Gibney Presents: Kazunori Kumagai

Tap Into the Light

WORLD PREMIERE

Performances run May 11-13, 8:00 PM EST

Hailed by The New York Times as a “true tap artist,” Bessie Award winner Kazunori “Kaz” Kumagai brings his signature powerful, athletic technique and intoxicating energy to Gibney with a new work called, Tap Into The Light. Live music by bassist Alex Blake and vocalist Monday Michiru, along with Kaz’s original poetry and Maya Angelou’s Life Doesn’t Frighten Me at All, provide a rhythmic backdrop for this joyous, life-affirming work. Max Pollack, Joseph Webb, and other special guest performers join Kaz on stage.

Gibney Presents is Gibney’s premier presentation series, offering a rich blend of dance and performance in fully-produced, evening-length commissions. This performance was curated by Eva Yaa Asantewaa as part of the Gibney Center 2022-2023 Season.

About the Artist

Kazunori Kumagai is a “True Tap Artist” (New York Times), who is always searching his expression through the sounds and the rhythm. At age 19, Kumagai came to New York City and trained in the New York Shakespeare Festival Institute of tap called “Funk University,” the training workshop for the big hit Broadway musical Bring in da’ Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk. Since then, he performs and teaches all over the world. Kumagai is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2016 Bessie Award “Outstanding Performer,” 2014 Flo-Bert Award, and 2006 Dance Magazine “25 to Watch.” In 2019, Newsweek Japan named him one of the “100 Most influential Japanese People in the World.” In 2008, he opened his first tap dance studio, KAZ TAP STUDIO in Japan where he passes his knowledge and passion for tap to the next generation. Kumagai recently appeared as a solo performer for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony, and he also choreographed and composed two songs for the ceremony.

COVID-19 Safety Policies at Gibney Center

Masks are recommended for audience members attending live performances at Gibney Center. Proof of vaccination is no longer required. Nonetheless, Gibney encourages all who are eligible to maintain up-to-date vaccination status in accordance with CDC Guidelines.

Photo by Maiko Miyagawa