Reality of Rhythm Showcased by Joyous Jazz Tap Ensemble

Laid-back vitality may sound oxymoronic, but it’s a perfect description of Lynn Dally, artistic director of Jazz Tap Ensemble, who, with her company, is celebrating 20 years of nonpareil performances. From the rhythmic to the sublime, the ensemble held the crowd in thrall at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre on Friday night in this 14-part anniversary concert that successfully forged two great American art forms--tap dancing and jazz music.

Whereas “Riverdance” might be the Milli Vanilli of the dance world--much of the thundering footwork of this musical phenomenon is prerecorded to enhance audio stimulation--there was no mistaking the real thing at the Ford as tappers Sam Weber, Channing Cook Holmes, Carol Christiansen, Becky Twitchell and Dally strutted their virtuosic stuff. In the previously reviewed “Hands On,” the dancers joyously grooved like a well-oiled machine to the drumming of Eric Ajaye, Theo Saunders and Jerry Kalaf.

Long on crowd-pleasers but short on premieres, the evening did offer “Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson Tribute,” reconstructed from films and arranged by Dally. Capably danced by Twitchell and ensemble apprentices Jerri-Lynn Henning and Hiroshi Hamanishi, the work was a heel-kicking hoot, replete with shoulder wiggling and Robinson’s signature hand motions, all implemented in unison.

“So What,” also new, showcased the mighty talents of Holmes, who will exit the company for “Riverdance” later this year. With tail-gunning footwork that resembles Morse code on speed, Holmes was joined by the ensemble as they whipped through jaunty foot-stamping motifs to the music of Miles Davis. Dally took a winning solo turn in her “Beautiful Love,” backed by Saunders on piano, bassist Ajaye and music director-drummer Kalaf; Weber, a turbo-charged Ray Bolger type, tore through his “All The Things You Are.” The ensemble’s Jimmy Slyde-created work, the popular “Interplay,” closed the night with a rousing series of full-stage sliding solos and duets that proved this company is the Chanel of the tap world--classy, timeless, elegant.