Melissa Giattino and Ron DeStefano, Two on Tap, are tapping their way to the Montezuma-Cortez High School stage on Tuesday, April 2 at 7 p.m., in the last concert for the SouthWest Colorado Concert series 2012-2013 season.
The energetic dance duo will be performing songs from the Great American songbook, a few jazz numbers, musical hits and vaudeville - whatever gets the audience moving.
"The audiences are delighted by the high energy level of our performance," Giattino said in an email. "And we often hear wonderful comments about how we are doing so much to keep vintage song-and-dance alive."
The mission for Two on Tap is to share the great American art form of duo song-and-dance with as many people as possible. No matter how big or small the audience might be, Giattino and DeStefano see it as their responsibility to bring their show to any community.
"We especially love performing in smaller communities, because they always have a great appreciation for the work that we're doing," she said. "As far as we know, we're the only professional duo song-and-dance team in the world right now."
The duo started their journey to Two on Tap as youngsters. Giattino's parents opened a dance studio when she was two years old. She trained with her mother until she was 16, then headed to the Big Apple to study with some of the world's greatest voice and dance instructors. Giattano said being in that environment at an early age, opened up many performance opportunities such as singing, dancing and acting.
"Theater feels like it has always been a part of my life," Giattino added.
DeStefano on the other hand pursued dancing later in life, after pursuing a career as a chemist. The theater bug overpowered him and he started a full-time career in show business after finishing his undergraduate studies.
Two on Tap has amassed to a full-time gig for DeStefano and Giattino. The SouthWest Concert series is part of a 60 city tour and has led the duo all over the country. A week before the series began they had the privilege of traveling to China and performing aboard the Pacific Princess 2013 World Cruise. They also perform regularly on the Queen Mary's 2 Transatlantic Route.
"The arts have given me the freedom to express myself in ways that many others can't," Giattino said. "No matter what happens in the course of my day, I get the opportunity to step onstage, leave my cares behind, and let the magic of the footlights bring me right into the present moment."
DeStefano does not take for granted the opportunities presented to him as well. He has created a career out of his passion when he was once pursuing a different path.
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney and Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse are a few of Two on Tap's favorite performing duos. Audiences can expect a similar show as the pair's great music and exciting choreography are tied together in a wholesome, entertaining show.
This is the last performance for the SouthWest Colorado Concert series this season. They will return with exciting new headliners in the fall of 2013, celebrating their 60th season of shows.
Tickets will be on sale at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. with single-concert tickets available for $20 for adults and $5 for youth 18 years old and under. Season tickets for the four concert 2013-2014 season will also be on sale at $45 for adults and $10 for youth 18 years old and younger. If you are not a current season ticket holder and purchase a season ticket for the 2013-2014 season at this concert, you will get into Two On Tap for free. For more information contact Paul Bostrom at 565-9127 or Joyce Stevenson at 565-4757.
rachels@cortezjournal.com