[Within The United States]
CD: $18
Brenda Bufalino's
"Dancing Her Dance In Another Persons Dream"
Excerpt From Cadence Magazine review by Steven Loewy:
"Tap dancers with a strong Jazz orientation are a rarity these days so it is a pleasure to hear BRENDA BUFALINO'S upbeat, joyous celebration of her art ... Bufalino wrote most of the pieces ... and she fully exploits the light but effective instrumentation (Bufalino, voice, taps, concertina; Joe Fonda, bass; Cary DeNigris, guitar; Mark Josefsberg, vibes.) Bufalino describes Joe Fonda as a long-time collaborator and he adds a depth and sophistication both as an ensemble player and as a soloist. Bufalino's greatest strengths are her dance steps, with their excellent sense of rhythm; and her style, with a near perfect sense of timing. She alternates between singing and speaking, and although her voice has occasional difficulties with intonation, it compensates with a maturity that infuses her art with a deep sense of life and emotion. Often she defers to the trio of vibes, guitar and bass (an instrumentation that she says in the liners she always wished to use with her taps,) who present a delightful, swinging backdrop. Bufalino adds humor to her lyrics and her original words are rarely trite. Her "Night Cry" is described as a solo looped improvisation, but it is hardly as radical as it appears, although the fancy footwork fuels the vocals. The unique vocal on Irving Berlin's "Always" is beguilingly subtle, but it is the slow-motion version of "Tea For Two" that takes the cake."
Tap Dance and Music CDs
CD: $18
Brenda Bufalino's
"Love At First Sight"
Rinato Sellani, Massimo Moriconi, and Brenda Bufalino in one short morning created this spontaneous recording of Piano, Bass and Taps in a studio in Milan, Italy. With "one take" improvisations, these three musicians work together almost by telepathy ... sensitive to each others every nuance. This recording is as electrifying as a live performance. The taps create melodies as well as percussion. Sometimes the rhythms and harmonies are so delicate they are like a whisper or an embrace.
CD: $18
Joe Fonda's
"From The Source"
Brenda Bufalino taps out the score to bassist Joe Fonda's compositions, sings an original piece dedicated to her partner and mentor the lateCharles Honi Coles, and narrates one of her poems from Gertrude's Nose a Tap Opera. "During this session we bridge the gap that exists between the dance world and the music world by making our dancer (Brenda Bufalino) an equal part of our ensemble. She was incorporated into the collective group for her sounds, her rhythms, her tones, her time and her music - not for her visual presence which historically has so often been the reason for bringing musicians and dancers together. Here we come together as equals." Joe Fonda Also featured on this recording are musicians Anthony Braxton (Alto Saxophone, F Saxophone, Sopranino, Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet & Flute), Herb Robertson (Trumpet & Pocket Trumpet), Vickie Dodd (Vocals), and Grisha Alexiev (Percussion).
CD: $18
Brenda Bufalino, Jay Clayton and Frank Kimbrough
"Rhythms From The Heart"
Recorded live at the New School, New York City. Brenda Bufalino taps, Jay Clayton vocals, and Frank Kimbrough piano.
Instruction DVDS
If you are serious about having fun with tap and improving your skills, these are the tapes you need. Imagine! A chance to be taught by tap legend Brenda Bufalino! These tapes are the closest thing to getting private lessons from Brenda in your own home. If you have questions about which tape is right for you, email Brenda at brendabufalino@yahoo.com and she will respond to you personally.
45 Minutes On DVD
$45
Brenda Bufalino's
Tap Intensive 1
Vernacular Movement and the Time Step with Variations (1) Dancing the Swing and Charleston without taps sets the body in motion and fills it with rhythm before metal ever hits the floor. (2) the time step is the most familiar figure in tap dance as well as the most misunderstood. Understanding its rhythm and musical structure becomes a foundation as well as a lasting tool in a tap dancer's vocabulary.
45 Minutes On DVD
$45
Brenda Bufalino's
Tap Intensive 2
B.S. Chorus / Old Soft Shoe Chorus (1) A traditional chorus that includes the Bill Robinson Time Step, "Cross" and "Wing" Steps, "Over the Tops", and "Trenches". This flash chorus, though often executed in an offhand manner, includes figures and manipulations which are essential to the creations of period routines. (2) This lovely chorus, though deceptively simple and often executed by Honi Coles & the Copasetics in a comic fashion, is a dance of graceful movement & beautiful rhythmic patterns.
45 Minutes On DVD
$45
Brenda Bufalino's
Tap Intensive 3
Improvisation and Afro-Cuban tp Bop (1) Structures and themes for improv; working on a groove, trading eights and scat / talking with your feet. Through improvisation we compose. (2) Afro-Cuban movement working off the Mambo to phrase patterns using the whole body. The Bop tap section builds a long phrase working over the bar with contemporary syncopation and manipulations.
