Dance instructor keeps tap alive

A one-time national and international performer, he's now teaching and inspiring people of all ages to hit the floor and tap dance. They are demonstrating that tap dancing is still very much alive --and Brill Barrett is one of the reasons. He's been dancing since he was five.

"It was the rhythm and hearing the way it sounded once I started I just wanted to keeping doing it," said Barrett.

In 2001 Barrett founded MADD Rhythms Dance Academy, based at the South Shore Cultural Center. MADD stands for Making A Difference Dancing. 32 years old he has toured nationally and internationally with Rverdance, the Tap Dance Kid and Gregory Hines live.

"To be on the road touring ...tap dancing was one of the most exciting times of my life," said Barrett.

Each week Barrett teaches 150 students, ranging in age from 5 to 56.

"Being dedicated to that art form--and also changing the lives of young people showing them a different and alternative career path --it just leaves me with feeling like I doing what I'm supposed to do," said Barrett.