This Weekend, Everything is Copasetic
Get your tap shoes on—May 25 is National Tap Dance Day! Founded in 1989 to honor the birthday of tap legend Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the day is celebrated throughout the country with master classes, performances and, of course, jam sessions. Here’s just a few examples of what’s going on this weekend:
Washington, DC:
The American Embassy of Dance celebrates tap and percussive dance in “For the Love of Tap” at the Atlas Theater. Baakari Wilder, Cartier Williams and Joseph Webb of Bring In Da Noise, Bring In Da Funk fame, along with Soles of Steel and The Jam Project promise to bring the house down. Flamenco artist Anna Menendez and percussive dance artists Matthew Olwell and Emily Oleson are additional bonuses. Friday, May 23 at 7:30 pm. Click here for ticket information.
Las Vegas, NV:
MADD Rhythms’ second annual Las Vegas National Tap Dance Day Festival offers two master classes, two workshops, a tribute show, tap jam and more at the East Las Vegas Community Center. Keep an eye out for special guest appearances by Dr. Prince C. Spencer (the last living member of Hollywood’s infamous The Four Step Brothers) and Bril Barrett. Saturday, May 24 from 1:00-6:00 pm. Click here for prices and more information.
New York City:
Head to Hudson River Park Pier 45 for “Tap Attack,” a free, outdoor event presented by the American Tap Dance Foundation. Students of all ages will join professionals onstage for performances at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. In addition to open jam sessions, look for special appearances by Chloe Arnold, Kazu Kumagai, Michela Marino Lerman, Max Pollack, Jason Samuels Smith and the Tap City Youth Ensemble. Sunday, May 25 from 1:00-3:00 pm. For more info, click here.
Austin, TX:
Join Tapestry Dance Company, Tapestry Too! and the Shirley McPhail School of Dance Tap Ensemble under the dome in the Texas State Capital’s rotunda for a free series of live performances and rhythm games. And make sure to stick around for the mass Shim Sham. Sunday, May 25 from 12:00-1:00 pm. Click here for more information.
What’s going on in your neighborhood? Let us know!
