“Rhythms of Resilience, Resistance & Reclamation” delivered an unforgettable celebration of multicultural heritage through music, art, dance and storytelling, capturing the indomitable spirit and creativity of diverse traditions. Audiences were spellbound by an electrifying concert where tap dancers and musicians fused the pulsating beats of Jazz, Blues, Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Afro-Caribbean and West African music. A special highlight was the tribute to Karen Callaway Williams, honored as the 2024 “Tapology Living Legend.”
The lineup was a powerhouse of talent, featuring the Tapology Youth Ensemble, Detroit School of the Arts and celebrated tap artists and educators including Tapology CEO Bruce Bradley, Artistic Director Frances Bradley, Associate Artistic Director Kandee Hogan and honoree Karen Callaway Williams. Other renowned performers, like Alexandria “Brinae Ali” Bradley, Sarah Savelli, Maurice Chestnut, Michela Marino Lerman, Nico Rubio, Imani Taylor and Monessa Salley brought a dazzling display of rhythm and artistry to the stage.
The musical backdrop, rich with African drumming by Baba Kevin, the vocals of Cherisse Bradley and the award-winning sounds of musicians Gayelynn McKinney, Jonathon Muir-Cotton, Alex Colista, Reichlin Small and Tapology Music Director Nick Rolfe added layers of intensity and soul to the evening.
Founded in 2001, the Tapology Tap Dance Festival goes beyond performance, offering Master Classes, Workshops, a Living Legend Luncheon, Historical Lectures and a Tap Competition, solidifying its place as a hub of tap excellence and cultural connection.
