Date
Sunday
May
25

May 25

National Tap Dance Day

Put on your dancing shoes and show off some fancy footwork - it's National Tap Dance Day! Let's get tapping and celebrate this amazing art form.

Yearly Date
May 25
Type
Day

Introduction

Get your dancing shoes out and join in the celebration of National Tap Dance Day on May 25! This day is dedicated to honoring the art form of tap, which originated in the mid-1800s. It's a fun way to express yourself through rhythm and movement and has been popularized all over the world by some amazing dancers. So mark your calendar for this joyful holiday that honors one of America’s favorite dances!

National Tap Dance Day Timeline

1800s
Tap Dance Origins
Tap dance began in the mid-1800s, combining African American hoofing and Irish step dancing.
1928
First Tap Dance on Film
The first tap dance sequence captured in a film was presented in "The Jazz Singer," featuring Al Jolson.
1930s-1940s
Golden Age of Tap Dance
The 1930s and 1940s marked the golden age of tap dance, with stars like Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
1979
Tap Dance Preservation
The American Tap Dance Foundation (then known as the American Tap Dance Orchestra) was established to promote the preservation and advancement of tap dance.
1987
National Tap Dance Day
National Tap Dance Day was signed into American law by President George H.W. Bush. The date of May 25 was chosen in honor of the birthday of legendary tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.

How to Celebrate National Tap Dance Day

1

Watch a tap dance performance

Search for a local tap show or find a classic movie that features tap dancing. Invite your friends over and enjoy some great entertainment.

2

Dress up and dance

Put on your best dance outfit, grab a pair of tap shoes, and put on your favorite music. Tap along to the beat and show off your skills.

3

Take a tap dance class

Look for an adult or children's tap dancing classes near you. You can learn the basics of tapping or brush up on your skills with more advanced moves.

4

Make a homemade video

Grab your camera and film yourself doing some of your favorite taps. Upload it to YouTube and share it with the world!

5

Organize a flash mob

Gather some friends who are also into tap dancing and create an awesome flash mob routine. Pick a place to perform and invite onlookers to join in the fun.

Why We Love National Tap Dance Day

A

Tap dancing is fun and creative

Many people don't realize that tap dancing is actually an art form! It's a great way to express yourself, get creative, and stay active. Learning the steps can be challenging but once you get the hang of it, you'll find that it's both rewarding and incredibly fun.

B

Tap dancing builds strength and coordination

From your feet to your core, tap dancing is an excellent workout. It requires strength, coordination and agility - all of which help build muscle and improve overall fitness. Plus, it's a low impact exercise so you don't have to worry about straining your body unnecessarily!

C

Tap dancing brings people together

Tap dancing is one of those activities that bring people from all walks of life together. No matter your age or experience level, there's always someone out there who loves tapping just as much as you do and will happily share their knowledge with you! So join in on the fun and get ready to boogie down!

National Tap Dance Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
May 24
Wednesday
2024
May 24
Friday
2025
May 24
Saturday
2026
May 24
Sunday
2027
May 24
Monday