If you’re a huge fan of the Golden Age of Hollywood, you know that tap dancing played a significant role in the success of films that starred amazing talents such as Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, and Ginger Rogers to name a few.
Back then, in order to make it big in the film industry, you had to be skilled in the crucial triumvirate: acting, singing, and dancing.
And in Hollywood, dancing wasn’t simply confined to mastering simple choreography and moving in time with a song’s beat.
You had to be able to do it all: jazz, contemporary, tap, and so forth.
It was also the Golden Age of Hollywood that inspired today’s generation to explore dance styles of the past and fuse it with contemporary elements.
You have ballet dancers sporting streetwear and moving gracefully to rhythm & blues, and swing dancers demonstrating choreography with modern tunes as their chosen audio backdrop.
Then you have this group of incredible tap dancers incorporating their talent with standout style, fashion, and film.
Bringing forward the best of Irish tap, these individuals came together for a production like no other.
Shane McAvinchey, Benjamin Windborg Larsen, Tomas O Se, Ciara Callanan-Ryan, Amy Louise Hunt, Dinara Mustafina, Maciej Mikolaj Skwarek, Alexander Kukharenko, and Sergey Nazarov starred in a short dance film where they showed off perfect synchronicity as they tap danced in different venues.
What makes it interesting is how the producer introduced one nationality after the next.
It was the best way to highlight diversity without taking away from the main subject of the short film: dance.
First, a solo moment in a dim, bare room. Next, five to six members tap dancing in a well-lit yet empty room.
You’ll also notice the intense look on their faces as they dance, and the catchy beat produced by the sound of their perfectly coordinated steps.
Truly a creative approach to performing a tap dance number, the group also seemed to be emphasizing contrast: from dark to light rooms, to casual wear and formal wear.
The costume choice was brilliant, too – tap dancing in sync while sporting snappy dark suits definitely intensified the concept further.
It was unique and entertaining, and had viewers gushing in the comments section.
“Technical precision and skillful choreography. Love the clarity of each fast step. Enjoyed the classy, and sexy style. World class!”
“I love this ‘less traditional’ take on Irish tap. It’s very innovative and extremely entertaining. Let’s see more!”
“Can’t stop watching this video, they are perfect in every level.”
Because of the sharp, black suits, one viewer even likened the overall aesthetic to The Matrix.
The similarity was definitely there, but the entire production was one of a kind.
Far from the typical tap dancing vibe you see in movies and theater plays, Formentor Production’s dance film sets the bar high for demonstrating traditional dance in a modern setting.
No stage, no fancy theatrics – just innovative thinking combined with larger than life talent.
Watch the short film below and enjoy the perfect execution of Irish tap dance.
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