Legacy, and the inspirations of family history: With Sue Samuels, Elka Samuels Smith, and Jason Samuels Smith

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Live on CIUT 89.5 FM

Airing Date: September 25, 2024
Host/ Producer: Nicole Inica Hamilton

Assistant Production Manager/ Editor: Amber Downie-Back

 

Featured Guest(s): Sue Samuels, Elka Samuels Smith, and Jason Samuels Smith

On this part one episode, Sue Samuels (teacher, choreographer, and performer), Elka Samuels Smith (Founder and Executive Director of Divine Rhythm Productions), and Jason Samuels Smith (dancer, choreographer, director, humanitarian) reflect upon inspiring family history, and the legacy of JoJo’s Dance Factory.

📸: (L) to (R):  Elka Samuels Smith, Sue Samuels, and Jason Samuels Smith. Photography by Joe Wesley.

About Sue Samuels:

Sue Samuels made dance history by establishing JoJo’s Dance Factory together with the late JoJo Smith, which later became NYC’s Broadway Dance Center. In 2009, she founded Jazz Roots Dance to preserve and promote original repertoire from JoJo’s Dance Factory while continuing to develop her own choreographic voice that is rooted in classic jazz. The dancer, choreographer and educator has received countless awards for her many contributions to both the Jazz and Tap dance world, from the Dance Teacher Award (2018), the Legacy Award (2021) from Dancers Over 40, and a special Proclamation from the City Council of New York (2022). Sue previously served on the Bessie Awards committee and continues to teach, mentor, advise, and choreograph for events around the world.

 

About Elka Samuels Smith:

Born in Hells Kitchen, New York to renowned Jazz Dancers/Studio Owners JoJo Smith & Sue Samuels, Elka’s full immersion in the arts world began early on. As Founder and Executive Director of Divine Rhythm Productions, Elka’s passion is rooted in creating platforms to support and uplift the art of others. Offering business management, creative support, and production services to Professional Tap Dancers, choreographers and performers since 2002, she also executive produced the Harlem Jazz Dance Festival, T.A.A.P. at Swing 46, Mr. Wiggles’ Wreck Session & Hip Hop Camp, Tap Off The Turkey, Robin Dunn’s Ladies Get Down, and Tap Family Reunion. She served as associate producer for The Bessies (New York Dance & Performance Awards), the125th & 135th Capezio Anniversaries, and documentary films American Tap and Uprooted. Elka consults and serves on advisory committees for the Brooklyn Dance Festival, The Perlman Center, and Broadway Theatre Project, and supports non-profit organizations including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, Career Transitions for Dancers/Actors Fund, and Groove With Me to engage the power of art to effect social change.

 

About Jason Samuels Smith:

Jason Samuels Smith, (dancer, choreographer, director, humanitarian) has received an Emmy, Dance Magazine Award, American Choreography Award and Gregory Hines Humanitarian Award among others. Choreography and film credits include “Black Nativity” (associate tap choreographer/security guard #1); Hit Series Psych; Secret Talents of the Stars (MYA); So You Think You Can Dance; Dancing with The Stars; UPAJ: Improvise; Dean Hargrove’s “Tap Heat”, Outkast’s “Idlewild”; Debbie Allen’s“ Cool Women”.  Stage Credits include Soul Possessed (leading role); Broadway’s Bring in Da’ Noise, Bring in Da’ Funk (principal/lead roles); Imagine Tap! (leading role).  He also designed and developed a professional tap shoe sold exclusively by BLOCH and founded the Tap program at Debbie Allen Dance Academy.
Using his art for social justice, he supports organizations including Groove With Me, AHF, Tied To Greatness, amfAR, Actors Fund, AHF, DRA/Broadway Cares, and Witness to name a few. He is currently engaged in an ongoing research process including completing a fellowship with the NY Library of the Performing Arts revisiting the history of Tap Dance. Jason engages with communities around the world as an ambassador for the legacy of the artform of Tap and consults with major arts organizations worldwide in both official and unofficial advisory positions.