Native Israelis, Avi Miller and Ofer Ben are performers, teachers, and lecturers in the unlimited rhythmical dance field of 'Tap Dancing' - better known as 'Hoofing.' Due to their country of origin, they also incorporate in their work 'Middle Eastern' and Israeli movements. In class they teach various approaches to a 'Sound Quality Technique' as well as verbal reference to the heritage of tap.
Miller & Ben had the honor of studying with: Ya'acov Kalusky (Israel), Eddie Brown, Steve Condos, Chuck Green, Dr. Bunny Briggs, Dr. Buster Brown, Brenda Bufalino, Skip Cunningham, Barbara Duffy, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Lisa Hopkins, Dr. Henry LeTang, Ted Levy, Van 'The Man' Porter, Prof. LaVaughn Robinson, Germaine Salsberg, and Earl Scoggins, among others. Together they co-produced seven Israel Jazz Tap Festivals with 'Tap Masters' from the United States, and other major tap events.
Their dance troupe —Tap Tel-Aviv has performed in many variety shows, TV and stage shows and in front of distinguished leaders, including the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. They performed their full length international show: The Hoofers' Club at The Red Sea Jazz Festival - Eilat Israel, and at The First Helsinki Tap Festival, with Prof. Robert L. Reed and Bruce Stegmann. Avi & Ofer played a major role in the production of Tap City 2001 - The First New York City Tap Festival, produced by Tony Waag.
In February 2002, The Oklahoma City University paid tribute to nine world-famous African-American tap dancers: Cholly Atkins, Bunny Briggs, James 'Buster' Brown, James T. 'Jimmy Slyde' Godbolt, Jeni LeGon, Henry LeTang, Fayard Nicholas, Leonard Reed, and Prince Spencer, by conferring upon them the honorary degree Doctor of Performing Arts in American dance. Avi Miller and Ofer Ben were greatly honored and thrilled, to be included at the tribute performances and TV documentary for The 9 Doctors of Tap Dance. Among recent projects: Tap Residency for the Oklahoma City University, School of American Dance & Arts Management, Tap Master Classes at Chulalongkorn University and Bangkok Dance - Thailand, Summer Dance Camp & a Winter workshops at Hats Off Man. in Calgary - Canada, and de TAPperij in Zwolle —Holland
In February 2003, they started to remanufacture the Miller & Ben Tap Shoes. These superb shoes are sold via their on-line store: www.TapEmporium.com. The shoes can be also found via local distributors and dance stores worldwide. Extended information on Avi Miller & Ofer Ben can be found at www.JazzTapCenter.com