On Sunday, December 15, Altarena Playhouse was full of movement enthusiasts, all gathered to see the premiere of a short documentary film, The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees. The story of the now legendary hoofers was created by a unique cinema project, Students on the Set, under the direction of Shaun Daniels and Castaway Creative. In addition to the tree dancers documentary, Shaun also shared a short film about his students where they spoke of how much they enjoyed learning to make movies working alongside professionals.
As for The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, archival footage showed how they began, stories were told of the creation of the costumes, and several current dancers were profiled, but especially the founder Pamm Drake of Dance 10. The film chronicled the group’s participation in last year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and included a beautiful story of three generations of dancers who were part of the crew.
Shaun’s students did good work in making the movie, blending clips of the trees dancing with interviews of the participants. After the film, five trees took the stage, lead by Drake, and they tapped their way further into the hearts of the audience. Below is a poem about the festive evening and documentary debut.
An Evening With The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees
’Twas ten days before Xmas and at the Playhouse,
The Green Trees were ready to tap dance and flounce,
But first the audience sat staring at screen,
For a most special movie was about to be seen,
A grand documentary, a story of joy,
About something special, dear girls and boys,
For the Tap Dancing Trees of Christmastime fame,
Have been captured on celluloid, praise be their name.
The seats were all full with supporters and hoofers,
The energy pushing on the Altarena rafters,
For those new to the island, you do need to know,
That for 34 years there’s been but one show,
That’s dazzled nearby and away in the Apple,
New York by the way, seven times that has happened,
The movie was made by Students on the Set,
Directed by Shaun Daniels, a filmmaking vet.
There was archival footage from back in the day,
Oh, to watch these trees grow just made you say, “Yay!”
The planter of seeds is the great, great Pamm Drake,
And her company Dance 10, such magic she makes.
One really fun part of this tremendous story,
Was how they were costumed, such technical glory,
Another strong part that earned an “A” grade,
Was the first time they danced in the Macy’s parade.
It was 2001, a hard year for us all,
But especially New York, where the towers did fall,
The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, that’s their full name,
Were invited to Thanksgiving, so they hopped on a plane,
And danced on the streets making everyone smile,
They did this for mile after mile after mile.
But the core of the movie, that tugged on your heart,
Was how three female dancers, beautifully took part,
Grandma and Mom and daughter each tapping,
With glistening eyes from the love that was happening.
And then when the movie was over and done,
Five fantastic trees took the stage and we won,
They did their routine all grinning and bright,
Percussing the floor, oh my what a night.
One last thing dear Readers, this great celebration,
Was partly put on to seek thy donations,
For Shaun and his project, for Pamm and the trees,
Show them both some love, and support them please, please.
Dance 10 Art Center is located at 900 Santa Clara Avenue. Learn more about them by visiting their website. The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees also have their own website. Students on the Set is part of Castaway Creative.
Editor’s note: The article originally credited Sean Daniels, his name is Shaun Daniels. We regret the error.
Gene Kahane is the founder of the Foodbank Players, a lifelong teacher, and former Poet Laureate for the City of Alameda. Reach him at [email protected]. His writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Gene-Kahane.
