MASTER CLASS INSTRUCTORS

Rusty Frank is from Los Angeles and travels the world promoting tap dancing. We are excited to have her with us to teach some significant pieces choreographed by Miriam Nelson, Louis DePron and Leonard Reed. Besides four master tap classes, she will be performing in Saturday's performance and will teach two Lindy Hop classes at our big band swing dance "finale" Sunday evening. Rusty is a tap and Lindy Hop dancer, producer, choreographer, and author of the critically acclaimed book TAP! The Greatest Tap Dance Stars and Their Stories 1900-1955, the producer and choreographer of the stage revues Swingin' The Century - The Big Band Show and Jazz Tap. She is producing the one-hour television special in production TAP! Tempo of America for which she received an NEA grant. As a result of her ongoing dance preservation work, Rusty is the recipient of The Tap Dance Preservation Award from New York's American Tap Dance Foundation, The Historic Preservation Award from The Art Deco Society of California, and Tradition In Tap Award for Outstanding Achievements and Significant Contribution to the Art and Tradition of Tap Dance. You can read more about Rusty and her business at RustyFrank.com.

Frank Trent (intermediate-advanced routine to Paper Doll) started in vaudeville at the age of four, appearing with his parents in theatres, dance marathons, variety and road shows. In 1948, at the age of 13, he began his solo career with the Horace Heidt show and opened for his first nightclub show at Chicago's Casino of Tomorrow at 14. Trent was part of the Elvis Presley tour for almost ten years and appeared on TV and in road companies. He opened Danswest dance studio in Tucson more than 30 years ago and the success of his work has been witnessed across the country as students brought home top awards in dance competitions. Frank spends his retirement as a private coach and choreographer for Tap Sensation, a senior tap dance group based in Tucson. Many of his students, past and present, will be seen performing in our Sounds of the Soles of the Southwest.

Colleen Kelly Beaman (intermediate-advanced routine to Gene & Fred Kelly's Avalon) is a third generation member of the famed Irish-American Kelly showbiz family - father Fred Kelly of Broadway and uncle, Gene Kelly of Hollywood. Colleen received her BFA in Theater/Music and a MEd in Education from the. She embarked on a career teaching students to dance "Kelly style" and earned her EdD in 2000. Besides teaching in Tucson (Pima Community College, O.A.S.I.S.), Colleen tours the globe as a master guest artist teaching the Kelly style of tap: United States, Canada, Mexico & Europe. She continues to perform and choreograph and has served on the Young Audiences of Southern Arizona Advisory Board and University of Arizona Theatre Arts Advisory Board. The Dallas Dance Council honored her in 2001 for her lifetime dedication to the art of tap dancing. More information is available on Dance Kelly Style.

Krystyna Parafinczuk (a.k.a. KP Black) (intermediate-advanced routine, Bouncin' the Blues from The Barkleys of Broadway) is a dance specialist and president of DancInc., a corporation dedicated to producing, educating and promoting dance since 1990. In 2002 she moved to Tucson from Chicago to pursue graduate studies and has presented her work at the Nat'l Dance Educators Organization in 2003, the University of Arizona in 2002-3, and the International Dance Council's 19th World Congress on Dance Research (Cyprus) in 2005. Krystyna teaches dance at Pima Community College NW Campus and at several other locations outside of Tucson. She is a board member and treasurer of the Arizona Dance Coalition and member of the International Tap Association. July 2006 marked Krystyna's 25th anniversary as a member of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters (CNADM) where she has earned the distinction of Master Dance Educator. While attending CNADM conventions, Krystyna experienced classes with such tap greats as Honi Coles, Tommy Sutton, Al Gilbert, Nian Cadman, Debbi Dee, Germaine Salsberg and Fred Kelly. She is a 10-year dance studio owner survivor and has more than 30 years experience in performance, education, production and management. She has produced educational school shows in music and dance for young children in metropolitan Tucson since 2003. Krystyna studied tap dancing with Evelyn Lare since she was five years old and admits to owning a pair of silver jingle tap shoes -- just like her first dance teacher. Other tap instructors were Jimmy Payne, Lou Conte, Lane Alexander, and more significantly, Bruce Stegmann and Tracey Vonder Haar. She has performed the works of Tom Ralabate, Jay Fagan, Lyn Cramer, Frank Trent, Nian Cadman-Dake, Payne, Stegmann and Vonder Haar.

