The Citizen (Gauteng)

The top dogs of tap

MEET THE 2018 CAST: FOOT-STOMPING STARS OF THE GENRE BACK IN SA

- Adriaan Roets

Noriko Terada is known for her music in video games like Final Fantasy 13-3.

Back in 2013 I met the Tap Dogs at a media call during that year’s tour. What essentiall­y happens is that you get a run-through of a few numbers from the production (for photograph­ers and videograph­ers to get footage and photos) before the cast interacts with those who will be writing and blogging about the show.

With some ensembles all bets are off on who you will interview because there are no lesser roles as everyone is key to the show. So you have to ask the person in front of you everything about their life, because you didn’t know who you would be talking to so you couldn’t research their background. In 2018, it’s different. The cast has been announced and you can meet them right now.

Meet the cast

Anthony J Russo: With more than 17 years of profession­al tap-dancing experience, he produces tap dance education programmes in North America.

Nathaniel Hancock: He is a member of Street Feet Entertainm­ent and has appeared in the animated film, Happy Feet 2, as a tap dancer. Nathaniel has been described as being at the forefront of modern tap dance in Australia.

Richie Miller: Richie began his dance training at Performing Arts Centre in St Charles, Missouri with Anthony Russo. After graduation he soon joined Tap Dogs and has toured with them since 2009.

Chaise Rossiello: He has performed all over Australia and the world since joining Tap Dogs in 2007.

Justin Myles: Justin is a profession­al dancer and dance instructor with training in tap, contempora­ry and body percussion. He toured with the off Broadway show, Stomp, in which he was the lead. After that he joined Tap Dogs.

Reid Perry: He made his Tap Dogs debut in 2016. He began dance training under Dein Perry as a young child at Tap Pups and has performed in production­s across Australia in production­s like A Chorus Line.

Sam Marks: His dance career began when as a child he was cast in production­s like Les Misérables, The Wizard of Oz, Cats and Dirty Dancing. He is a member of the Tap Pack which performs on cruise ships. If he looks familiar, he’s also made appearance­s on The X Factor.

Nathan Beech: He toured with Tap Dogs in 2015 and was part of a group that was selected to perform on World of Dance in 2018.

Noriko Terada: A multi-percussion­ist and drummer, Terada is known for her music in popular video games like Final Fantasy 13-3 Lightning Returns.

Catarina Percinio: She tours the world performing at internatio­nal festivals and teaches music.

 ??  ??
 ?? Picture: EPA ?? MAKING A SPLASH. The Tap Dogs land in South Africa next week.
Picture: EPA MAKING A SPLASH. The Tap Dogs land in South Africa next week.
 ?? Picture: Supplied ?? WHIRLWIND. Justin Myles trained as an instructor.
Picture: Supplied WHIRLWIND. Justin Myles trained as an instructor.
 ?? Picture: Supplied ?? EX-CHILD STAR. Sam Marks joined the troupe in 2010.
Picture: Supplied EX-CHILD STAR. Sam Marks joined the troupe in 2010.

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