The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble presents "The Tapcracker" December 13 & 14
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- "The Tapcracker" is marching onto the stage of the Suzanne Roberts Theatre for its 9th year.
"It's an all-tap version of 'The Nutcracker,' so you will see some characters that are familiar to you, some that are new," says Tamera Dallam, Artistic Director of The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble.
This variation is set in Paris.
Clara wants to see the Eiffel Tower, but it's been overrun by mice.
However, Clara sneaks off anyway and Dallam says she gets "bombarded by our mischievous little Mouse Queen."
The Tapcracker and her guards try to stop the mice, battling for control, but as chaos ensues, Clara is whisked away.
Dallam says she goes on a "wild adventure" to see different characters, but the Tapcracker comes to "save the day."
"It's really exciting," she says.
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble was founded in 2011.
"We're a nonprofit organization whose mission is to produce original works and choreography while maintaining the tradition of improvisation in American rhythm tap," says Dallam.
The group's presentation of "The Tapcracker" is a 4-show limited run, December 13 and 14.
"You're not just going to love what you see, you're going to love what you hear as well," she says.
There are more than 40 dancers.
"We are a professional company," she says. "Adults from 18 on up, but we also have a youth company that dances with us in "The Tapcracker" as well. And they range from nine until 18."
And there's a twist on the music.
"It Is Duke Ellington's suite on Tchaikovsky's score, so it's really funky and jazzy," she says. "It's fun."
Dallam says it's "very powerful" to hear it live.
"It's a really good, fun, family-friendly show," she says. "And most people want to tap dance after they see it."
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble presents "The Tapcracker" December 13 and 14 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.
For more information:
The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble - "The Tapcracker"
Link to Tickets at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre
