Phillyist VIP: Jaye Allison

Jaye Allison is this week's Phillyist VIP. Why? Because she is bringing tap back! This is the 5th year running she is producing a Tap Festival that is meant to make Philadelphia synonymous with Tap dance and its rightful place in history. She sacrifices literally half of her income to make this happen.

How long have you lived in Philadelphia and what brought you here?
Born and raised in West Philly. Worked and lived in NY and Spain and Greece for about 5 years before returning in 1991. My grandfather was very sick and my family needed support.

What is your favorite place in the city?
Boathouse Row, and all of the drives. Very beautiful and so much fun to drive on as well.

What is the strangest thing that has happened to you in Philadelphia?
Well, that thing is a bit perverse, so why don't I steer you to the timing of things and how my career as a dancer began through the destiny of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts opening up while I was in the 8th grade and without any training whatsoever, was selected through audition to attend its first full year of existence. My life changed when I returned home from graduation, expecting to go to Overbrook High (Mom and Dad's Alma Mater), but received a letter of acceptance to CAPA, and history was made!

If you could change one thing about the City of Philadelphia, what would it be?
Making it less scary for visitors.

Pick one: Rocky Balboa or Benjamin Franklin?
Rocky! Come on now! The underdog who takes a licking and keeps ticking until he achieves his goal... story of my life! (Although I personally wish the beatings would stop for a while in between winning some.)