Chicago’s premier tap dance ensemble, Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT), jumps into the publishing world with the release of its first book, “Top Tap Tips: A Book of Tap Wisdom Compiled By and Featuring Photos of Chicago Tap Theatre.” The book celebrates the art form by pairing stunning photographs of the company in performance and rehearsal with instructional and inspirational quotes from the masters of tap dance, both past and present.

The book is the brainchild of CTT dancer Jenna Deidel, an accomplished photographer and co-owner of Spacebird Designs, and CTT board member Stacie Strong, a professional writer with nearly twenty design-intensive books to her credit. Deidel’s signature style captures the essence of what it means to be a tap dancer through motion, thoughtful light, and intimate composition, giving a mature, contemporary feeling to a dance form that has often been pigeonholed into a variety of stereotypes.

“We wanted the book to reflect the future of tap dance, while at the same time respecting the great traditions of the past,” says Strong. “Jenna’s photography really captures what tap dance is capable of, going forward, while the text shows the depth and breadth of the artistry in tap, both today and in the past. People will really be surprised by what they see and by what they read. Not only is the book full of interesting information for the casual reader, it offers quirky, inside tips and anecdotes for aspiring tap dancers who know how hard it really is.”

CTT’s Artistic Director, Mark Yonally, also contributed to the project and supports it wholeheartedly. “Tap is America’s unique contribution to dance, and this book shows how tap has developed along with the country,” he says. “Tap began as a folk tradition, but changed into a commercial art form in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s, along with jazz, bathtub gin and the MGM/Broadway musicals. Like many popular movements, it has had its ups and downs, but has risen again recently with new choreographers, new interpretations and new music. ‘Top Tap Tips’ shows both sides of the equation – the rich history as well as the exciting future.”

Deidel is particularly excited by where tap is going, and her photographs reflect that fresh, new perspective. “Chicago Tap Theatre is one of the most progressive tap companies in the country, and, as a CTT dancer, I have the unique privilege of being a part of a group that is changing the way people see tap dance,” she says. “I wanted my photographs and design to reflect that vision, which is why the book has such a modern, contemporary feel.”

“Top Tap Tips” will be available for the first time on May 11, which is the opening night of CTT’s upcoming show, Mixology: A Fizzy Cocktail of Tap Dance and Live Music. The show celebrates the traditional intersection between tap dance and jazz music while exploding preconceptions about what tap dance can do, alternating edgy interpretations of pop, rock and tango rhythms with silky smooth renditions of jazz standards.

The book is available for purchase at CTT performances and visiting http://stores.lulu.com/chicagotap. The price is $25, plus any necessary shipping.