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Broadway rhythm

Tap Dance stamps debut in Times Square

Ceremony participants strike a pose in front of the Tap Dance stamp images. From left are dancers Max Pollak, Ayodele Casel, Michela Marino Lerman and Dormeshia.

The Postal Service dedicated its Tap Dance stamps July 10 during a ceremony in New York City’s famed Times Square.

“Today, we are celebrating the American art form of tap dance with these vibrant stamps in the heart of Times Square as the Postal Service recognizes one of our nation’s greatest contributions to the world of dance,” said Lorraine G. Castellano, the Postal Service’s New York 1 District manager, who spoke at the ceremony.

The dedication was part of the Tap It Out — Tap City, New York City Tap Festival produced by the American Tap Dance Foundation.

“For over 40 years, I’ve been dedicated to promoting tap dance as a serous form of expression, so I’m extremely proud that the Postal Service is bringing awareness to this art by issuing these dynamic stamps,” said Tony Waag, the foundation’s artistic and executive director, who also spoke at the event.

Other speakers included tap dancers Ayodele Casel, Michela Marino Lerman and Max Pollak; and stamp photographer Matthew Murphy, whose images of five different dancers performing against brightly colored backdrops were used by Ethel Kessler to design the stamps.

With roots that predate Colonial America, tap continues to evolve as new generations of dancers infuse cultural influences that ensure it remains a major American contribution to world dance.

“I’m very excited that people can use these new Tap Dance stamps on their cards and letters, as they truly represent this American art form,” Waag said.