Tapping Into History: Pamela Yasutake's Journey and Influence in Dance
In case you missed it: Pamela Yasutake’s interview on Back2Besa
As we look back at some of our favorite moments from Back2Besa in 2024, one standout interview was with professional tap dancer Pamela Yasutake. Pamela, who began tap dancing at the age of nine, has turned her lifelong passion into a thriving career, performing and teaching tap across the globe. Here’s a look at Pamela’s story, how she got started, and her dedication to keeping tap dancing alive for the next generation.
From Childhood Inspiration to Professional Dancer
Pamela’s love for tap dancing was sparked by the influence of her mother, who introduced her to the legendary tap dancers of the past. “My mom loved tap dancing, and she showed me footage of the old masters—people like the Nicholas Brothers and Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson. That’s when I knew, this is what I want to do,” Pamela shared. Her mother connected her with Dr. Darren Smith, a tap teacher in Seattle, who became Pamela’s first mentor at Tap Central, where she began her formal training at the age of nine.
A Family Affair with Lemon Grove
Pamela also spoke about her involvement with Lemon Grove, a Black-owned vintage collection shop. “Lemon Grove is a place for arts and culture, not just vintage clothes," she explained. "It’s a space that hosts events like poetry readings and parties, which makes it so much more than just a store.” As the cousin of the owners, Pamela’s deep connection to the space reflects her commitment to supporting local businesses and cultural hubs.
Championing Women in Tap
Pamela is a proud member of the Syncopated Ladies, an all-female tap band based in Los Angeles, founded by renowned tap dancer Chloe Arnold. The band has been a trailblazer in providing women in tap a platform to express their creativity. "Tap has always been male-dominated, and Chloe created this space for us to dance however we want, with feminine flair, and incorporating other styles we want to explore," Pamela explained. The Syncopated Ladies represent a revolution in the tap dance world, where women are reclaiming their rightful place and showing the world what they can do.
Pamela Yasutake shows us down it’s done.
Tap Dancing for the Next Generation
For young girls of color who may feel they don’t have a space in the dance world, Pamela offers an empowering message: “Tap dancing is an art form that was created by the people, for the people. It’s an American art form that belongs to us. It’s our history, our lineage, and our legacy.” Pamela encourages young dancers, especially Black girls, to take up space in the art form and embrace their rightful place in the tap dance community.
A Tap Lesson with Besa
Towards the end of the interview, Besa Gordon got the chance to step into Pamela's shoes for a tap lesson. Pamela taught her a classic tap step—the shuffle step—saying, “This step will follow you your entire career.” They went through basic moves and tried out a shuffle-ball-change combination. It was a special moment for Besa to connect with the art of tap in such a hands-on way, and she proudly shared that she didn’t fall during the lesson!
In conclusion
Pamela Yasutake’s journey is a testament to the power of following one’s passion and staying true to the craft. Whether through her work with the Syncopated Ladies, her involvement with Lemon Grove, or her role as a teacher and mentor, Pamela is actively shaping the future of tap dancing and inspiring the next generation of dancers to take their place in the rich history of the art form.
