We recently had the chance to connect with Justin Boccitto and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Justin, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Finding time to connect to nature. Always looking for a new hike or outdoor adventure in Colorado and around the country. The past three years I’ve been traveling and have seen over 40 national parks.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Justin Boccitto and I live in RiNo Denver with my partner Dani and our dog Taco. I’ve been running my company, Common Ground, for the past 5 years. Common Ground is a project that promotes and educates students in tap dancing. We offer classes and events in Colorado Springs, Boulder, Denver, New York City, Los Angeles, and at studios all throughout the country. We have also recently started a performance company called Common Sound that consists of 7 Coloradan tap dancers. Common Ground also has a very strong following on Instagram with over 62k followers.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I would say moving to New York City at 1999 to become a performing artist and tap dancer really shaped how I see the world. The diversity in New York was so refreshing and eye opening. I also really learned how to hustle in my career. It’s true that in the entertainment industry you can’t wait for the phone to ring. It is all about what you put into the universe and how much drive and passion you exude in everything you do.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
The pandemic and the performing arts industry shutdown was probably the most difficult time for me in my life at to that point. Not having the career I spent my entire life working towards was a devastating blow. But, seeing my situation in comparison to the suffering that was happening to others during Covid-19 was humbling and reality check I truly needed. Though the arts is so important to our world (and to me) it was also sobering to recognize how small my problems were to those losing loved ones, their homes, and so much more. The pause also brought a much needed moment to reflect on balance in my life and how I was living a career but not a life. That’s when I got on the road and traveled into nature to find some transcendence.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Coming from the industry of tap dancing I think the biggest lie is most often about the art form’s history. Tap dancing is truly a black art form that originated in Africa through foot stomping and drum related tribal dances (an important one being the Juba). As slavery began here in America, all of the enslaved workers were forbidden personal items, including their drums. This resulted in a more defined dance that relied solely on foot work and body percussion. During the days of the Five Points in lower Manhattan these dances (as well as Irish step dance) began to be seen in theaters and eventually morphed into what we know as American tap dancing. One notable pioneer of this period was a black dancer by the name of William Henry Lane (aka The Master Juba).
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was an advocate for the art of tap dancing and worked all my life to promote its history and education through masterclasses with the pioneers who helped pass it down generation to generation. I also hope people say that I was a strong leader who stood up for myself as well as the underdog and never allowed injustice or discrimination of any kind in our space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.commongroundtap.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commongroundtap
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commongroundtap
Image Credits
Kayleen Marie Media & Andrews Artistry
