[Gregory Hines] is rehearsing members of the locally based company Rhapsody in Taps for his new work to be given its first performances tonight and Saturday at the Japan America Theatre.

Renowned for his innovative and assaultive tapping, Hines said that he didn't have to change his style in working with Linda Sohl-Donnell (director of the company) and dancers Monie Adamson, Pauline Hagino, Marci Jurls, Karol Lee and Beverley Scott.

PHOTO: Gregory Hines rehearses with Rhapsody in Taps company director Linda Sohl-Donnell for show at the Japan America Theatre. / GARY FRIEDMAN / Los Angeles Times; PHOTO: COLOR, TAP TITAN: Gregory Hines' latest work will be given its first performance tonight by Rhapsody in Taps. "It's as much their piece as it is mine," he said.