Tap-tap-tapping at H.O.T.'s second annual show
The Shapiro Theater was packed this past Saturday for Hooked on Tap's second annual show, "Tap it Like It's H.O.T." Joined by groups from Boston University, Olin College, Babson College and the professional The Rhythm Section, H.O.T. proved that Brandeis' interest in tap is just that, packing the stage with dancers whose numbers seemed rivaled only by their talent. The club includes both beginners and dancers who have worn tap shoes since before they could walk, and given such breadth, their collective skill and agility was somewhat unexpected. The most exciting and high-energy piece of the evening was H.O.T.'s "A Capella tap" performance. Featuring Daniel Baron '09, Julie Berg '07, Samantha Lakin '08 and Wendi Safran '07, the routine found the members presenting rhythms without the benefit of music and showcased immense tapping ability. Baron, the only male in the piece, was incredibly engaging and exciting-his moves reflected a great passion and aptitude for tap, and it was a shame he was not present for the rest of the show.
The routines were mostly done to unlikely songs, such as "Purple Haze" by Jimmy Hendrix and "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen. Their pieces contained lots of "regular" dancing, and it often seemed the dancers were choreographed to run around the stage or move in place rather than actually dance.
The other groups provided a nice variation from H.O.T.-since the BU, Olin College and Babson College groups were smaller, their performances demonstrated more concentrated skills and a better handle on the moves. Greatly lacking from their performance, however, was the energy and enthusiasm that abounded in every H.O.T. routine, a possible symptom of being supplements to the show and not its featured performers.
But the most impressive individual performance of the evening came from Boston University senior Jessica Chapius, who performed some mind-blowing footwork to Gavin DeGraw's "Chariot." Her moves were original and enthralling-watching her feet was breathtaking. Her work seemed inspired by the tap virtuoso Savion Glover; however, her energy was lackluster and she was more focused on the moves than engaging the audience.
The Rhythm Section provided an interesting contrast to both H.O.T. and the other college groups. The ensemble, comprised of professional tappers and one Brandeis alum, Lauren Elson '00, stuck to the traditional forms of tap. While the group demonstrated its understanding of the perfect combination of choreography and music, their two performances were very similar and their steps seemed a little safe and monotonous. Despite the traditional feel, The Rhythm Section was very enjoyable, talented and fun to watch.
Although the night felt a little bit more like a high school talent show than a tap-dancing showcase, H.O.T. and their guest performers' passion for tap shone through. Barring the technical and sound difficulties, and some low-energy performances from visiting groups, H.O.T.'s show did a remarkable job of exposing Brandeis to the foot-stomping, fast-paced world of tap.
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