Check out tap choreographer Mark Yonally

Stacie Strong | May 08, 2008 | there are 9 comments 9
Mark Yonally in performance. Photo by Josh Hawkins.

Mark Yonally in performance. Photo by Josh Hawkins.

I recently had the honor of interviewing Mark Yonally, one of the tap world's most innovative and accomplished choreographers.  His vision of tap is utterly unique and becoming more and more popular every year.  As Artistic Director and principle choreographer of Chicago Tap Theatre, he's taking artistic risks that no one else is, all while bringing in new audience members by the truckloads.  It's quite a story.

If you ever have the chance to see Mark Yonally perform or take one of his master classes, do it.  He's an amazing performer as well as a fantastic teacher.  I won't repeat the contents of the interview here (you can catch it in the May 2008 issue of Dancer magazine or click here  http://www.danceruniverse.com/stories/issues/200805/MA20-On-the-record/), but it's well worth reading, even if I do say so myself!

The one thing that this blog can do that print articles can't is give you links to some examples of Mark's work.  You can find out more about Mark, his company, Chicago Tap Theatre, and his dancers at http://chicagotaptheatre.com/, but you can also go directly to the posted videos at http://chicagotaptheatre.com/about/videos.  His work is fiendishly difficult while also retaining a humanity and emotional appeal that is amazing.  "Wow!" doesn't even begin to describe it!  

You can also catch Chicago Tap Theatre on YouTube, performing at Lollapalooza 2007 with the Polyphonic Spree.  How many tappers do you know that have the opportunity to perform to 30,000 screaming fans? The live recording of the performance is also available on iTunes, and you can hear the tapping much better. The track is "Mental Cabaret" - Mark's solo taps can be heard on the studio version, with the tone (but not the speed!) tweaked to sound like a high hat drum.

Mark has done some pretty amazing things in his career and is an inspiration to all who meet him.  Many thanks to Dancer magazine for inviting me to do a profile on this up and coming choreographer!

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tags Tap, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance (all tags)


Check out tap choreographer Mark Yonally | 9 Comments | Post a Comment
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Mark Yonally

WOW!  Is there any wonder CTT is my favorite dance company -- the man oozes talent!  So happy to be able to see the Lolapalooza clip.  Thank you!!

user icon tapannette | May 08, 2008 | rated none by 0 others

Rock!

Way to bring tap to the people!

user icon tapdancegrrl | May 09, 2008 | rated none by 0 others

Huge fan :)

I LOVE watching Mark & the CTT perform - they're so amazing, fun, and talented!

user icon marvelissa | May 09, 2008 | rated none by 0 others

Rock n Roll

Thats Mark always making people happy... and he does it with his feet?!? you just don't hear that everyday!! you go Mark

user icon philly187 | May 12, 2008 | rated none by 0 others

Master Classes with Mark

Mark Yonally is teaching tap at the CNADM Convention and Student Sessions this summer.  Check out the Chicago National listing for dates and locations or go to www.cnadm.com

user icon cnadm | May 21, 2008 | rated none by 0 others

Yonally's Comic Book Tap Opera

I just got the chance to speak with Mark Yonally about Chicago Tap Theatre's "The Hourglass and the Poisoned Pen," their comic-book tap opera that is now running.

I'd love to see this show.
http://www.dancehere.com/chicago-tap-theatre/

user icon DanceHere | Jul 01, 2008 | rated none by 0 others

Hey Mark!

When will you be in your hometown? We would love to have you teach a master class!!!
What is the best way to set that up? Your classes are fantastic!!!

user icon Boogie | Jul 07, 2008 | rated none by 0 others

New video of Mark's work

There are some awesome new videos of Mark's choreography at http://chicagotaptheatre.com/media/video.  Check it out and be amazed!

user icon Stacie Strong | Nov 22, 2008 | rated none by 0 others

Done it again!

Mark and company (Chicago Tap Theatre, that is) have done it again with their newest tap opera, the hip and quirky fairytale-gone-amuck, Little Dead Riding Hood.  It's running May 29 through June 14 (that's 2009 for those who may be reading in future years!).  Check out the e-interview with Andrew Edwards for more on how this amazing show was created.

user icon Stacie Strong | May 30, 2009 | rated none by 0 others

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