Suzy Guarino (Phoenix - intermediate/advanced rhythm technique) has been busy in the dance and entertainment business for more than 20 years. Originally from Chicago, she now resides in Phoenix AZ. Her choreography can be seen in commercials for the WB for such TV shows as Friends and The Simpsons. Suzy started her dance studies in Chicago at Gus Giordano and Lou Conte studios and has trained with some of the best master tap teachers in the country, i.e., Jason Samuels Smith, Mark Goodman, Gregg Russell, Dianne Walker, Mark Mendonca and many others. She has taught tap on the convention circuit for Dance Educator's of America, Focus Dance Conventions, Star Systems, Mark Goodman's Totally Tap, Dance RAW and N-House Productions. This fall, Suzy will be touring with The In10sive workshops with Tap Unplugged. She is also an adjudicator for Spotlight Dance Cup, In10sity Dance and Star Systems and has choreographed for benefit shows for the Juvenile Diabetes, Caitlin Robb Foundation and Mercedes Benz. Suzy is owner of Rhythm Essence Productions, a tap production company and director of Tap 24.7, which will be performing Saturday at the Sounds of the Soles of the Southwest performance. Suzy teaches in Phoenix at Bender Performing Arts.

Jenefer Miller (Phoenix - intermediate/advanced rhythm technique & improv) is a native of Michigan and has studied dance all across the country. She received her B.A. in the Performing Arts from Oakland University and her choreography Down on Wall Street was aired on ABC for the Showstopper American Dance Championships. She has appeared on stage with Tap 24.7, VIB Dance Theatre, Especially Tap Chicago, the Detroit Tap Festival, and Oakland Dance Theatre. Jenefer has performed in shows alongside Fayard Nicholas, Dianne Walker, Lane Alexander, Savion Glover, Rhythm ISS, and others. Michigan's former Governor Engler awarded Jenefer for her positive artistic impact on youth and dedication to the field of education. She obtained a M.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix in 2003, teaches theatre at Kyrene Akimel A-al Middle School, and has been director of the Kyrene Summer Community Theatre for the past four years.

PERFORMERS

Norm Marini is a multi-award winning Stage and Close up Magician and emcee for this year's Saturday 7 pm performance of Sounds of the Soles of the Southwest. Norm has been entertaining audiences all over the state of Arizona for the past decade. He produces and stars in his own show It's Magic" which has been showing at the Gaslight Theatre for ten years. Norm's show is filled will incredible magic and gut busting humor. His dynamic personality and flashy ties have earned him multiple awards from the Society of American Magicians over the past five years!

Audrey Roberts began dancing when she was seven years old after having been inspired by the musical Cats. She discovered her favorite form of dance was tap and was lucky enough to study under Frankie Trent, Tucson's tap master. Audrey has achieved first place awards in numerous dance competitions and had the opportunity to tap dance with a Paso Fino stallion. Audrey also performed one of her boogie-woogie tap dances at Lisa Otey's Boogie Woogie Blow Out in 2007 and the Desert Diva Concert giving blues audiences a taste of her magic. She is a straight-A senior at University High School, where she also dances, and she plans to study physiology at the University of Arizona's Honor College. Audrey hopes she can spread the joy of the art of tap dancing and inspire others to keep the spirit of tap alive.

Angela Swanson is 15 years old and a freshman at Sabino High School. She has been dancing with Danswest for the past 12 years and is currently taking private lessons with Frank Trent. This year Angela received The Star of the Year Award from Danswest and won Overall High Score Awards at every competition. Her tap solo choreographed by Frank Trent has won its category, placed overall, won a Judges Favorite Award and a Best Technique Award. Angela claims that without Frank she would not be the tap dancer she is today and credits him for all the courage and confidence he has given her. Without question, tap dancing is her favorite style of dance.

