The Rhythm Project explores rhythm as a concept, choreographic tool, and way of life. In the first of these mini-documentaries, I embark on the first phase of my journey with tap dance choreographer Derick K. Grant. Using the interview method of Studs Terkel, I inspire in Derick, an organic conversation about rhythm. The questions I have composed construct a dialogue that begins on a purely sensual level, provoking an analysis of the way rhythm enters the five senses. My questions build up to rhythm as a choreographic strategy, asking Derick to consider the impact that this concept has had and continues to have on his choreography and dancing but also invites him to consider the ways that his choreography and dancing effect/affect rhythm. By this point I have Derick talking freely and honestly about the subject. My final questions to him include, Can rhythm be stolen and/or appropriated? and What is the relationship between rhythm and race? I endeavor to get to the bottom of these weighty questions as part of my dissertation research on the relationship between rhythm, race, and representation on the national tap dance stage.
While Derick’s words on rhythm drive the plot and point of this film, I allow his practice to speak for itself. In addition to filming this interview, I film Derick’s rhythmic practice in two differently-leveled dance classes in New York City. I film one class he teaches at The American Tap Dance Foundation (ATDF) and one he teaches at STEPS on Broadway. The Rhythm Project thus offers rhythmic practice and analysis simultaneously. Phase one's rhythm will be a combination of Derick’s articulation of embodied physical rhythm, his voice and thoughts surrounding the topic of rhythm, and the improvised rhythms of his students.
Derick K. Grant: Featured Artist: Phase One
A native of Boston, Derick K. Grant has been tapping for over 27 years. He was an original company member and dance captain for Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk at both The Joseph Papp Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival and on Broadway. Derick recreated Savion Glover's choreography and starred in the role of 'da beat for the first national tour.
Derick began his training at the age of two at The Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts, and by the time he was eight years old, he has learned the "hoofin" style of tap from the master tap dancer Diane Walker. Derick furthered his training in Los Angeles at Universal Dance Design Studio under the tutelage of Paul Kennedy. Derick spent three years with the Jazz Tap Ensemble touring the world.
He is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award for Upcoming Young Artists as well as The Helen Hayes Award (Washington D.C.) for Outstanding Featured Actor for his role in Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk. Derick was featured at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts African Odyssey program, part of the Expresiones Latinas Festival. He collaborated on a piece that incorporated tap and capoeira with renowned Brazilian artist Nego Gato, which opened the festivities for singer Daniella Mercury. He also choreographed and performed in a piece on the history of tap that launched the Black History Month 2001 celebration at Aaron Davis Hall. Recent compositions were featured in The Queens Symphony Opera's Duke Ellington Concert in Ann Arbor's Arts Festival.
Derick's own creation A Night Out: Tap! toured the country for three months. Recent choreography and performance with Jazz Tap Ensemble at the Joyce Theater in NYC the New York Times said "Mr. Grant let gusts of rhythm propel him with remarkable velocity!"
In the summer of 2006, he choreographed and directed Imagine Tap!, which had a four-week run at Chicago's Harris Theater with a cast including several of the best tap dancers of his generation.
Recently, Derick was added to the So You Think You Can Dance staff as a featured choreographer for tap dancers.
A native of Boston, Derick K. Grant has been tapping for over 27 years. He was an original company member and dance captain for Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk at both The Joseph Papp Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival and on Broadway. Derick recreated Savion Glover's choreography and starred in the role of 'da beat for the first national tour.
Derick began his training at the age of two at The Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts, and by the time he was eight years old, he has learned the "hoofin" style of tap from the master tap dancer Diane Walker. Derick furthered his training in Los Angeles at Universal Dance Design Studio under the tutelage of Paul Kennedy. Derick spent three years with the Jazz Tap Ensemble touring the world.
He is the recipient of the Princess Grace Award for Upcoming Young Artists as well as The Helen Hayes Award (Washington D.C.) for Outstanding Featured Actor for his role in Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk. Derick was featured at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts African Odyssey program, part of the Expresiones Latinas Festival. He collaborated on a piece that incorporated tap and capoeira with renowned Brazilian artist Nego Gato, which opened the festivities for singer Daniella Mercury. He also choreographed and performed in a piece on the history of tap that launched the Black History Month 2001 celebration at Aaron Davis Hall. Recent compositions were featured in The Queens Symphony Opera's Duke Ellington Concert in Ann Arbor's Arts Festival.
Derick's own creation A Night Out: Tap! toured the country for three months. Recent choreography and performance with Jazz Tap Ensemble at the Joyce Theater in NYC the New York Times said "Mr. Grant let gusts of rhythm propel him with remarkable velocity!"
In the summer of 2006, he choreographed and directed Imagine Tap!, which had a four-week run at Chicago's Harris Theater with a cast including several of the best tap dancers of his generation.
Recently, Derick was added to the So You Think You Can Dance staff as a featured choreographer for tap dancers.
Please enjoy The Rhythm Project: Phase One
