The seventh New York City Tap Festival, produced by Tony Waag, filled Symphony Space, July 8-11 with joyous audiences, and a cast of headliners from the past and present. America's indigenous art form, with a slight bow to clogging, came of age after the turn of the century, when huge movie theaters flourished in every large city, extravagant shows were staged and "headliners" performed in the circuit creating memories that are still fondly remembered. The styles and personalities of the performers contributed to the vocabulary of hoofing, singing and patter. The Newport Jazz Festivals brought "stars" to the attention of the country and Ed Sullivan on early television, presented tapper Peg-Leg Martin along with Jimmy Slyde, who recently passed away, and was honored as an international ambassador. Although Hollywood films in the '30 and '40 created "names," it was the live performer who carried the art form into the hearts of the public.

This year's International Tap Dance Awards went to tap legends "Brownie" Brown of Cook and Brown, who appeared with the vaudevillian entrance of looking disarmingly at the audience during an entrance and an exit; Harold Cromer of Stump and Stumpy, and Mable Lee. Each received the award graciously, a plastic shoe-sole statuette with taps. But it was Mable Lee, who made the audience want to see more of her sassy act, now diminished by time to eye-rolling and a slight movement in the hips. She had the manners to thank the audience for her award.

Tony Waag, producer and host, is a most congenial, courteous and charming master of ceremonies, who sings and dances himself, just at the right time between "acts" to create a welcome breath, a slight pause before resuming the non-stop event.

The performance of international tappers on July 11, included dancers from around the world, South America, Asia and a Russian tapper, who danced on his hands, all performing traditional steps to their native music. Onstage musicians were piano, percussion and bass with an unexpected ukulele, and marimba band. Unexpected as well, but part of the tap tradition, was a sand dance, created by performers, who used the sand that put out the fires of railway engines and spilled onto the platforms. They created a different sound from the percussive Coca Cola metal caps. Sandman Simms, was its most inventive choreographer. This gigantic seventh festival involved film and talks, as well as a boat ride around Manhattan. To see past performer-greats: Rhythm Red, Chuck Green, Jimmy Slyde and others, visit the Musical Theater Division at the NY Public Library at Lincoln Center. "Time Steps and Other Times," was a film produced for PBS, Channel 3 at that time, 1960s. This gigantic event went smoothly, involved young dancers and included events such as a film, talks, and a boat ride around Manhattan.

For more information about classes, tour information and other events: ATDF, 18 West 27th St., New York, NY, www.atdf.org

Karen Callaway Williams Photo © & courtesy of Lois Greenfield

Barbara Duffy, Mable Lee, Tony Waag, and Margaret Morrison Photo © & courtesy of Debi Field

Kazu Kumagai Photo © & courtesy of Debi Field

Tony Waag and Mable Lee Photo © & courtesy of Debi Field

the late Dr. Jimmy Slyde, who will be inducted into the International Tap Dance Hall of Dance Photo © & courtesy of Debi Field

Tony Waag Photo © & courtesy of Debi Field

Tony Waag Photo © & courtesy of Debi Field

Harold Cromer, who was inducted into the Int'l Tap Dance Hall of Fame.   Mr. Cromer is an invaluable  teacher/choreographer/mentor at Tap City. Born in NYC, he first appeared on Broadway in 1940, doing a tap dance to Ethel Merman's singing in the original production of "DuBarry Was a Lady." Photo © & courtesy of Debi Field

Dr. Jimmy Slyde, also inducted into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame. Photo © & courtesy of Carolina Kroon