For All Levels
45 Minutes On DVD
$55
Brenda Bufalino's
Double Time Series
This video tape offers over FOUR choruses of double time figures that can be incorporated into compositions, improvisations, or as a dance in themselves. Ms. Bufalino developed this variety of patterns through and beyond the paddle and roll, to include crawls and unusual manipulations that create pictures as well as rhythms. Patterns are broken down carefully to help the dancer develop clear articulations, aswell as speed.
For Advanced Level
45 Minutes On DVD
$55
Brenda Bufalino's
Where The Action Is
Ms. Bufalino demonstrates how to execute taps efficiently and how to create a beautiful clear tone. Taking the action from the hip releases the foot and enables the dancer to develop speed and accuracy in a relaxed fashion. This sets the groove for rhythm tap dancing. Included on the tape are "shuffles scales", "triplet shuffle continuations", break downs for small footwork, the "paddle and roll", three of Bufalino's twelve "double time" figures, and more!
For Intermediate/Advanced Level
45 Minutes On DVD
$55
Brenda Bufalino's
St. Valentine's Day Waltz
(1) There is the tempo, there is the rhythm and there is the groove. The figures for the waltz created during this l997 workshop are expressed at a bright tempo in a syncopated 3/4 rhythm in an African Waltz groove. Patterns are created that may be elongated, separated or repeated to create a complete dance in 3/4 time. (2) The "Bufalino Wing" exercise can be used as a figure in a composition or an exercise that strengthens and lifts the body. The "Bufalino Wing" is a new manipulation to include in the dancers vocabulary, offering a visual as well as rhythmical pattern. (3) The American Tap Dance Orchestra performs "Cool Bird" , a waltz in the same groove and tempo which has been included on the tape. "Cool Bird" was created by Ms. Bufalino for the ATDO in l990. & demonstrates orchestral arrangements with layered rhythms that personify Ms. Bufalino's tap compositions.
Concert DVDs
Great Feats of Feet
A classic documentary exploring the tradition of jazz & tap dance, the essence that sets it uniquely apart from other dance forms, featuring The Copasetics. Each featured dancer speaks of his life and his art, revealing creative spirit and individuality that have personified each artistthrough their long careers. A collector's item to be treasured. Filmed in 1975-76.
120 Minutes On DVD
$50
Legends of Tap
Vintage Lecture Demonstration:
Charles "Honi" Coles
Charles "Cookie" Cook
Leslie "Bubba" Gaines
Filmed at Dancing Theatre, New Paltz 1973.
35 Minutes On DVD
$45
60 Minutes On DVD
$55
American Landscape (Part 1)
Featuring Brenda Bufalino & American Tap Dance Orchestra, the American Landscape is an epic work that uses the sound of taps combined with original scores created by Choreographer Brenda Bufalino. Blended with this organic landscape is the melodic and poetic voice of American composer Hoagy Carmichael. Together they create the rhythmic, tonal and essence vibrations of our mountains, valleys, animals and rivers. The American Landscape was presented by the ATDO on tour from 1991-1993 and received rave reviews across the country and abroad! Part One includes pieces such as "Stardust" and "Skylark" celebrating the land and its habitats, and a quintessential Carmichael suite entitled "Sing Me a Swing Song & Let Me Dance." Also included is the ATDO's classic a capella piece "The Buffalo Suite", and solos by Brenda Bufalino, and ATDO members. Frank Kimbrough on piano, Joe Fonda on bass, and Pat Tortorici on vocals.
American Landscape (Part 2)
Part Two includes other pieces such as "The Turtle Suite" composed by Ms. Bufalino, Carmichael's classic "Rive boat Shuffle",and numerous solos by individual artists within the company. Frank Kimbrough on piano, Joe Fonda on Bass, and Pat Tortorici on vocals.
60 Minutes On DVD
$55
45 Minutes On DVD
$45
ATDO In Performance
Filmed live in performance at the home of the ATDO: Woodpeckers Tap Dance Center in 1991. Ensemble choreography by Artistic Director Brenda Bufalino, this intimately filmed performance gives the viewer a birds eye view of Bufalino's intricate choreography as well as glimpses of the individual styles of soloists: Neil Applebaum, Barbara Duffy, Margaret Morrison, Robin Tribble & Tony Waag. .
Brenda Bufalino's
Cantata and the Blues
A video portrait of Brenda Bufalino's one woman show at the Ballroom - New York City.
45 Minutes On DVD
$55
Someone Stole The Baby
A documentary on Brenda Bufalino and the American Tap Dance Orchestra. Filmed at Woodpeackers Tap Dance Center and Inter-Arts space, New York City 1989.
"Brenda Bufalino is a star, a dancer of extraordinary subtlety. Her gravelly-voiced singing and patter is almost as engaging in "Cantata and the Blues,"
- "New York Times...Jennifer Dunning.
Brenda Bufalino is a terpsichorean marvel...we are transported into a sublime musical environment that is completely mesmerizing.