Austin Twaits, a soon-to-be graduate of Empire High School, has been dancing at Danswest for 11 years and trained under Frank Trent and Megan Maltos. He has won numerous awards including the titles of Mr. Starpower and Mr. Ultimate Dance and the Fred Astaire Award. He has competed and performed all over the country and is recognized for his style and showmanship. Besides tap, Austin excels in Jazz, Modern, and Hip Hop dance and is excited to be accepted into the illustrious University of Arizona School of Dance! He looks forward to continuing in dance as an instructor and professional performer.

Fourteen-year-old Aaron Honda has been dancing since he was nine. Under the tutelage of Lifetime Dance Masters of America member/teacher Maxine Huff, and tap teacher extraordinaire Laurie Difilippo, and with the inspiration of his tap idol Gregory Hines, Aaron jumped into the tap competition scene by competing at the ADA nationals in Boston at the end of his first year of instruction, coming in second for Junior Mr. Dance. Since that time he has participated in classes with Megan Maltos at Danswest and Frank Trent in Tucson and Suzy Guarino of Bender Performing Arts in Phoenix. He has competed successfully, winning top honors in Sacramento, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Honolulu, HI; Phoenix, AZ and Mason, Ohio. He has enjoyed dancing with top names in the industry while participating in the Tradition in Tap workshop in New York, Totally Tap workshops in San Diego, CA and Raleigh, N.C and In10city Tap Unplugged in Denver, CO. He is a member of the Danswest Dance Company in Tucson and Tap 24.7 in Phoenix. His current regional titles include Mr. Teen Starpower, ADA Teen Dancer of the Year and Dance Masters of Arizona Mr. Dance. While tap is his first love, Aaron is also a composer/lyricist, pianist, graphic artist/animator and straight A student. He envisions a future somewhere in the performing arts world.

TAP DANCE COMPANIES

Tap Cats is a University of Arizona tap dance club. (Dancers left to right) Alexandra Manriquez is a junior and president of Tap Cats. Lindsay Teitelbaum is a junior and 2nd year Tap Cats member. She has performed with Savion Glover. Katherine Promer is a senior and treasurer of Tap Cats.

Tap Sensation is Tucson's premiere women's tap dancing troupe. Thirty women ranging in age from 45 to 81 dedicate their time and energy to the creative, physical and mental benefits of tap dancing. Based in Tucson, Arizona, TAP SENSATION dances across the country for public and private events and has appeared on national television numerous times. Under the direction of Frankie Trent, their entertaining and beautifully choreographed repertoire inspires and motivates others to explore and pursue a higher level of fitness and self-fulfillment through dance. With confidence, grace, beauty and precision, they're not over the hill yet -- they're just starting their clilmb to the top! In-studio Tap 'N' Tea Parties are Tap Sensation's newest form of entertainment available by reservation for group outings and celebratiaons. Beginning and intermediate adult tap classes are also offered to the public. Their studio is located at 450 S. Tucson Blvd, Tucson, behind the Sabbar Shrine Temple. Ph: 520-795-2494 Website: www.tapsensation.com

The Tucson Prunes perform a lively show filled with music, dance and comedy that can be seen at reunions, civic and corporate functions and charitable events throughout Southern Arizona. Whether you are joining them for a musical trip across the USA, a celebration of the "Roaring 'Twenties," a western revue, or a tribute to our Armed Forces, you will enjoy this troupe of mature men and women as they sing and dance their way into your hearts. The Prunes have entertained more than 7000 people -- young and old alike -- and they look forward to entertaining you!

YOUNG TAP DANCING SOLOISTS

Brendan Kellam is nine years old and has been dancing since he was three. He has been a member of the Danswest Dance Company for the last six years. Brendan began his dance career under the guidance of the legendary Frank Trent, where he found his love for Tap. Brendan is now being trained by Megan Maltos, whose hard work and persistence has brought him to his current level of performance. Brendan has won numerous awards at regional and national competitions, including three Photogenic Awards. Already this year, Brendan has earned Hollywood Connection's "Icon Title Award," and No Limit's "Junior Mr. Title Award."

Mallory Karn is 10 years old and attends Tanque Verde Elementary School. She started dancing with Danswest Dance Company when she was just 2 1/2 years old and now trains about 12 hours per week with Megan Maltos. Mallory is also very proud to currently be the youngest student of Mr. Frank Trent! She is passionate about dance and competes nationally. Her new solo is Maple Leaf Rag and she is excited to be back performing in this year's 20th anniversary of National Tap Dance Day.

