Congratulations to Jennifer DiDonato, Editors’ Choice for the Dance Teacher Video of the Month!
While on faculty at the New York Film Academy in New York City, DiDonato choreographed and directed this tap dance video, Babble by Bombershay, in the style of a black-and-white silent movie. Advanced tappers from the school’s musical theater certificate program performed in the film as part of an independent study project. “At the Film Academy, we want them to learn to focus on the story and remember what they’re trying to do and not just dance for dancing’s sake,” she says. “I thought this would be a great opportunity for them to use tap to express themselves.”
Throughout the film, the only sounds are vaudevillian piano music and tapping. To capture clean tap sounds, DiDonato says, they shot the scene first—at Café Regular du Nord in Brooklyn, which frequently hosts artists. Then they recorded dancers tapping in a sound booth to match the film.
Want to build buzz about your studio, workshop or class? Posting videos to the Dance Teacher Video of the Month Contest is quick, easy and free. If your video is selected as Editors’ Choice, you’ll be featured in the magazine and in DT’s newsletter! Visit dancemedia.com to share your videos and vote for your favorites.