Hot Shoe Shuffle’s Tap Brothers – Zan Kermond
Last week, AussieTheatre began featuring interviews with the recently announced Tap Brothers, soon to star in the upcoming 21st Anniversary Production of Hot Shoe Shuffle.
Hot Shoe Shuffle is the tale of Spring, Slap, Buck, Wing, Tip, Tap and Slide and their long lost sister April in a 1940s inspired musical theatre setting with choreography by Dein Perry and David Atkins.
Our second feature is with Alexander ‘Zan’ Kermond – fifth generation performer from the Kermond family – who will star as Tip.
What is it that excites you most about joining the cast of Hot Shoe Shuffle?
I just finished studying last year, and this is my first major musical, so it is very exciting.
When did you discover your love of tap?
My parents would put on old tap dancing movies when I was a kid, so I really grew up with it.
You have grown up in a performing arts family and have toured with professional productions since you were very young. What important lessons have you learned from a lifetime in the theatre?
It became second nature to me, it was my home after being immersed in it for such a long time. Chicago was my favorite musical, I knew it backwards. Touring is the best way to learn the ropes, and you really need to enjoy yourself and have fun.
Describe your character – Tip
One of the twins, he is energetic and enjoys a laugh with Tap
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
It was from my father, and he said ‘no matter what you do, make sure you are having fun doing it’
[pull_left]Chicago was my favorite musical, I knew it backwards[/pull_left]
Dancing is a very physically exerting exercise – how do you maintain your health and stamina to make sure you are always at your peak?
Surfing and jogging on the beach.
What is the best thing about the performing arts community in Australia?
It becomes a family, everyone knows and supports each other.
David Atkins and Dein Perry are both legends in the performance world and were both original cast members of this show. You have worked with both men previously in your career – tell us a little about it!
They expect the best, and bring out the best in you. I look up to both of them and I would love to follow in their path. They are very exciting to work with.
Alexander ‘Zan’ Kermond has been dancing since he learned to walk and as a child performed in many productions across theatre and television. At age 8 he played the role of young Cosmo Brown in the award wining dancer/choreographer David Atkins smash hit musical Singin’ In The Rain across Australia and in Asia – his father Wayne Scott Kermond played Cosmo Brown in the same production.
In 2010 he was offered a spot in Dein Perry’s Tap Dogs and in 2011, Zan commenced a 2 year full time Performing Arts Diploma at Sydney’s prestigious ED5 International Performing Arts School. He also appeared in the worldwide blockbuster feature film Happy Feet 2.
Hot Shoe Shuffle opens at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC on May 4 and will transfer to the Lyric Theatre, Sydney from July 10.
Visit www.hotshoeshuffle.com for more information
