Andrew Nemr

Syria24

Performance

In the mode of a meditation, or protest fast, international tap dance artist Andrew Nemr intends to tap dance for 24hrs in an effort to embody and bring light to the ongoing plight of refugees. Performed on a small platform, Syria24 juxtaposes the ideas of "necessary action" and "being stuck" to bring to light the tension experienced by many refugees. The piece's three sections - Home, The Only Choice, and Resettling - are performed to a soundscape of refugees' own words and sounds evoking their journey. Over the course of the 24hrs, Nemr's tap dancing is joined by performance collaborators, embodying the support refugees often receive on their journey. The number of steps Andrew will take on stage is symbolic for the number of steps a refugee has to make to safety.

Mentored by Gregory Hines, an American dancer, actor, singer, and choreographer, Andrew Nemr is considered one of the most diverse tap dance artists today. An international performer, choreographer, educator, and speaker, Andrew has played with Grammy Award-winning musicians across multiple genres of music, founded and directed the tap dance company Cats Paying Dues now in their 11th season, and co-founded the Tap Legacy™ Foundation, Inc. (along with Hines). The recipient of a TED Fellowship and the NEA American Masterpieces: Dance Initiative grant, Andrew’s work explores tap dance as a vehicle for storytelling and community building.