Matthew Clark

As part of THD’s Friday Forum Guest Dance Artists program, Matthew Clarke will provide a master class in tap on Friday, October 22, 2021. He is Artistic Director and Founder of Clark Academy Dance Center in Buffalo, New York, provides area students with the unique opportunity to benefit from his highly acclaimed, award winning choreography, and innovative style of instruction. As coach and choreographer for the Canadian National Tap Team, the US National Tap Team and the US Jazz Team, Clark has repeatedly led the groups to championship titles including North American National Tap Dance Champions, Canadian National Dance Champions, World Jazz Congress, 21 World Tap Dance Championship titles and International Dance Organization’s World Jazz Champions. His teaching, competing and judging have earned him recognition as a viable member of the dance world in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Clark is a performer of stage and commercials for Reebok, Toyota and Calvin Klein. The Mary B. Talbert Civic and Cultural Organization recently honored Matthew Clark in their effort to spotlight teachers, instructors and mentors in the community who have demonstrated sincere dedication and compassion in their teaching. He has also been honored by Governor Pataki who presented him with the Living Legend Award “Life as an Artist”. His humanitarian efforts has carried him to outreach Programs in South Africa, West Indies, and South America. A member of “STORM”, a not-for profit organization committed to serving charities through a variety of events and venues incorporating the art of DANCE, makes the circle of commitment to the community complete. Matthew has received commendations from former President Clinton for his contributions to the arts, and was recipient of the Anton German Community of Color Award, presented by Kaleidoscope Dance Theater. Matthew was inducted into The Canadian Dance Hall of Fame, and the Dance Teachers Hall of Fame in New York. His dance company performed for Gregory Hines by invitation at the New York Tap Festival honoring Gregory Hines with Savion Glover. Hines regarded Clark’s work as “Fabulous footwork and choreography.”