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What is needed to make a great music and dance performance? Well according to the UK based group STOMP anything you can find on the street will not only suffice but will create an energetic and rhythmic musical spectacle. Come see the show which proves that all one needs for great music is rhythm and sound.

STOMP will travel through over 20 US cities on their 2011 tour, including Washington, DC (January 25 – 30), Philadelphia (February 15 – 20), Portland, OR (March 3 – 13), and San Diego (April 19 – 24).

Photo © Eduardo Pelosi on Flickr

STOMP is a dazzling performance art which combines the acts of music and dance into a single expression. In its most simple form this troupe takes a cue from tap dancing to create music through the percussion of shoes hitting a stage. However, rather than the gentle rat-a-tat of tap shoes, STOMP sees dancers stamping heavy shoes in unison to create a sound which rings through the halls of any venue.

A sound as impressive and electrifying as a torrential rain storm takes to the stage as feet, trash cans, brooms, and bags work to create the music of the streets. Inner tubes and paint cans have recently been added to the group's unique repertoire, allowing the audience to discover the variety of sounds of which these overlooked items are capable.

This musical creation is combined with the age-old practice of prop dancing so that music and dance are combined. This practice, of which such dancing greats as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly were considered masters, sees resurgence in the inventive dancing of STOMP. Modern audiences are reminded of the fact that objects in the world around us are capable of becoming a part of our experience of music.

STOMP reminds us of life principles of which we all seem innately aware as children. Delightful sounds are all around us and anything can become a drum! The moment a child is let loose in the kitchen it seems that lids have become cymbals, old cans and Tupperware are drums, and utensils are drum sticks. Lacking rhythm, this is often written off as a terrible din, however, when skillfully manipulated the music can be quite fascinating. Similarly, STOMP returns to this basic experience of music and reminds viewers that one need not own a pricey instrument in order to be a musical genius.

Cost: $37-$57 depending on seating

Website: www.stomponline.com/tickets_tour.php