
Tapped In by Pones celebrates the cultural roots and evolution of tap dance at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival June 3 through 10
Pones, a movement-based arts organization known for activating communities through inclusive performance, will premiere Tapped In at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival June 3-10. The new work explores the cultural roots of tap dance, blending history, rhythm, and live jazz music into a high-energy performance that positions tap as both a living archive and a powerful expression of identity.
Driven by innovative choreography and improvisation, Tapped In honors tap’s roots while pushing the form forward. The production brings together regional artists and collaborators whose distinct perspectives highlight the cultural convergence, resilience, and storytelling embedded in the art form.
Blending African, Irish, vaudeville, Broadway, and contemporary styles, and featuring live jazz call-and-response alongside regional choreographers, this premiere celebrates creativity, resistance, and cultural convergence, spotlighting lesser-known stories through collaborative performance.
The production features two acclaimed performers: Louisville-based artist Parker Hall, who has shared the stage with renowned tap artist Savion Glover and performed with Riverdance; and Broadway veteran Jason E. Bernard, whose credits include Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, and the Spike Lee film Bamboozled. Together with local artists, they bring a powerful mix of global experience and perspective to the stage.
Performance Details
- Wednesday, June 3 at 8:45 p.m.
- Thursday, June 4 at 8:45 p.m.
- Saturday, June 6 at 7 p.m.
- Sunday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 10 at 7 p.m.
Tickets to Tapped In
Tickets to Tapped In start at $20.
About Pones
Founded in 2008, Pones creates accessible, participatory arts experiences that engage audiences across backgrounds and abilities. A longtime participant in the Cincinnati Fringe Festival, Pones has received multiple Critic’s Pick and Producer’s Pick awards.
Pones uses dance as a movement for social justice, community-building, and healing. They’re reimagining where dance happens, who it’s for, and how it can move us all.
About the Cincy Fringe Festival
The Cincy Fringe Festival features 150+ performances of 35 unique theatre productions from local, national, and international indie theatre artists during the first two weeks of June. With free Late Night programming every night and free Kids Fringe shows on weekend afternoons, there’s something for everyone at the Cincy Fringe.
Venue Details
Parking
Use the Cincy EZ Park App to pay for parking as appropriate. Take the Cincinnati METRO to the venue.
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