A recent rainy Friday transformed into a vibrant, joyful morning with the help of music and dance company Music from the Sole, who returned to Chapin to share energetic tap performances with Classes 1, 2 and 8-12.
“Happy Black History Month, y’all,” began Leonardo Sandoval, dancer, choreographer and co-director, addressing the Lower School students seated in the Assembly Room. “We’re happy to bring an African American art form to the stage today.” The engaging ensemble, which celebrates tap’s Afro-diasporic roots, particularly its connections to Afro-Brazilian dance and music, is also deeply committed to community engagement.
Mr. Sandoval and dancer Ana Tomioshi immediately dove into an exciting, upbeat performance, using their feet and bodies to create rhythmic tunes. Three other members vital to the show included composer, musician and co-director Gregory Richardson on bass guitar; José Revé, saxophonist; and Noé Kains, pianist.
After the captivating show, Mr. Sandoval announced, “Who’s ready to dance with us?!”
The Lower Schoolers leapt to their feet and twirled slowly with outstretched arms to ensure they had enough personal space to dance.
“First, we’re going to do a call and response,” said Mr. Sandoval, explaining that he would perform a phrase and the students would repeat it right after. “March with me to keep the tempo,” he advised.
Marching in place with their listening ears on, the students began to mimic a series of claps and stomps to create a beat. Next, Mr. Sandoval asked students to try “three and a break,” where one dance sequence is repeated three times before switching to another.
With big smiles, the students mastered the technique and crafted their own music using their bodies! Once finished, the students participated in a Q&A with the group and to begin, one asked how long they had been tap-dancing.
“I have been dancing for 20 years,” Ms. Tomioshi said, much to the students’ surprise.
Mr. Revé explained that he started playing music when he was six years old. “But it doesn’t matter when you start,” he said, underscoring that you can always follow your passions despite your age.
“Are tap shoes heavy?” wondered another student.
Smiling, Mr. Sandoval responded, “Yes! Since there’s metal on the bottom, they are a bit heavy, but you get used to the weight.”
“When you’re younger, the shoes are lighter,” added Ms. Tomioshi.
A third student asked how they move their feet so fast to which Mr. Sandoval and Ms. Tomioshi agreed, “Lots of practice!”
Later, Upper School students also had an opportunity to watch the performance then chat with the ensemble. (Classes 9 and 11 joined the group in person in the Assembly Room while Classes 8, 10 and 12 viewed from their classrooms via livestream.)
During their discussion, Mr. Sandoval shared that tap dancing is an American art form that originated right here in New York City. “Tap became prominent in the Five Points District,” he explained, referring to the area presently known as Chinatown.
Although tap dancing has African American and Irish roots, Mr. Sandoval explained that it is “often claimed as African American because there was one person who was undeniably the best and went on to become very famous.” This was revealed to be William Henry Lane, also known as “Master Juba,” who was one of the first black performers to be onstage in front of a white audience.
As the Assembly came to an end, the Upper School students left Music from the Sole with a robust round of applause. As they left, their teachers noted, “If you’re leaving with questions, it means you’re leaving inspired!”