- Jo Sagolla, Back Stage
25 Minutes On DVD
$45
50 Minutes On DVD
$45
Talks & Taps With Honi Coles
Brenda interviews Honi in l980, where he discusses and demonstrates with her vernacular tap steps and his many contributions to the tap dance art form. Excerpts from the Coles and Bufalino l978 concert "Sounds in Motion" include their danced duets as well as their television performance upon returning from a tour of Europe. This 50 minute DVD includes rare, unseen and archival footage of the tap genius Charles "Honi" Coles, assembled by his dear friend, partner and collaborator, Brenda Bufalino.
Ms. Bufalino serves as warm brass to Mr. Coles elegant silver.
-“New York Times”…Jennifer Dunning
30 Minutes On DVD
$45
Brenda Bufalino's
Tapestry
"TAPESTRY," the ground breaking and classic 30 minute a capella duet choreographed by Brenda Bufalino in l980, is performed by her with her partner at the time, Pat Giordano. "TAPESTRY" is one of the first extended tap works choreographed for the concert stage. It is filled with subtlety, complexity, dynamic changes, innovation and precision. A danced musical composition.
ATDO Central Park Summer Stage '98
As part of the International Festival of the Arts, the ATDO opened this Summer Stage Series at the Naumberg bandshell in Central Park and were well received by a large and enthusiastic crowd. June 17, 1988.
40 Minutes On DVD
$45
40 Minutes On DVD
$45
Brenda Bufalino Solos
A variety of Bufalino concert solos; including: "Bye Bye Blackbird", "Flame With Loop" and "My Mind's on Mingus" among others.
"The Tap Dancer Brenda Bufalino is a terpsichorean marvel. When she taps her feet conjure an expressive language that is more akin to singing than to dancing."
- "Backstage", review of "Tone, Text and Tap", by Lisa Jo Sagolla
"The highlight of the night was watching Brenda Bufalino perform her “MIngus Medley,” For ten minutes she held the audience in her thrall and sent chills up and down my spine with her light tapping. Each tap was soft, clear and absolutely the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. You do not have to be a tap dancer to appreciate the magnificence of her rhythm.”
- “The Keystone", by A&E reporter Krissy Scatton
Books
$24.95
Brenda Bufalino's
Tapping The Source
In Tapping the Source, Brenda Bufalino explores the recent history of tap dance and shares stories about her early training and professional career experiences, as well as the wisdom gleaned from her mentor, partner and collaborator, the late Charles 'Honi' Coles.
As a master teacher and biographical performer known for her fluid musicality and extensive vocabulary, Ms. Bufalino's stories, techniques and philosophy will inspire and encourage everyone to find the timber and rhythm of their voice, whether in tap shoes or hiking boots, on the piano or the typewriter, on a mountain trail or on the floor boards.
“With “Tapping The Source,” Brenda Bufalino has given us a brilliantly titled and generously written professional memoir….Brenda is an artist with a capital A. As a being she transcends her chosen forms. Her book will be purchased by dancers, but it’s a book for artists, so if you are on the path, “Tapping The Source…” is a useful map.
- Amazon review, by Richard Wells
Brenda Bufalino's
Song of the Split Elm
Penobscot reservation on Indian Island in 1853... "Madeline was born singing. She sang melodies like chants, like forecasts, like conversations with flowers and birds." While her mother Hannah was comforted by Madeline's sonorous melodies, her father, Jeremiah, a Calvinist preacher lived in fear of his daughter's unique voice and spirit. As hard as he tried, he could not contain her.
“In addition to being a captivating transgenerational saga, “Song of the Split Elm,” also grapples with issues that we continue to contend with, such as women’s rights, artistic freedom, and the reverent, symbiotic way that indigenous peoples relate to the earth, as opposed to the destructive, proprietary way of the dominant culture. The characters are fully alive on the page, their stories engaging and the writing at times intensely lyrical. “The scarlet tanagers sang melodies at dusk that inspired the wooden reed players to delicious trills and arpeggios, lilting, then soaring, until only the chill of the night sent the musicians back to the hearth of their wigwams.”
- Mikhail Horowitz, Performance poet, social commentator and author
Brenda Bufalino's
Circular Migrations
Brenda Bufalino is a mixed genre artist; choreographer and tap dancer, a dancer who sings, tells stories, writes books, works clay into shapes that dance, and paints pictures. She has performed as a guest soloist at Town Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York City and The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., as well as in major concert halls through out America, Europe, Australia, and Israel.
An artistic director/choreographer of The American Tap Dance Orchestra she toured America and Europe with her company, and appeared at The Joyce Theatre, and on PBS "Great Performances.....Tap Dance in America with Gregory Hines."
$18.00
$18.00
Ms. Bufalino is an eloquent writer, and many of the best moments in her new "Gertrude's Nose" grew from her evocative nature poetry."
- "New York Times", by Jennifer Dunning.
The "American Tap Dance Foundation"
Amazon, Paperback and Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Books-Brenda-Bufalino/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ABrenda+Bufalino
Inquiring Minds Bookstore in New Paltz, NY