Dormeshia – the amazing woman leading the amazing women in tap

She was Michael Jackson’s tap instructor. The only female dancer in the Tony Award-winning Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk. She’s been honored with some of the most prestigious awards in dance. Her image was featured on a US postage stamp. Dormeshia is a trailblazer, taking tap to new heights, and elevating and empowering women in the art form as none before. She joins us during Women’s History Month, this Fri & Sat, Mar 21 & 22, for Ladies in the Shoe: Tap Dance Celebration – two evenings of electrifying performances by some of today’s most astonishing female tap dancers. Ahead of the performances, we sat down with “The Queen of Tap.”

You created Ladies in the Shoe – first the conference, now also including performances – to celebrate and spotlight women in tap. What inspired the initiative, and what impact do you hope it makes?

I had noticed that Women’s History Month celebrated women in every field, including the arts, yet there was nothing celebrating women in tap. I started the Ladies in the Shoe Tap Conference during Women’s History Month six years ago to shine a light on the incredible talent out there. These are women we look up to – we see their shows, take their classes, but what do we know about their journeys? It was important to me to create an opportunity to get to know the people behind the artists, so a big part of the conference is the talks. The performance element came a bit later, in 2023. Ladies in the Shoe is all about celebrating women in tap – their creativity, their accomplishments, their contributions. I want to encourage and empower the next generation to continue to do the hard work and to thrive in the tap dance community. And beyond.

Tell us about this year’s Ladies in the Shoe performances. In addition to you(!) and leading tap dancers from the conference, can you talk about the new talent who will be performing and how they came to be involved?

I want to encourage dancers to develop their voices and to be creative, so this year we put out a call for submissions. The response was amazing, with entries received from across the US and Canada. The nine choreographers selected to perform were chosen for their clear vision, creativity and commitment to maintaining the integrity of the art form in their work. They range from a young lady from Texas who will do a soft shoe to Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” to a Jacob’s Pillow alumni dancer inspired by Ella Fitzgerald and who really connects with the music. There’s a special little treat for everyone, and two fabulous nights of tap dance ahead!

Michelle Dorrance reveres you, calling you “the leading artist in tap.”  The New York Times crowned you “The Queen of Tap.” Dance critic Alastair Macauley hailed you as “the woman who enlarges tap dance history.” What is most meaningful to you when you look at your many contributions – as performer, teacher, mentor, advocate – to the art form?

I can’t separate them, because for me it’s all connected to the dance. And I appreciate the accolades, but it’s not why I do what I do. I love tap dance! And I feel strongly about the responsibility to share with others the same humility, love, integrity, and honor that was shared with me.

The 92nd Street Y’s rich dance history includes female icons of modern dance, from Martha Graham to Doris Humphrey to Katherine Dunham, and many more. Both you and Michelle are building on that legacy on our stages in tap. How does it feel to be writing a new chapter in that history?

To be part of that history is amazing. To be building a new chapter of tap history? AMAZING.

You were Michael Jackson’s tap instructor for over a decade. What was it like working with him? Is there a moment in your time together that is particularly memorable?

Michael was a perfectionist. I first met him when his tap teacher at the time – my own teacher, Paul Kennedy – was ill, and recommended me for the job. Michael flew me to Paris for an interview. He wanted to see me dance (cool!). Could I dance in the style of the Nicholas Brothers, he asked?  Yes, and I did. Could I dance in the style of Fred Astaire? Yes, and I did. Then, “How fast can you move your feet?” Fast. He walked over and lay down on the floor by my feet – on his belly like a kid – and looking at my feet move, said, “Now do that again, but go slow.” Then he asked to see the same thing a little faster, then a little faster still. Finally, he looked up from the floor and said, “Can you teach me how to do that?” My heart melted. “Of course.” My job interview was over. Michael stood up and we had our first lesson.

What do you hope audiences take away from these two evenings?

Every time we put on our shoes and step out to dance, we’re showing the world what tap dance is. It’s not just dance. It’s culture. It’s tradition. I want people to walk away from these performances with a newfound love and respect for tap dance, for the women in tap, and for the creativity and integrity put forth on the stage. I’m so excited to be celebrating these ladies and helping the next generation to shine. Women are doing amazing things, and not just in the arts. There’s been a shift in the world. It’s inspiring to see more women in leadership roles, creating opportunities for other women and gaining well-deserved recognition for their contributions. This initiative celebrates that. It’s going to be a party!

Dormeshia and Ladies in the Shoe – Friday, March 21, 7 PM & Saturday, March 22, 7 PM, in person only.

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