Happy National Tap Dance Day 2016!

National Tap Dance Day 2016It’s National Tap Dance Day! Every year on May 25, National Tap Dance Day arrives to celebrate tap dancing as an American art form. Studios and dance companies across the country are hosting special events. Check with your local organizations to see what’s on schedule!

 

National Tap Dance Day was first proposed to the U.S. Congress on February 7, 1989. More than 15 years later, it was signed into American law by President George W. Bush on November 8, 2004. Tap Dance Day is also celebrated in other countries such as Australia, Japan, India and Iceland.

 

The actual day, May 25, was chosen because it is the birthday of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a legendary frontrunner and contributor to the art form.

 

See a list of activities happening in various cities in honor of National Tap Dance Day:

 

– New York City #1: Steps on Broadway is hosting an Advanced Tap Dance Class led by Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards from 4:30-6pm.

 

– New York City #2: Broadway Dance Center is hosting a free Shim Sham class led by faculty member April Cook from 7:30-9 pm. Also, just for fun, BDC tap faculty put together this list of their “influences, inspirations and favorite things about tap dance.”

 

– Baltimore, MD: On Saturday, May 28, a night of tap dance and music will be presented by Brazilian/Baltimore tap phenom Leo Sandoval, singer Rose Moraes, and exceptional musicians exploring the unique and essential rhythms of Brazil at Creative Alliance. Leo Sandoval works with acclaimed tap choreographer Michelle Dorrance and her NYC-based company, Dorrance Dance, in addition to solo projects as a dancer and choreographer.

 

Livingston, NJ: Grooves Unlimited Dance Studio will host its annual May Tap Workshop featuring special guest teachers on Monday, May 30 from 4-7 pm. Intermediate and advanced level tappers can take class from Nicholas Young and Corey Hutchins, as well as Studio Co-Owner and Director Hillary-Marie (also the founder/director of Jersey Tap Fest – the Garden State Tap dance festival.) Students will focus on technique, improvisation and choreography.

 

– Chicago, IL: As usual, the American Rhythm Center has a full schedule of tap classes for today, including Chicago Footwork/Tap Fusion (Beginner/Intermediate levels) led by Donnetta Jackson. Also, the store Motion Unlimited Dancewear is having a 20% off sale on tap shoes through Friday.

 

North Hollywood, CA: TAP-a-holic, the home of the TAProbics cardio dance class, is offering a one-hour National Tap Dance Day Open Level Class led by Owner Hillary Ayn Ryan at 7:30 pm. Hillary Ayn Ryan offers classic Broadway-style tap dance classes for adults, and many to absolute beginners.

 

– Anywhere: If you can’t find a live tap dance class, performance or event happening near you, check out DancePlug’s online dance classes for sale. If you’ve never used their services before, you can take a free class. You just virtually view the class and take it anywhere. Like all of DancePlug’s offerings, their tap classes include easy-to-follow lessons in slow motion with instructor commentary and counts.

 

 

Photo courtesy of Capezio.