Jaye Allison

Jaye Allison will produce three days of tap technique, teacher training, children's and history workshops with top internationally known artists and top talent from around Philadelphia. The emphasis will be on reclaiming and passing on the African American and Philadelphia roots of tap dance, which are at risk of dying along with those who were part of the development of the art form. Teachers will emphasize the legacy of African American tap masters who taught them to keep the art and African American cultural heritage alive.

Jaye will lead tap workshops as part of the Philly Tap Challenge ON FIRE! (PTC). PTC was created to honor Philadelphia's role as an historical site for street dance rhythms from the 1930s to 80s and the African American artists whose contributions made tap and street dance synonymous with the city. These workshops will share this vital part of North American dance, educate students about the African American roots of tap and street dance, and resist marginalization of these dance forms while encouraging a broader audience to reclaim this cultural tradition.

Jaye will present "Wonderland," a reflection of urban culture through dance. It will have a videoscape backdrop depicting the everyday lives of community members. This piece aims to provide hope, opportunity, and resources to create change in her West Philadelphia neighborhood.