Michela Marino Lerman, winner of the 2019 Hoofer Award, is a world renowned tap dance artist, performer, choreographer, band leader, educator and all-around creative spirit. The Huffington Post has called her a “hurricane of rhythm” and the NY Times has called her both a “prodigy” and has described her dancing as “flashes of brilliance.” Quincy Jones has said she is an “absolute tap dancing star who knows her roots.” She very proudly, was mentored by some of the masters of tap dance including Gregory Hines, Buster Brown, Leroy Myers, Peg Leg Bates, Marion Coles, Jeni LeGon and Mable Lee. Most recently Michela can be seen featured in the new US Postage Stamp series dedicated to the art form of Tap Dance. Michela has performed, choreographed, written, produced, and directed many projects throughout her career including leading her own group Love Movement. She recently was commissioned by the Joyce Theater to create and premiere her all new full length work “Once Upon A Time Called Now” in the spring of 2022. Some additional performance highlights include the Whitney Museum of American Art, Newport Jazz festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Marciac Jazz Festival, Joes Pub, Little Island, opening night of The Shed at the Hudson Yards, The Other Palace on London's West End, and co-producing the documentary American Tap. Michela has had the honor of working with many masters throughout her career some of whom include Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Anna Deavere Smith, Jon Batiste, Quincy Jones, Steve McQueen and many more. www.michelataps.com @michelataps