International tap dance stars perform at GCC April 4

March 22, 2012

Kurt Albert and Klaus Bleis, tap dancers from Germany who are known as “Tap and Tray” will perform along with renowned Boston tap dancer Josh Hilberman and pianist Paul Arslanian on April 4, 12pm, at GCC's Sloan Theater. The performance is free and open to the public. For those who are interested, a master class in tap dance will follow at 1pm in the Dance Studio in the East Building. For more information, please contact Sharon Arslanian, 413-775-1262 or .

International tap stars TAP & TRAY (Kurt Albert and Klaus Bleis) showcase a variety of styles, from ferociously fast Paddle-and-Roll rhythms to languid, elegant Soft Shoe to fiery a-cappella counter- point. From first taps to last, these artists captivate the audience with thrilling, humorous, unforgettable performances.

TAP & TRAY inherited their vaudevillian specialty – dancing wildly while spinning large silver trays – from their late mentor, the great Carnell Lyons from Kansas City, Missouri.Dancing and drumming on floor and trays the duo practically explodes in rhythmic fireworks.

Tap dancer JOSHUA HILBERMAN performs, choreographs, and teaches interjnationally. Groomed by vaudevillians and old-time entertainers, and with an ongoing mentorship with tap pioneer Brenda Bufalino, Josh has performed all over the US and Europe, and been a featured faculty member at more than 75 tap dance festivals. Recognized with a lifetime achievement award by the Barcelona Tap Association, a Dance USA/National Endowment for the Arts grant for choreography, and the 2009 Presidential Scholars Teachers Recognition award, Hilberman’s travels in tap have entered a third decade.