NEW YORK – JANUARY 21, 2014 –The European Tap Dance Foundation (ETDF) is pleased to announce its official launch, as well as the grand opening of Tap Temple, the foundation’s premier educational facility. ETDF is a nonprofit organization based in Milan, Italy that is committed to uniting the world through the universal language of rhythm and tap dance.
ETDF is enthusiastic about community involvement and aims to bridge the gap between domestic and international communities through public events, educational programs, workshops and performances in various cities across the globe. ETDF has many exciting plans to unite tap dancers all over the world to celebrate its mission of “One People, One Beat.” These plans include scholarship opportunities that would give dancers the chance to study and perform abroad, workshop series throughout communities in need of arts education, and more.
Tap dance is an art form that was born in the United States. Much like jazz, which is a blend of African rhythm and European melody, tap brings cultures together through a universal language that can be understood and spoken by everyone .
“The foundation’s mission is simple,” said Cartier Williams, co-founder and artistic director of ETDF. “There are hundreds of different languages spoken around the world. If you can understand just two languages, that is an accomplishment. Tap transcends the spoken word. Tap is something we can all understand. Our mission is to not only preserve the art form, but to grow it and place tap dance back on the map of pop culture. We are ‘One people, one beat.’”
The foundation’s mission statement is aimed at “creating a unique opportunity for individuals around the globe to experience the magical form of communication that is tap dance.” Students of all ages and technical levels now have the chance to study tap under the instruction of some of the most highly-regarded professionals in the industry. Between the scholarship opportunities and participation in festivals that celebrate the art of tap dance worldwide, both Cartier and ETDF are looking forward to a year of exciting performance opportunities and philanthropic activity.
About The European Tap Dance Foundation:
The European Tap Dance Foundation is a nonprofit organization that offers seeks to give children of all economic brackets the opportunity to experience the arts through tap dance. Founded by Cartier Williams, Fernando Villa, Carole Davis and Ermina Moscato with the slogan “One People, One Beat,” ETDF is committed to bringing the joy of tap dance back into the lives of people worldwide. The foundation also aims to preserve the art form across international borders through teaching, performances and workshops.
About Cartier Williams:
Cartier Williams, the child protégé of tap dance, is a hoofer, choreographer, filmmaker and performer hailing from Washington, D.C. He began his tap dancing career at the age of four and has been active in the tap dance community ever since. Throughout his career, Cartier has had the opportunity to dance with a multitude of tap pioneers and masters, including Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Peg Leg Bates and the Nicholas Brothers. He has appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “Good Morning America” and CNN. Cartier has performed for President Clinton, co-starring with Bebe Neuwirth in the PBS special “In Performance at The White House.” He also performed for President George W. Bush at the 2006 Congressional Picnic at the White House.
Cartier is the co-founder and co-artistic director of The European Tap Dance Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to give children of all economic brackets the opportunity to experience the arts through tap dance. Cartier is also the co-owner of the foundation’s Milan-based school, Tap Temple, which will officially start classes in February 2014. Additionally, Cartier is continuing to develop multiple musical productions, as well as expanding his brand with products including tap shoes and instructional videos
