Stepping Out at SOPAC

The echo of rapid-fire rhythm is drawing tap enthusiastics to the top of the South Orange Performing Arts Center. Holding court in the Loft is the reigning king of the song and dance men, Harold "Stumpy" Cromer, now stooped but still animated, keeping beat with a class of happy feet with a patter of jokes and instruction.

 "Keep your head up," he tells an aspiring tapper over the percussive symphony taking place on the floor boards.

Cromer – who began his career in Hell's Kitchen as a tap dancer on roller skates -- has inspired a new generation of performers, including Hillary-Marie Michael, a brilliant tap artist who has brought the fancy footwork and shim-sham to South Orange as founder and artistic director of the Jersey Tap Fest.

Dancers are stepping out with the shuffle and brush at all abilities and all ages -- including a 12-year-old Tap Dance Kid, PJ Pinkett of Wilmington, Del. Even Patch editor Marcia Worth got into the act with a private lesson on Paradiddle.

They've been taught technique by the masters in the field: Deborah Mitchell, director of the New Jersey Tap Ensemble; and Jason Janas, well-known in dance circles for rhythm tap. Cromer is teaching classes in the history of this American dance form. Panelists have featured Yvette Glover (mother of New Jersey's own great Savion).

On Saturday night, the festival will honor Cromer at the main stage event, Tap 'n Time. The show begins at 7 p.m. at SOPAC and features some of New Jersey's finest tappers and world-class performers: Jaye Allison from Philadelphia and Logan Miller from St. Louis. The Jersey lineup includes Michael and Karen Callaway Williams, Maurice Chestnut, Jeff Foote and Kyle Wilder.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.sopacnow.org/tickets over the phone at (973) 313-ARTS or in person at the SOPAC Box Office. $30 Orchestra. $25 Mezzanine. $20 age 17 and under, college students with ID and senior citizens.