The Tap Factor - Best Buddies New York & the Free Players: Carnegie Hall
photo by Sarah Babcock - www.babcockstudio.com
"Working with Best Buddies NY and the FREE Players influenced the Tap Factor's vision on a whole other level. I found that even if some members of the group had Down Syndrome or Autism, the program didn't have to change. I got earnest and equal participation and contribution from all. This challenged my traditional idea of community service. Here, all were being served. In that, all inclusion became key."
Founding Director - Christopher Erk
In this project the Tap Factor brought five New York City-based dancers out to Long Island over the course of four Saturdays. They were paired up with five members of the FREE Players, a performance troupe centered around all-inclusive programing. Together, they learned the same tap dance syllabus that focused on improvisation and communication. On May 21, 2014 they performed as guest alongside 8 professional tap dancers performers and musicians in Elaine Kwon & Friends, a benefit supporting Best Buddies New York.
Photos by Ken Goodman
