Acia Gray - President of Tap!

Stacie Strong | Jul 15, 2008 | 0

Acia Gray of Tapestry Dance Company

Acia Gray is the co-founder of Tapestry Dance Company (http://www.tapestry.org/), one of the tap world's most exciting companies.  She has also just been named as the new President of the International Tap Association.  She talks to us about Tapestry, the ITA and the wide world of tap!

Acia Gray has reached legendary status in the tap world, having graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and subsequently sharing the stage with such tap greats as Lon Chaney, Chuck Green, Steve Condos, Brenda Bufalino, Donald O'Connor, Fayard Nicholas, Buster Brown, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Jimmy Slyde, Sarah Petronio, Dianne Walker and many others.  She has danced, choreographed and taught for numerous dance and academic organizations in the U.S. and abroad, and was chosen in 2003 for the National Endowment of the Arts National College Choreography Initiative.  Her critically acclaimed book and Amazon.com category bestseller "The Souls of Your Feet: A Tap Dance Guide for Rhythm Explorers" is available at all major bookstores and online (http://www.amazon.com/Souls-Your-Feet-Guidebook-Explorers/dp/0966744500/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1216130917&sr=1-1). Recently profiled in Dance Teacher Now magazine, Acia also serves on the NEA-funded Steering Committee for the National Tap Plan/International Tap Association.  She has graciously given us some of her valuable time to talk about what's most important to her - tap!

SS:  So tell us a little about Tapestry Dance Company.  What sets you apart from other dance companies, especially other tap companies?
AB:  Well, I suppose the biggest difference is that Tapestry is the only full-time (36 week contract) paid professional tap company.  These guys actually make a monthly paycheck!  We also rehearse Monday to Friday from 9:00am - 2:00pm -- a pretty solid schedule.  Being a fusion company as well (incorporating modern dance, jazz, etc.) is also unique.  I think we're up there among the oldest as well - incorporated in 1989.

SS:  Why did you choose to go in that direction when you created Tapestry?
AG: Deirdre Strand (co-founder) and I wanted a company that had no boundaries (multi-form) in order to create anything and everything we wanted.  Tap dance was what made us different, as did the multi-form aspect.  We were both part of Austin On Tap (the busiest touring tap company to date) - in the middle of a two month tour when I was chosen to be part of the Colorado Dance Festival's First Creative Residency for Tap with Honi Coles.  When I arrived and started working with Honi, Brenda, Eddie Brown, Steve Condos, etc., I found couldn't go back.  We started making plans for a new company that summer - Tapestry.  In fact the name was even set while we were still in Boulder.  I was intending to finish my contract with AOT (actually for the whole next season), but the director found out and I was asked to resign (this, after 7 years of dancing with the company).  In the end, it was the best thing that could have happened.  The rest is history . . . the company was full-time on its own in a few years.

SS:  How important is it to you to have lots of different voices and traditions in tap?
AG:  I think it's awesome - we all have our unique and individual voices and that's the way tap should be.

SS:  Lots of tappers just want to dance.  They don't necessarily want to take on administrative and other duties.  What inspired you to take on a leadership role with Tapestry?  
AG:  No choice.  With limited funds, we wanted to be sure the dancers were taken care of financially.  Funding has just not lent itself as of yet to support an Executive Director in addition to an Artistic Director.  However, THIS SEASON we are shifting into a new realm.  Tapestry has made itself a new home here in Austin (a 12,500 square foot, 6 studio facility) and added 20% to its budget with our national tour of THE SOULS OF OUR FEET (NEA AMERICAN MASTERPIECES TOUR) and we're at a major tipping point.  We're hoping to have that new person on board very soon!

SS:  You also have just been named President of the International Tap Association.  What does the ITA do, and what do you do as President?  
AG:  The ITA is a service organization for all tap dance and tap dancers - areas of support and outreach include a quarterly newsletter On Tap (which will soon be online at our new website!), calendar listings, editorial and historical platforms for writers, advertising for events and tap products, grant support, mailing lists, etc.  My Presidency involves heading up an incredible board that includes Tony Waag (Co-Founder and Executive/Artistic Director of Tap City/NYC), Lane Alexander (Founder and Director of The Chicago Human Rhythm Project) and Marda Kirn (Co-Founder and past Executive/Director of the ITA).  I'm also at this time heading up the transition to the new website and relocation.

SS:  Why did you want to become President of the ITA, and how did it all come about?  
AG: I saw that the ITA needed leadership that included a passion for its importance and its services.  I was approached by Marda Kirn for numerous panels over the years (including Steering Committees for the ITA and the NEA-funded National Tap Plan) and was nominated by this current board.

SS: What kind of changes to do you envision for the ITA?  I suspect there's more than just a change in geography in the cards!  
AG:  Austin is actually the interim home for the ITA until the board decides on its perfect location -- I envision an ITA with more hands-on inclusion for the members across the world.  For example, members will be able to add to our website information on what's going on in the field!

SS: Why is it important for tappers to join ITA?  
AG: The biggest reason - to stay connected!  Keep in touch, network and share the rhythm and passion for this incredible art form.

SS: How would someone who wants to give back to the tap community get involved with helping the ITA do its work?
AG:  EMAIL ME!!! [Acia's email is soulsfeet@aol.com] The ITA needs passionate individuals who want to help "spread some rhythm around!"

So that's it - an impressive history in tap and a dedication to improving its future.  For those who have never seen Acia or Tapestry in action, you're in for a treat - look for them to come to Washington State as well as cities in Missouri, Alabama, Minnesota and Wisconsin this fall.  Plus, if you love tap and want to help give back to the community, consider getting involved with ITA.  Studies have shown that happiness increases for those who are involved with volunteerism and charity work - the only thing that rates higher is dance! http://health.msn.com/health-topics/mental-health/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=100210274&imageindex=12  So why not combine the two and volunteer for dance - you'll be all the happier for it!

Thanks again to Acia for sharing her insights and information!

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