There will be a great deal of good music this weekend in downtown Apex.
And plenty of toes will most certainly be tapping.
The Footnotes Tap Ensemble will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a pair of shows at the Halle Cultural Arts Center on Salem Street. The first show is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. with an encore performance Sunday at 2 p.m.
World renowned tap dancer Michelle Dorrance will join the ensemble for both shows. The Chapel Hill native has toured internationally with “Stomp” and recently won a prestigious Bessie Award.
Ensemble co-founder and artistic director Robin Vail said the shows should entertain anyone who appreciates great dancing and talented musicians.
“There will be something for everybody,” said Vail. “We will have all kinds of music, big band to rock and roll. Mark Wells, Peter Lamb, George Knott and Stephen Coffman are just wonderful musicians. Of course, we will have some great tap dancing. We’re thrilled to have Michelle performing with us. She is one of the best tap dancers in the world.”
Vail and Mimi Benjamin created the non-profit tap ensemble in Chapel Hill back in 2002 as a way to showcase their passion for dancing.
When Vail moved to the Triangle with her husband in 1995, she had no idea that a thriving tap community already existed.
“Honestly, I just stumbled onto it,” said Vail. “We moved to Chapel Hill from California because of jobs and I didn’t realize how strong the tap community was here. The people are just great. We all know each other and everyone is so supportive of each other.”
Dorrance was part of that local dance scene when Vail first met her about 15 years ago.
“She grew up in Chapel Hill and was part of this tap dance community,” said Vail. “She is a wonderful person and we are thrilled she is dancing with us for our anniversary show.”
Vail said she also feels fortunate that her ensemble will celebrate its big milestone at the Halle Center.
“We performed there two years ago and I just loved it,” said Vail. “It’s a great place to hold a performance; it has a wonderful intimate space. I just wish more artists knew about it. I also love to come to Apex. It’s such an adorable town.”
Tickets for the show are $13 apiece, $10 for students and seniors. For more information visit www.footnotestapensemble.org.
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