We’re a highly collaborative and supportive team, coming together on every project to ensure our clients get the very best result.
History of Arts Fifth Avenue
In 1989, the first performing arts space in the Southwest dedicated solely to the past, present, and future of tap dance opened on the west side of Fort Worth under the visionary leadership of Gracey Tune. Her goal was simple yet powerful: To revive this great American dance form, educate the community about tap, and offer classes for all ages, both day and night. As Artistic Director, Ms. Tune brought some of the world’s most renowned tap artists to Fort Worth, including:- Sara Petronio, Parisian tap legend
- Ron Young, Broadway tap star
- And the future icon of tap, Savion Glover
A Milestone Moment
In 1991, in collaboration with the Kennedy Center’s Imagination Celebration, Ms. Tune led a city-wide audition, assembling hundreds of young tap dancers to perform alongside 11-year-old Savion Glover. The landmark performance at Farrington Field featured:- The Fort Worth Youth Jazz Orchestra
- Over 4,000 cheering schoolchildren
- Skydivers, youth riding clubs, the FWISD Youth Orchestra
- A vibrant student art parade directed by Joe Brown of Texas Wesleyan University
Growth and Incorporation
Later that year, with support from civic leaders:- Ruth Ann McKinny, Assistant City Manager of Fort Worth
- Anne Miller Tinsley, community advocate
- Rehearsals and performances
- Tap master classes and “tap jams”
- Educational programs focused on preserving tap and jazz music
A West Coast Chapter
In 1995, AOT paused its physical Fort Worth operations but continued its mission on the West Coast. Gracey Tune partnered with the International Tap Festival and Jazz Society of Oregon to co-produce a major tribute to Duke Ellington featuring Mercer Ellington and a full tap revue—resulting in:- Three sold-out performances
- Over 6,000 audience members celebrating jazz and tap together
A New Era: Arts Fifth Avenue
On September 11, 2001, Arts Fifth Avenue (A5A) opened at the corner of 5th Avenue and Allen in Fort Worth’s Fairmount Historic District. With the vision of Peggy Bott Kirby and support from:- Eddie Dunlap
- Gracey Tune
- Neighborhood advocate Ralph Watterson
Continuing to Thrive
Today, A5A remains a beloved community arts hub. Its annual programming includes:- National Tap Dance Day
- The Django Reinhardt Festival
- Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
- Jazz-themed holiday shows (A Jazzy Christmas, A Jazzy Valentine)
- Murder mystery dinners, burlesque revues, open mic nights
- Visual art exhibits and youth showcases
- Classes, concerts, and master workshops year-round
