The Tap Love Tour Podcast

Moncell Durden, dance educator and embodied historian focused on Afro-diasporic movement. Jason Samuels Smith, Emmy-winning tap artist and preservationist of tap traditions. They debate rhythm ownership, contested origins of tap, Black indigeneity, regional influences like New Orleans, archival vs oral memory, and how movement acts as living archive.

Iconic tap dancer and educator Jason Samuels Smith dives into a riveting discussion about the complexities of tap dance, identity, and hidden histories. He challenges conventional narratives surrounding Indigenous roots and the ‘Out of Africa’ theory, arguing for the rich contributions of Indigenous cultures to tap. He highlights the impact of reclassification on cultural memory and examines the intertwining of Black and Indigenous identities in American music and dance. This thought-provoking conversation reshapes understandings of cultural heritage and rhythm.

Michela Marino-Lerman, an international tap dancer and educator, Jumaane Taylor, an accomplished tap performer, and Jason Samuels Smith, a renowned choreographer, join a heartfelt discussion honoring D'Angelo's artistry. They reflect on his music’s profound emotional depth and the importance of finishing creative work, especially in light of his passing. Personal stories and favorite tracks intertwine with insights on the intersection of tap and music. The conversation emphasizes legacy, the urgency of creativity, and the call to honor artistic integrity.

Tap dance as medicine. Rhythm as prayer. Healing as sound. In this episode, I sit with Berklee musician and rising tap voice Dylan Suzch to explore how movement can restore what the world breaks. We talk about arranging music for dancers, and how rhythm can hold space for pain, joy, and everything between. I also open up about my own experience watching Jeremy O. Harris’ Slave Play at Canadian Stage — a reminder of how art can cut deep and still call us to heal. Connect with Dylan on instagram: @dylan_does_tapdance Support Tap Love Tour on Patreon: patreon.com/travisknights

In a captivating chat, Jacky Li, a visionary designer from Canada and founder of SAF Shoes, shares his journey from Hong Kong to the forefront of dance footwear innovation. He explores how vintage jazz fueled his passion for rhythm in shoe design, making them feel like musical instruments. Jacky vividly discusses transforming custom social shoes into a thriving business, adapting during the pandemic, and the intricate balance between comfort and style. His creative process is a beautiful blend of inspiration, collaboration, and the pursuit of dancer-focused design.

Jazz trumpeter Jeremy Pelt and award-winning tap dancer Lisa LaTouche dive deep into the interconnectedness of music and storytelling. Jeremy shares insights from his Griot project, highlighting the importance of oral traditions in preserving Black artistry. They discuss the role of tap as a pivotal form of musical dialogue and how mentorship shaped their journeys. With anecdotes of self-critique and the creative process, they explore the rich emotional landscapes that inform their work, pushing for unity between jazz and tap.

In the wake of major cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts, we speak with tap legend Jane Goldberg about the Changing Times Tap Initiative Grant. Creating new work has always been about piecing together resources to achieve your vision. Tune in as the Tap Goddess of the Lower East Side shares how this grant could be a key piece in your puzzle. https://janegoldberg.org/changingtimestapinitiative/ Support the work of Tap Love Tour through our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/travisknights

Why did one of the longest-running tap festivals in the world just get cancelled? Acia Gray, renowned tap dancer and founder of Tapestry Dance Company in Austin, Tx, joins us for a sober conversation about the philosophical shift and budget cuts at the National Endowment for the Arts. After 25 years of producing the Soul to Sole Tap Festival, Acia is making the difficult decision to bring it to a close. We dig into what this means for the tap dance community, the state of arts funding in America, and the resilience it takes to create space for rhythm over decades.

An open letter to Terpsichore Dance Celebration Support the work of Tap Love Tour through our Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/travisknights

Brinae Ali, an internationally acclaimed tap dance artist and leader of the Baby Laurence Legacy Project, delves into the transformative power of art. She discusses the importance of balancing creativity with community impact and shares her insights on bridging generational gaps through artistic practices. Brinae also talks about her upcoming Mars Project, which weaves dance, music, and theater to explore identity and heritage. With a focus on resilience and empowerment, she underscores the role of gratitude and collective efforts in fostering a thriving artistic community.