CULTURAL GROUPS

Ballet Folklorico Arizona is a professional dance group founded in 1994 by Artistic Director Julie Gonzalez Gallego focusing on presenting folklorico traditions of both Mexico and Arizona. They have performed extensively in Arizona and have captivated audiences in California, Texas, Nevada, Colorado and Mexico, with their energetic and artistic presentations. Dancers from Ballet Folklorico Arizona are featured in the Annual Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival at the Mandalay Bay Casino Resort, as well as in the Arizona Christmas Mariachi Festival at the America West Arena in Phoenix and International Mariachi Espectacular at the Tucson Convention Center. Ballet Folklorico Arizona are the featured dancers for the Annual Musical "Viva Arizona" at the Tucson Convention Center Music Hall.

Maguire Academy of Irish Dance

Seven Pipers Scottish Society, is dedicated to the preservation, performance, and the enjoyment of Scottish music and dance. Participation is based on a love for the music and dance regardless of whether or not your ancestors came from Scotland. The Scottish Version of the Irish Jig In addition to the Highland and National dances performed at Highland Dance competitions, there are two character dances: The Sailor's Hornpipe and the Irish Jig. The Scottish version of the Irish Jig is a humorous salute to their Celtic brethren across the sea. Depending on whether a woman or a man dances it, there are several different stories to the dance. One story depicts a woman who is angry because a leprechaun has knocked her clean laundry off the clothesline. A male dancer depicts a leprechaun wearing green and red tails, breeches, hat, and twirls a shillelagh. It is an energetic dance featuring lots of fist shaking and skirt flouncing among female competitors. The Irish Jig dancer wears hard shoes with a jingle in the heel. The dance is not an actual Jig but uses elements of Scottish Highland dance and tap.

Danzacultura Mexicana was founded in 1994 by Carmen Baron and Maria Murrieta, natives from Altar Sonora, Mexico, and offers authentic regional and traditional dances from Mexico to everyone. It is committed to arouse pride, self-esteem, and confidence among the children, in addition to educating the public in the heritage of their Mexican culture. Danzacultura Mexicana wishes to continue responding to the needs of young children by developing positive and committed young people for a better future and citizenship. Danzacultura Mexicana dancers have entertained the Tucson community at several annual festivals and are excited to be a part of this TAP celebration.

Tir Conaill Academy of Irish Dance

Barbara (Schuessler) "La Flamencista" began her flamenco dance training in Tucson with Tere Aguirre and continued with Patricia Mahan and Olivia Rojo. In 1988, she traveled to Washington State to study with Teo Morca. That is when she knew she had to follow her passion and began her pursuit of studying the flamenco art form. She has attended the Festival Flamenco in Albuquerque for more than 15 years where she studied with many great masters of flamenco, namely Antonio Canales and Yolanda Heredia and workshops by "La Tanya" and Maria Benitez in Santa Fe. Barbara traveled to Sevilla, Spain and experienced the incredible instruction of dancers that include but, not limited to, Belen Maya, Maria Angeles, and, most importantly, Georgia, "La Candela." She has performed with Aires Flamenco, Flamenco Y Mas and her own troupes. She continues to perform at festivals and private functions with "Las Flamencistas" and as a solo artist. Barbara teaches a several dance studios in Tucson.

DANCE STUDIOS

Danswest Dance Productions, Inc., (Tucson), Danswest has been in Tucson for 30 years and is currently owned by mother-daughter team Jill and Megan Maltos. It is located on Tucson's east side in the Speedway Square Shopping Center - 5633 E Speedway. There are three large studio rooms with sprung floors and a dancewear store. Classes are for ages 2 1/2 through adult in various dance forms -- tap, ballet, Hip-Hop, jazz/lyrical, contemporary, modern, Flamenco, Irish, and specialized pre-school classes. Our instructors strive to make dance an exciting, rewarding, creative and enjoyable experience for each student. We are excited to be a part of this 20th anniversary celebration of National Tap Dance Day sharing our top tap talent with the community.

Tucson Dance Academy (Marana), owner/director Tammy Manville-Booth