Lee Howard
Lee Howard, referred to as the “Tap Whiz Kid” by Dance Spirit magazine, represents a part of the newest generation of tap dancers who is committed to making his mark and sharing it with the world. Beginning his career at the age of 10, Lee was recognized by the notable Idella Reed-Davis, his first teacher at Sammy Dyer School of the theatre, as being a “natural”. His natural ability and quick study of choreography emerged and led to his recruitment as a member of the M.A.D.D. rhythms tap company in 2001 originally under the direction of Bril Barrett and later also under the direction of Martin “Tre” Dumas III. Once with M.A.D.D., Rhythms, Lee’s creative juices began to be challenged and Lee’s love for tap emerged. “He taps with the voracity of Savion Glover but conveys the warmth of the Nicholas Brothers when he dances and rhythmically he’s on a whole different level”, says Bril Barrett. Lee enjoys doing new things with his choreography making it different from every body else. Dianne Walker compared his musicality to jazz musicians Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. Lee has had the privilege of studying with many notable tap artists including Fayard Nicholas, Leonard Reed, Jimmy Slyde, Harold Cromer, Jason Samuels Smith, Derick Grant, Sam Weber, Dianne Walker, and Dormeisha Sumbry-Edwards among others. Lee has been the recipient of numerous tap dance scholarships and awards including the 2004 Chicago Human Rhythm Project Tap Off winner and the Los Angeles Tap Festival Cutting contest winner 2005.