Trenton supports Quenten Couch, Trenton’s own phenomenal tap dancer
Two buses, organized by Heal The City Trenton, departed from Trenton on Wednesday, Oct. 24 headed to New York’s famed Apollo Theater for Amateur Night. Approximately 90 people were excited to be headed to New York to see Quenten Couch compete on the Apollo stage. Family members, former teachers, church members, mentors, friends, and students who attend his tap classes were aboard these buses and ready for a night of entertainment that only the Apollo can deliver! Many famous people launched their careers at the Apollo including Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and Michael Jackson.
Quenten has been studying tap from the age of 5. Now at 21, he is dedicated to his craft and a true showman. He performs in many shows in and around Trenton and often performs as a community service for local organizations. He also teaches tap in several local dance schools. Quenten is proud to be able to continue the legacy of tap passed on by tappers like the Nicholas Brothers, Jimmy Slyde, Sammy Davis Junior, and Gregory Hines.
The day started at 12:30 pm when Quenten, his mother and his Mime teacher were picked up by local businessman Sam Paige, owner of Satchel Paige Limo Service, so he could get to New York by 3 for a rehearsal and sound check. The buses left Shop Rite Parking lot at 5 pm to get to the show by 7:30. One of the bus drivers informed us that due to the mailing of terror devices to certain individuals in New York there may be a problem with traffic. Undaunted everyone boarded the buses with the sandwiches donated by Scot Lee of Village Pantry Deli in West Windsor and Anthony Verrelli.
Traffic was backed up worse than usual as we entered the Lincoln Tunnel, but we made it in time to get inside and be seated before the start of the show. The atmosphere inside the theater is electrifying as soon as you enter the lobby. People from all over the world are there, the DJ on stage has the music pumping and it is a nonstop party as the audience waits for the Master of Ceremonies, the hilarious Capone. When he comes out he sets the rules for the night. It has been said that the Apollo audience is one of the toughest audiences in the world. The children perform first, and you cannot boo the children, however the Apollo Theater is the only theater that encourages the audience to boo contestants who are not as talented as they think they are. They can then be shooed off the stage by resident tap dancer, C.P. Lacy who sweeps bad talent off the stage.
There were six contestants that night: two singers, two rappers, a girl singing group and the tapper from Trenton, Quenten Couch. The Trenton contingent applauded profusely as he took the stage in a brilliant red and black sequined blazer. We were told on the buses to save our energy for the results round and the meter that measures the applause level for each contestant, but we could not help it. Quenten looked fabulous and he danced like only he can, commanding the stage and displaying showmanship and tremendous talent.
After the last contestant sang all the contestants took the stage and the judging began. When Quenten was called to step forward the Trenton group applauded as loud as they could, along with the rest of the audience and the applause meter reached 88. After the judging that score put him in second place and he returns on Wednesday, Nov. 7 for the next round leading to the Top Dog Competition, and the winners of that will move on to the Super Top Dog competition where the winner walks away with $20,000.
We left the theater still exhilarated by the Apollo Theater experience and some people from Trenton will return November 7th to support the hometown tapper who makes Trenton proud.
Heal The City is planning on organizing a second charter bus trip for the Nov. 7 Top Dog Competition with the help of Toni Isreal of WICG to make this another night to remember.
Trenton Makes Champions-Stacy Heading founder of Heal The City Trenton
Contact Stacy Heading 267-528-5781 or Ivey Avery 609-372-8999.