[AD – PR invite*]
★★★★
Australian tap dancer Tommy J Egan is performing at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, in a new show ‘Two Right Feet’ which fuses the art of tap dancing with bebop jazz music. Accompanied by Euan Stevenson on piano and featuring a special guest at each performance (Tanya from Junkyard Beats on Saturday afternoon), Tommy takes to the stage to share his adoration of the dance style, highlighting legends of the genre and also creating improvisational sequences on the spot. Tommy has been dancing since he was 3 years old and this is evident in his masterful skill and ability to make music with his feet. ‘Two Right Feet’ is an insightful hour of complex dance, complete with some informative narration about the origins of the dance form.
Simplistic but brilliant
The show is described as ‘Tommy’s call to reconnect with the raw heart of the form’ and this is reflected in every detail of the show. It follows a stripped back approach, combining tap steps with Euan’s piano melodies, and is set against the low lighting of the Just the Tonic venue. It also gives audiences the opportunity to really appreciate the precision that goes into the footwork, with Tommy’s feet creating the most amazing rhythms.
Highlighting a different side of tap
Most of my previous experiences of tap dancing have been through big showstopping musical theatre routines and it was refreshing to see a different side to the art form. It isn’t quite as exciting when stripped back to its core elements, but what the show does do is highlight how sensationally skilled Tommy is. ‘Two Right Feet’ will appeal to anyone who’s ever been interested in the behind the scenes of performance and what goes into making a magical dance number. You can catch Tommy J Egan’s ‘Two Right Feet’ at the Just the Cask Room venue at Just the Tonic at The Mash House until 17th August (not 12th). Performances start daily at 15:45, with tickets available via the festival’s website.
*My ticket for ‘Two Right Feet – Tommy J Egan’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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