2014-319 Arts - Estes Hills Elementary School PTA for Spring 2014 Arts Grant Agreement $1,000

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PRESS Tap Ensemble `evolve' through talent, hard work The Herald-Sun Apr. 26,2013 @ 05:23 PM By SUSAN BROILI; Special to The Herald-Sun When the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble performs this weekend,expect an evolution.They call their program t- v, "Rhythm Evolved"for good reason. roi T "The seniors name it and put the program together," ensemble artistic director Gene ° Photo° Gerniglia Medler said."It's an interesting way to represent the way rhythms evolved but also the way dancers have evolved in their careers," ensemble senior Sarah Linden said. In their exploration of rhythms,they will be accompanied by a jazz trio featuring Robbie Link on bass; Jim Crew on keyboards; and John Hanks on drums. Both Linden and senior Laura Matrazzo credit Medler with teaching them tap basics that have enabled them to progress. "Gene has been such a good teacher. He is extremely patient and very, very calm. So,you try thrings that are out of your comfort zone," Matrazzo said. "When you get something and he sees you and says, `That's beautiful,'that makes you feel good" "We learn stage presence, how to project to an audience," Matrazzo said. And,they learn how to put on a show. "The ensemble is an incubator for the ins and outs,nuts and bolts and mechanics of putting on a big show," Medler said. "I tell my dancers, I'll teach you everything I know,open every door I can and just get out of your way." These seniors also say Medler is responsible for the longevity of the ensemble currently celebrating its 30th anniversary."It's all Gene - his dedication and his teaching style," Matrazzo said. "He works so hard and puts so much time into it," Linded added. Following his example, students learn to work hard,often practicing for hours on their own in addition to re- hearsals every Saturday.They learn to be mentors,too, by teaching routines to the youngest dancers. Ensemble members learn about the wide world of tap by attending such festivals as the Chicago Human Rhythm Project in the summer. "You meet tap dancers from around the world," Matrazzo said. Ensemble alumni, such as Michelle Dorrance,also return both to perform in shows and teach their own cho- reography to ensemble members. "Michelle is one of the most cutting edge tap choreographers in the world," Medler said.And,her creativity was evident even at age 8 when she joined the ensemble,he added. She's per- forming in the"Rhythm Evolved" show, which includes her three-part work,"Petite Suite."