There’s something mesmerising about a dancer’s feet but none more so than a tapper’s.
Australian tap dancer, choreographer and creator Tommy Egan has not long returned from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where his show Two Right Feet, featuring a live jazz band and Egan himself, pays homage to tap’s roots and that intimate exchange of rhythm and expression.
“Jazz is all about finding your own self-expression through your instrument,” says Egan. “It just happens that my instrument is dance.” He reminds us that “jazz music and tap dance are very, very connected,” and he’s right, of course. As jazz is a conversation between instruments, it’s often also a challenge between two artists. Improvised sound is an integral part of jamming with a band – something which is richly embedded in tap culture also.
Watching Egan converse rhythmically with his band in Two Right Feet feels akin to other dance battles but delivered with a jazzman’s swagger. A swagger synonymous with the tap greats who came before him. Playful, virtuosic and deeply connected to not only their movement but also the music it creates.
Egan is a staunch proponent of dancers being able to converse with one another through dance and movement, not just learn the steps by rote. Much like one learns a language, one must also learn to speak it in conversation, we suggest. “Yeah, that’s 100% right,” he agrees. “I put a lot of importance on that for all my students,” he shares, noting its value in creating resilience and courage for almost any career in the performing arts.
One thing that really elevates this particular show is that Egan says he “listens. You’re sharing knowledge and you’re sharing an expression… I like to think of myself as someone that’s learning, not just someone who’s doing it. This show has been a journey of me learning about music – not just doing choreography – but also making music and making choices and direction and choreography in the sense of a musician as well. Finding really valuable and interesting things to put on stage from a musical concept.” It’s this mindset – that of a musician as much as a dancer – that brings depth to his work.
As we reflect on his connection with jazz music, Egan is passionate about giving respect and honouring the tap legends who came before him often connected with the genre. But Egan is somewhat of a legend himself. A former Tap Dog, co-creator and performer with the hit show The Tap Pack, and a prolific teacher, Egan is committed to his genre and to supporting a healthy and thriving tap culture here in Australia.
From Edinburgh’s biggest festival, Egan returned home to Australia. “I had a great opportunity to work with Gatsby at the Greenlight (Brisbane Festival), which was first at the Sydney Opera House. It was awesome to be with such an incredibly talented group of people.”
Set in a 1920s speakeasy venue and combining dancers, singers, acrobats and aerialists in a cabaret setting, the show was a festival highlight. Tap, it seems, can be very successful in these more informal settings, seeming to slide in effortlessly and receive greater appreciation, almost, in this growing cabaret resurgence we’re experiencing in Australia. “I think the cabaret scene is a good opportunity for tap dancers to put a different kind of work on. It’s a really good audience that is really welcoming towards tap.”
Turning his attention to the summer, Egan is planning something really important to him – continuing to foster the tap community across Australia and providing opportunities for young tap enthusiasts to dance with leading industry professionals as part of his Tap Project Tour.
“The Tap Project started with a youth company, and my idea was that I could see all around the studios that I was teaching at, that there were one or two kids who were really passionate about tap dancing,” Egan explains. “And I thought they need a space where everyone’s talking their language, where tap is the priority, where you get access to amazing tap dancers.” The concept has grown, and every year Egan tours the country, paying particular attention to regional areas as well as the major cities. The tour is wildly popular with the dedicated, and allows those disparate tappers collected along the way a space of their own to connect with one another, and with a network of mentors, artists and events that support the community, such as the Australian Tap Dance Festival, Bondi Tap Festival or Sydney Tap Festival.
One of the leading supporters of tap in Australia is Capezio. Not only a sponsor for Egan himself but for events like the Australian Tap Dance Festival, Capezio has a rich history with the artform.
“Capezio has always been passionate about supporting local talent. Tom works hard to provide opportunities to young tappers, and Capezio is privileged to be a part of their tap journey,” shares Gemma Cann, Marketing Coordinator of Capezio Australia.
The iconic dance brand has been supporting Egan for 12 years, and he wears custom pairs of their K360 shoes – the style of choice for artists serious about their tap.
“It’s a big part of my soul as a performer,” Egan says. “I get to jump on that plane with my backpack, with my Capezio K360s inside.” He explains he doesn’t pack them in the hold because you can’t just get them anywhere. “You always take them on board. You’ve got to keep them on you at all times. I’ve travelled all over the world with them,” he says with a hint of alarm at being parted with them.
Egan’s K360s have travelled to Berlin, the UK , the US, India, Thailand, Bali, the South Pacific and on cruise ships. “They’re by far my favourite shoe, the K360,” he reveals, noting that the Capezio 960 are what he recommends all his students wear, as they’re also an incredible shoe at an affordable price point with “that heavier sound you want.”
He’s quick to justify, “I don’t just wear the shoe because I’m sponsored by Capezio. The shoe is something I believe in and it’s the best product, I think. I really appreciate them.”
“Capezio’s years of craftsmanship have created tap shoes trusted by dancers worldwide,” Cann says. “We’re proud to partner with Tom and his events to ensure every tapper has access to quality footwear.”
Capezio has really won the heart of the tap industry with a loyal customer base, including Egan. We asked him how important he thinks it is to have a brand who identifies as championing tap so proudly? “I think it’s really important because they platform really good voices. In the US, you get to see their videos of the most incredible inspiring tappers. And here in Australia as well, they platform our local dancers. That’s aside from creating a product that is of the highest quality as well.”
So, what’s next for Egan after this summer’s tour? “I think women voices in tap need to be platformed more. I’ve got a young group of girls that I’m planning on working with within the next six months.”
Do yourself a favour and check out one of Egan’s classes as he makes his way around the country with The Tap Project this summer, or enrol in his Sydney classes to learn with someone who is committed to ensuring tap has its own unique place in our Australian dance industry.
Find out more at Thomasjegan.com.au/thetapproject.
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