Making a stop in Shanghai this December is Australia's most successful theatrical export, Dein Perry's TAP DOGS. Currently on an international tour which will see them travel through North America, the UK and China, they are set to ignite the Shanghai stage with their phenomenal footwork and mesmerizing routines.
This global dance sensation is the longest-running tap-dance show in the world. Since the TAP DOGS 1995 debut in Sydney, over 82 performers have tapped their way through 37 countries. They have visited 330 cities and wowed an audience of 12 million with their revolutionary style of entertainment. A standout performance was during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, to a worldwide audience of over 3.4 billion.
The creator and choreographer of TAP DOGS is the exceptionally-talented, award-winning Australian, Dein Perry. The show's concept stems from his childhood, growing up in the steelworks town of Newcastle, Australia. This provided the inspiration behind the set design: a scaffolding-clad construction site with ladders and wooden crates. Here, tappers don bluecollar clothing with Blundstone (tap) boots, a quintessentially Australian brand worn by hardworking Aussies since the 1870s.
You can expect a high production level from the show; the lighting is vivid and the sounds are sharp and engaging, not only from the tappers but also the percussionists who elevate the delivery. With grinding sparks igniting off steel poles contributing to the construction site's authenticity, this mix between theater, dance and pyrotechnic rock concert has it all.
Dancers tap in water, with basketballs, upside down and on a ladder, all with absolute precision. The coordination and connection between the team is evident in the way they maintain sync, energy and commitment to a physically-demanding performance.
While TAP DOGS has been gracing stages for over 20 years, it continues to appeal to new audiences and garner global recognition. Receiving more than 15 awards over the years, the show has chalked up some notable accolades such as the Laurence Olivier Award and multiple Australian Dance Awards.
This non-stop, fast-paced 75-minute show will ensure you never look at a worksite the same way again. It's fun, it's witty and above all, it's pure entertainment and an experience that will have you tapping your feet all the way home.
And, let's not forget the performers themselves. At each show, the stage is set with eight members of the TAP DOGS team: six dancers and two musicians. With exceptional talent nurtured over years of training, they turn traditional dancing upside down and love every minute of it.
Dec 13-14, 7.30pm; Dec 15-16, 3.30pm or 7.30pm. RMB180-680. ET Space, see event listing. Book tickets here.
[All images via promoter]
