AUSTIN, TX, March 18, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Acia Gray has been inducted into Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Naturally drawn to music and dancing while coming of age, Ms. Gray joined her stepfather's band as a singer and drummer at just seven years old. Proceeding to study theatre and various forms of dance, she excelled in numerous areas, and secured a position with a tap dance company after demonstrating her proficiency during an audition. Following this period, Mr. Gray earned distinction performing nationally and internationally through The International Tap Association prior to establishing Tapestry Dance Company in 1989 with Deirdre Strand. The endeavor gained profound success within its first five years, and has recently celebrated its 30th season. With an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts/NYC, she now serves as the artistic director of the Soul to Sole Tap Festival, in addition to her work at Tapestry.
As an executive and artistic director, Ms. Gray oversees all productions at the company, including touring and three main stage productions every year. Likewise, she collaborates on outreach programs, pieces with guest choreographers and resident dancers, manages company tours, and provides other administrative functions. Ms. Gray has also distinguished herself as a solo artist and lecturer in her field. She is also the author of "The Souls of Your Feet – A Guidebook for Rhythm Explorers" (1998).
For her efforts, Ms. Gray has received numerous accolades from a variety of prestigious organizations. To wit, she was bestowed with the Legacy Award from the Third Coast Rhythm Project, the Tapologist Award from the Tapology Tap Festival, the Texas Tap Legend Award from the Dallas Dance Council and a Hoofer's Award from the American Tap Dance Foundation. Ms. Gray was also inducted as a premiere member of the Austin Arts Hall of Fame, nominated for an Alpert Award in the Arts and was chosen for the National Endowment for the Arts' National College Choreography Initiative as well as the American Masterpiece distinction for her international touring production of "The Souls of Our Feet – A Celebration of American Tap Dance."
In order to remain aware of developments in her field, Ms. Gray maintains her affiliation with the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the legacy of International Tap Association. Looking toward the future, she hopes to educate and develop the Black American artform of tap dance. Ms. Gray would also like to continue working as a solo artist, choreographer and teacher in order to connect with peers and create new work to help make equitable and positive social change in America through rhythm and history.
About Marquis Who's Who®
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who's Who titles, including Who's Who in America®, Who's Who in the World®, Who's Who in American Law®, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who's Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who's Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
# # #