after three years of study in san francisco, waag moved to new york city (1982) and soon ran into bufalino. he began studying with her at the now defunct fazil's dance studio in times square. while also working as a bartender, waag performed around the country, eventually forming the american tap dance orchestra (atdo) with ms. bufalino. atdo was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit 501(c)-3 in 1986, with waag acting as administrative director.