Gwinnett Daily Post

'Tap-a-ce-tic' hits Center Stage on Aug. 8

“Tap-a-ce-tic” is a one of a kind performance that will blow the audience away,” Gwinnett dancer and teacher Brandon Chitwood said. “We are taking tap dance to a whole new dimension with our stunning lights, sets and quick feet!”

Brandon will not be alone on stage. Other tappers include Alicia Newcom, who is also the assistant director, Skylar Newcom, Haley Jenkins and Brad Coggin. All of these dancers grew up together in Gwinnett County and all have trained under Chitwood.

“Audiences will have a new appreciation for this form of dance that is not taught as much as it used to,” Chitwood said. “Some of the props and sets rotate, light up and swing! The atmosphere should feel very intimate, leaving the audience open to applaud, cheer and participate with the dancers. The audience should leave excited and with an appreciation for entertainment.”

The Gwinnett arts community is more familiar with Chitwood and his wife, Alicia, as being the new owners of Southern Performing Arts Academy, home of Southern Ballet Theatre. Chitwood grew up in the school but his journey into dance started with an altogether different form of movement.

Growing up, he played soccer. In the summer before high school his coach recommended that the team take tap classes to improve their footwork and speed, and the rest is history. Dance became an important part of his life so much that it is now Chitwood’s career.

Gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, Donald O’Connor, Steve Condos and Sammy Davis Jr. were all an inspiration to him.

“Tap is different (from other forms of dance) because instead of dancing to the rhythm of the music, your feet make the rhythm, like a musician,” Chitwood says. “Your feet can lead you to make your own music, experimenting with different sounds from the shoes and parts of your feet. There is freedom with tap dancing. You are only limited by the size of your imagination.”

In creating “Tap-a-ce-tic” Chitwood wants to combine tap with unconventional sets and props, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.

“I believe in taking the audience on an entertainment journey. I want to entertain a wide variety of audiences, not just people who like dance. This way, people who have never stepped into a theatre will have a new appreciation for dance, especially tap dancing.”

See the article at http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2014/jul/31/8216tap-a-ce-tic8217-hits-center-stage-on-aug-8/

Examiner.com

Put an unforgettable stamp on your summer with TAP•A•CE•TIC LIVE!

Think back to your introductory tap class; the patent Mary Jane Tap Shoes, fluffy tutus, and basic toe-tapping beats to Candy Man. Now think of what tap could become. Intricate rhythms, astounding footwork, special effects, and even audience participation. This is where 4+ years of intense planning and hard work by Chitwood Studios of Lawrenceville, GA comes into play. Debuting for the first time at the Gwinnett Civic Center on August 8th, 9th, and 10th TAP•A•CE•TIC LIVE is the first show of its kind to take tap dance as we know it to limitless heights, taking the audience on an unimaginable journey.

The Cirque Du Soleil of tap, if you will, TAP•A•CE•TIC LIVE is a brand new concept show that combines today’s modern technology with sensational lighting, live music, audience participation, and indescribably advanced tap sets. The six performers in the show will astound you with their rhythmic talents and showmanship. Brandon Chitwood, the creator of Chitwood Studios and producer/choreographer of TAP•A•CE•TIC LIVE, is an insanely talented and passionate visionary for the art of tap and dance in general. You will be sure to leave the theatre with your fingers drumming, toes tapping, and perhaps the slight feeling of regret you didn’t continue that tap class you started when you were younger.

Complete your summer with a showing (or all four) of TAP•A•CE•TIC LIVE to truly experience innovation in the live dance and theatre industry.

Make sure you check Gwinnett Center Event Site for information on buying tickets, show times, and additional event details. Also be sure to Like them on their TAP•A•CE•TIC LIVE Facebook Page to stay up-to-date on new information and promotional videos/photos.

See the article at http://www.examiner.com/article/put-an-unforgettable-stamp-on-your-summer-with-tap-a-ce-tic-live