Photo Credit: Scott Ortel
By Joe Duffey
I started dancing at Joy of Motion Dance Center’s Friendship Heights studio in the fall of 2010, after searching for practice space near George Washington University, where I am currently a junior majoring in geography. The studio has since become a haven for my creative endeavors: a weekly escape from my schoolwork and the fast pace downtown. Caroline Besley, studio manager, has been so accommodating to my hectic schedule. With her help, I have been able to refine my own stepdancing style, and brew up choreography such as “On Tap,” a brand new tap-infused Irish dance acapella piece I will be showcasing at the Percussive Dance Project 2012 show this January.
I began training in competitive Irish dance at age six, and twice competed at the World Irish Dance Championships. All through my success in competition, I tended to find the nature of traditional Irish step dance to be limiting. As a result, I began to explore outlets for performing: when I was 12, I got to be part of an innovative show called “SoleMates,” a collaboration between Footworks Percussive Dance Ensemble and DC-based StepAfrika!, which exposed me to new percussive dance forms including stepping, African gumboot and clogging. It soon inspired me to loosen up my arms and step outside my comfort zone. My performing career has also brought me to The White House, Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. I’ve had the privilege to dance with accomplished musicians including Riverdance fiddler Eileen Ivers, The Chieftains, and even an impromptu performance with Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” national radio show.
Currently, I work with the Teelin Irish Dance Company, based in Columbia, MD. We are debuting a new show on February 25th called “StepDance” at the Weinberg Theatre in Frederick, MD. The show takes Irish dance to an all-new level, incorporating cutting-edge choreography and live music with a cast of talented artists.
When the opportunity arose to submit work for the Percussive Dance Project 2012, I knew “On Tap” would be a great candidate. The piece reflects the evolution of my own percussive dance style, and the passion (or, perhaps a compulsive obsession?) I have with developing intricate rhythm patterns, set to the stage without any music or distractions whatsoever. Performing “On Tap” at the Percussive Dance Project 2012 show is a great way to start the new year, and I hope everyone enjoys watching the piece as much as I enjoyed creating it!
Percussive Dance Project 2012 will be held Saturday, January 28th 8:00 p.m. at The Jack Guidone Theater at JOMDC Friendship Heights. Tickets start at $12. Please visit the Concerts/Events section of our website to purchase yours today.
