First, Acia Gray was a leading force of rhythm tap in Austin, then around the country. Now, the co-founder and artistic director of Tapestry Dance Company will be a leading force for tap in the world, by virtue of her new position as president of the International Tap Association. This nonprofit service organization, which currently has more than 780 members with 47 international regional representatives, has been spreading the gospel of tap for 20 years, since national dance advocate Sali Ann Kriegsman and Colorado Dance Festival founder Marda Kirn launched the ITA at the festival with Charles “Honi” Coles as honorary chairman and Gregory Hines as honorary president. Gray has been deeply involved with the association from the start, having joined the Steering Committee in 1989. With her participation in the National Tap Plan report and the rising national profile of her company, which is the nation’s only professional tap company, Gray is eminently qualified to head the association. Her first presidential act: moving the ITA’s headquarters to Austin. For more information, visit www.tapdance.org/tap/ita.
This article appears in July 18 • 2008.