Who are you, and why do you support O’Mara Sprung Floors?
I’m Keith “Happyfeet” Prater, 26. I support O’Mara Sprung floors because I love the idea of taking “the dance” with me. I’m pretty spontaneous when it comes to my urge to dance and create. With the O’Mara Travel board, I have the option of tap dancing whenever and wherever while also being kind to my body.
What do you love?
I think it goes without saying that I LOVE Tap Dancing!!! I love Rap Music, Buffalo Chicken Wings, Travel, street art/graffiti, and selfies with my pet chihuahua.
Why do you dance?
I dance in short because it’s the best way that I can express myself, my feelings, and creativity. Also dance is just really fun. It makes me happy.
How would you like the world to know you?
I would like the world to know me as someone who works incredibly hard, who doesn’t quit or take no for an answer. I strive to push the limits of creativity and exploration when it comes to my work. I want to be known as someone who is fun and open minded.
Career highlights thus far:
I think my most memorable career highlight thus far is Tap Dancing onstage with New Orleans Bounce rapper “Big Freedia” for the 2019 Essence Fest. Typically you don’t see tap dance in collaboration with Hip Hop music. However as a personal passion of mine, I was very grateful to been apart of the making of history. New Orleans Bounce music is really unique because of its use of brass instruments, call and response chants, and the layering of rhythm. Bounce Rappers like Freedia, often sound like they are Scatting. It’s a really cool blend of jazz, hip hop, and funk, that could have only been birthed in a place like New Orleans.
Hometown:
Pasadena,CA
Current Home Base:
Los Angeles,CA
Where have you come from?
I grew up a kid with not so much talent, but with a love for music and rhythm, and an unwavering work ethic. I took recreational tap lessons at 5 years old in a local outreach program. In short, I just practiced and practiced and managed to create a career out of it. I’ve had incredible mentors along the way like Chloe and Maud Arnold who found me on Instagram while I was in college.
Where are you headed?
I strive to make tap dancing more accessible for everyone. Whether that be through online tutorials and videos, or by picking lesser tradition music choices. I will continue to explore the intersections of tap dance and hip hop music while of course honoring the legacy of the masters.