National Tap Dance Day in New York

I was baffled by the excerpts from "Dha Fusion" by Akim Funk Buddha and Chikako Iwahori. Combining an overhead video projection, a Chinese dragon, martial arts, and tap, it was like Urban Tap gone awry-it simply didn't hold together. Tap and nunchucks?

But getting to see Jimmy Slyde show off his inimitable style and Diane Walker egg on Jeni LeGon made up for the low points of the evening. Sadly, Buster Brown fell ill just before the performance, and so did not appear. He was sorely missed.

Both in their 80s, LeGon and Slyde have not just sparkling feet, but dignity, style, panache, and a good dose of humor. Slyde has an ability to play to his audience that younger dancers lack. His work is like deeply polished wood: beautiful and complex, with an experienced sheen.

The tradition of mentorship in the art form was emphasized that evening, with presenters discussing how they felt about the people who had come before them. While LeGon had never been one of her teachers per se, Diane Walker said that she had been a mentor and a role model.

Marion Coles chided Savion Glover when he stood speechless at the podium, saying that Glover knew how he felt about Slyde. Savion agreed, but seemed overcome. "I don't know how to let them know how I respect you and all of that stuff." Neither do we

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