February and March 2015 saw 2 Ellington Sacred Concerts just a week a part. Given that this is not a regularly performed concert and that I had only ever done one before it was a very unusual occurrence. Given that they fell in what became an insanely busy month here’s a little account of how they went.
Since November 2017: Collaborating as dancer-musician with Gary Crosby of the Tomorrow’s Warriors. Since January 2015: Joins the jazz fusion group, Myke Masters Band, and also the tap dance company, Old Kent Road, both as pianist/keyboardist.
Lo and behold I have parts to learn to play in the string orchestra, to be performed at the Royal Festival Hall on Friday 20th June. My first time playing in in this iconic hall. Excited much? You betcha!
Annette Walker is our featured tap dancer at Mycenae House on Friday 13th June 2014 from 8pm. With the failing health of Will Gaines – tap dancing legend from Detroit – this was scheduled as a Benefit COncert with The Honkin’ Hepcats, Mich Foster and the Phil Mead Trio. Sadly on Wednesday 7th May Will passed away. However – The Show Goes On – as Will would have wished
Bebop master hoofer, tap dance legend from Detroit who settled in the UK and subsequently influenced the UK jazz tap scene including the London Tap Jam. Links to obituaries, articles, videos and photos.
I was delighted to take part in this champagne high tea, fundraising event for Dance UK and ADAD at the Royal Ballet School in Covent Garden, on Sun 6 April 2014. A phenomenal £40,000 was raised.
Sunday 30th March, 7:30pm showtime, London’s Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square. I had a thoroughly fantastic time sharing the stage with talented female musicians at an event for women’s charities.
Read press reviews and interviews about Annette. Includes theatre, tap dance and music concerts with quotes and links from original sources.
Read about my involvment with the Royal Academy of Dance’s “Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing” project from October 2012 to July 2013.
This article was first published on Dance UK’s website on Tue 28 May 2013 and in Dance UK’s magazine issue 86/Autumn 2013.
By Annette Walker, professional tap dancer and teacher
www.annettewalker.co.uk
From October 2012 to April 2013 I’m one of 6 specialist dance teachers on a Continuing Professional Development course with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) for their new Dance for Lifelong Wellbeing project.
