Tap City Marks 25 Years: A Resilient Celebration of New York’s Tap Legacy

The rhythmic heartbeat of New York City is preparing for a major milestone. After a period of silence that many feared signaled the end of an era, Tap City—the city’s premier tap dance festival—is returning to the stage. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, the festival will host a special concert engagement at The Joyce Theater in New York City, running from May 19 through May 24.

This revival comes at a critical juncture for the percussive dance community. Following the downsizing of its parent organization, the American Tap Dance Foundation (ATDF), the festival’s future seemed uncertain. However, the upcoming anniversary showcase promises to prove that the spirit of tap is not only alive but evolving.

The Evolution of the American Tap Dance Foundation

The story of Tap City is inextricably linked to its founder, Tony Waag. Originally established as the American Tap Dance Orchestra in 1986 alongside Brenda Bufalino and Charles “Honi” Coles, the organization has navigated significant industry shifts. The challenges of the recent pandemic and the logistical difficulties of managing a major nonprofit led to the difficult decision to shutter the American Tap Dance Center and retire the festival after its 2023 iteration.

“I was feeling for a little while that the company itself needed some new blood,” Waag noted, reflecting on the need for a fresh perspective during a period of financial and organizational transition. Despite these hurdles, the legacy of the foundation continues through various preservation projects, including the revival of the Tap City Awards.

A New Home for Percussive Dance

While the physical footprint of the American Tap Dance Foundation has changed, the community’s need for dedicated space has sparked new growth. Susan Hebach, a longtime director of the ATDF youth program, has stepped in to fill a vital void in Manhattan’s dance landscape. In September 2024, Hebach opened Tap Dance Central in Greenwich Village.

Secured with a 10-year lease, Tap Dance Central serves as a crucial asset for dancers of all ages, from five-year-old beginners to seasoned performers in their 80s. In a city where tap-friendly flooring is increasingly rare, this new studio ensures that the next generation of percussive artists has a place to train and rehearse.

The Anniversary Program: Honoring History and Embracing Innovation

The upcoming engagement at The Joyce Theater is designed to be a concentrated, high-impact celebration. Rather than attempting the massive scale of previous years, Waag has focused on a curated program that balances the genre’s rich history with contemporary innovation. The cast features a blend of festival veterans and rising stars:

• Legendary Presence: Performers like Jason Samuels Smith and Karen Callaway Williams return to the stage, bringing the expertise that defined the festival’s peak years.
• Historical Tributes: The program includes moving tributes, such as DeWitt Fleming Jr.’s homage to Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Michelle Dorrance’s performance of “My Mind’s on Mingus.”
• Modern Interpretations: The show will feature fresh perspectives, including Xana DuMe’s tap-dancing drag interpretation of Hall & Oates, and Anthony Morigerato’s experimental work on a rotating stage.

Audiences will also be treated to a commemorative pre-show video, compiling footage from a quarter-century of festival experiences to illustrate the true magnitude of Tap City’s impact on the arts.

Key Takeaways for Dance Enthusiasts

• Event Dates: May 19–24, 2026.
• Location: The Joyce Theater, New York City.
• Core Mission: Celebrating 25 years of Tap City while bridging the gap between tap history and the modern scene.
• Community Impact: The emergence of Tap Dance Central provides a much-needed permanent home for percussive dance in Manhattan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this anniversary significant for the tap community?

After the American Tap Dance Foundation faced downsizing and the closure of its previous center, this festival marks a triumphant return and a demonstration of the community’s resilience.

What can spectators expect from the performance?

The program is a curated mix of historical tributes to greats like Bill Robinson and Gregory Hines, alongside avant-garde new works that utilize modern stagecraft and contemporary music.

Where can I find more training opportunities in NYC?

Tap Dance Central in Greenwich Village has become the primary hub for tap classes, offering instruction for various skill levels and ages.