National Tap Dance Day

On May 25, during National Tap Dance Day, we honor one of America's original dance forms.

#NationalTapDanceDay

Tap dance is a rhythmic dance that started in the early 1800s, influenced mainly by African and Irish cultures.

With intricate rhythmic steps, tap dancers often show great character through sound and movement. From clogging to buck and wing styles, soft-shoe to the sand step, and a bit of jazz, tap dancing evolved from a rigid Irish jig to the lively Cakewalk and vocal Ring-shout.

Famous Tap Dancers

• Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
• Fred Astaire
• Gregory Hines
• Ginger Rogers

Each of these dancers brought their own style to a dance form that continues to influence film, music, and stage.

Another similar dance is the soft-shoe. Though still rhythmic, it’s quieter because tap shoes aren't needed. Many tap dance steps also work in soft-shoe.

The popular Shim Sham from the vaudeville era became a line dance in the 1980s.

To Observe #NationalTapDanceDay

Get your toes tapping and share your favorite tap dance memories. Celebrate this fun art form in many ways:

• Shout out to your favorite tap dancer.
• Attend a performance. Tap dance is featured in theater productions, recitals, and impromptu events.
• Perform! Put on your tap shoes and show your talent. Create a video and share it on social media.
• Take a class. Tap dance is great exercise and a chance to share experiences with others.
• Teach someone. Share your tapping skills with those who want to learn.
• Read about tap dance. Great books to start with include:
  • "Beginning Tap Dance" by Lisa Lewis
  • "Tap Roots: The Early History of Tap Dancing" by Mark A. Knowles
  • "The Souls of Your Feet: A Tap Dance Guide for Rhythm Explorers" by Acia Gray
• Watch movies that feature tap dancing. Good ones are:
  • "Tap" starring Gregory Hines, directed by Nick Castle.
  • "Swing Time" starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, directed by George Stevens.
  • "La La Land" starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, directed by Damien Chazelle.

Share your celebrations by using #NationalTapDanceDay on social media.

National Tap Dance Day History

On February 7, 1989, Congress reviewed a request for National Tap Dance Day. Carol Vaughn, Nicola Daval, and Linda Christensen, all tap dancers, and enthusiasts, came up with the idea while Christensen attended George Washington University. The bill was passed when President George H.W. Bush signed it into law on November 8, 1989. The law created a one-time official observance on May 25, 1989, the birthday of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, a key figure in tap dance born in 1878. The observance has been celebrated annually on May 25th.

In May 2022, National Day Calendar was contacted by Jamie S., who claimed that their relative, Bill Robinson (not related to Mr. Bojangles), was the first to request National Tap Dance Day. Jamie provided a letter dated 2/17/1989 from a member of Congress approving the request. This relative has since passed away, but the observance holds special meaning for their family.