Check 1-2-3.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

"Take it to the stage!" That was the secret behind Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards' high-energy hoofer number as part of the American Tap Dance Foundation's "Sound Check," hosted by Tony Waag. For five days in February, ATDF filled Judson Memorial Church with the sounds and rhythms of tap stars like Lynn Schwab, Barbara Duffy, Brenda Bufalino, and Jason Samuels Smith. At the gala benefit on February 18, Derick Grant's hip hop tap opened with headspins and quickly grew to encompass an entire stage of complicated rhythms and scuffles. From Grant's interpretation of Janet Jackson's "Miss You Much," dancers moved into Chloe Arnold's red hot Latin Sexy. The Tap City Youth Ensemble also shuffled and rifled with great gusto. The evening's proceeds went to the Gregory Hines Youth Scholarship Fund and the ATDF's ongoing education programs. See www.atdf.org.