Project) and more. She has feet like feathers with steel bones and according to the New Jersey Jazz Society, "makes is clear that tap becomes a part of the music". Don't miss the chance to catch this brilliant tap artist live and in action.
Emily Braden's knock-out debut album Soul Walk is composed of high-energy originals and ‘flipped-out" jazz standards and her signature sound is an effortless blend of jazz and soul. This big, bad beauty from Boise, Idaho covers a lot of ground. Whether she's fronting a symphony in British Columbia or leading a world-class trio in Manhattan, Braden has the innate ability to win the heart of any audience with her powerhouse vocals and striking stage presence. Winner of New York City's prestigious Jazzmobile Vocal Competition, Braden has performed at notable NYC venues such as the Blue Note Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, The Kitano Jazz Club and the Iridium Jazz Club as well as on international festival circuits. See Braden live and she'll make you a believer - this girl is smokin', smokin' hot.
Tickets are available for purchase at www.RidgePAC.com or by calling 973-932-0561. Prices for Soul Walk performance range from $18 for students and seniors to $22 for general public. Tickets will also be available to purchase prior to the show at Ridge Performing Arts Center in the lobby. The venue is located at Ridge High School, 268 S. Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge NJ 07920.
