Austrian by birth, Max Pollak was inspired by the virtuosic footwork displayed by many of the greats in American films and, more importantly, jazz. He became an accomplished drummer and moved to New York City in 1991 to further his studies in jazz at the prestigious New School University's Jazz Program from which he graduated.
It was here that he came into contact with New York City's burgeoning neo tap scene and rekindled his love for the art form. From NYC’s vibrant Latino music community he soon began incorporating elements of Afro-Cuban music and jazz in his performances and began to develop what he calls “Rumba-Tap.†By combining traditional Afro-Cuban folklore, traditional tap, body rhythm as well as jazz dance, he soon distinguished himself on the international tap scene as an innovative soloist and educator.
Recognized worldwide as the creator of the "Rumba-Tap" concept, Max has been teaching tap in Cuba frequently since 1998 and has been embraced by the leading Cuban folkloric group of its day, the legendary “Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.†In 2001 Max’s crowning achievement was to establish Cuba’s first tap festival, funded by a grant from Arts International, and performing there with an all-star ensemble made up of Cuba’s finest jazz musicians led by Chucho ValdeÍs.
Max Pollak Workshop