Tapestry Dance Company

Tapestry Dance Company was founded in 1989 by rhythm tap dancer Acia Gray and ballet/jazz artist Deidre Strand in Austin, Texas. Begun as a performing company that included the founders and French tap artist Fred Moritel, Tapestry’s vision was to present different dance forms in unison with each other. The group’s work resulted in the choreographic development and presentation of a collaboration of modern, jazz, rhythm tap, contemporary ballet, and other dance forms.

In 1990 the Company expanded by opening a training facility and rehearsal studio. Adhering to its mission, dancers are “cross-trained” by professionals in ballet, rhythm tap, modern, and jazz. This unique Strand/Gray syllabus has produced a generation of students now performing as professional dancers in the United States and abroad. The Academy, the organization’s training arm, offers classes to dancers of all ages and levels of experience. Visions in Rhythm is a youth apprentice group within which serious young dancers can work towards professional career. The Founders’ Scholarship gives cash awards to students unable to afford dance lessons. Another outreach program, Rhythm, Dance, Music and You, enlightens students about dance in local schools through performance and discussion.

The professional dance company has expanded to eight resident artists who perform two annual productions as the Paramount Theater in Austin. Past performances include Austintatious, .com, and My Funny Valentine. The dancers are invited to perform in local, national, and international venues. In addition, the Company has hosted numerous dance and music artists including Gregory Hines, Sarah Petronio, The Samba Police, and Dee McCandless.

Since 1991 the Company has sponsored Tap Jam, a multi-day festival dedicated to rhythm tap. Events include classes with professional dancers, panel discussions, performances at local malls, a “tap jam” in which all may participate, and a formal faculty performance presented at the Paramount and One World Theaters. Tap Jam was incorporated into a broader festival called Soul to Sole, in 2001. The Company in 2001 and 2002 used Soul to Sole as a platform for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by enabling child registration, distributing literature, and promoting fund-raising activities at their events.

The Tapestry Dance Company is a 501(C)(3) registered non-profit organization and is funded by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, as well as by grant organizations such as the Texas Commission on the Arts. The Company’s administrative staff is responsible for the daily operation of the organization. The production support staff ensures the success of the Company’s performances. The volunteers perform various tasks, such as taking photographs of events and managing archives.

The Company has been situated in various locations around Austin, including 2521 Rutland Drive, and is presently at 2302 Western Trails Blvd, Austin, TX 78745.

Adapted from creator sketch by Susan Trombley

From the guide to the Tapestry Dance Company Records AR. 2005. 007., 1990-2009, (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library, )