Arts & Entertainment

Local Dancer Performed at NYC Tap Extravaganza

Stephen Sainato has been dancing all his life, he says.

Our local tap star, Stephen Sainato of Morris Township, performed in the annualĀ Tap ExtravaganzaĀ at the Fashion Institute of Technology recently with the dance troupe Cats Paying Dues. Sainato signed with the company after an audition in December, 2010.

The Tap Extravaganza is "the biggest tap dance show of the year," Sainato said.Ā "I've been in the audience for many years, but this was the first year I got the opportunity to perform."

Ā The Show had, "many acts," Sainato said, "including Dormesia Edwards' Michael Jackson Tribute (she was his private tap dance teacher). Ā 

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"Harold "Stumpy" Cromer and Mable Lee performed–they are both legends of the arts who've been sharing their talents since the 30s and 40s," Sainato said. "It was an honor to be a part of this showcase, and awesome to have my family and friends in the audience.

Sainato's sister-in-law, Stacey Winn, was one of the family members in attendance. "StephenĀ Sainato's talent amazes me. His technique brings a modern feel to the art of tap. I look forward to seeing what new moves he'll break out at each of his performances."

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