And that’s a wrap on ATDF 2022!
We have a few words we’d like to share as it’s been quite a journey to the return of ATDF in full and we are so grateful to be back.
First of all, a sincere and massive thank you to all of you who have supported the Australian Tap Dance Festival over the last 2.5 years. Despite the challenges of cancellations, postponements, logistical hurdles & lack of arts funding, we were determined to find a way to continue to give opportunities to our amazing tap dance artists to work & teach in an environment that was tough for many in the industry. Our driving purpose though, was to provide a platform for our community to stay connected with one another and share our love of Tap dance no matter what. It was an easy decision from the start to push through, pivoting to ensure we were there for each other, and that we did!
Throughout 2020 – 2021, events were held that quite possibly would have never been conceptualised before – weekly online sessions with international tap dance superstar, Jared Grimes, online Trivia Nights with tap community checking in from across Australia & New Zealand; we got to know a little bit more about some of our homegrown superstars as well with a virtual Q&A with Tap Dogs creator, Dein Perry, and a series online masterclasses live & pre-recorded with many of our ATDF faculty.
Furthermore, we had the great fortune to be able to return to in-person Festival Experiences but in a localised manner. We saw ATDF hit the road traveling covid safely to Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart & Perth, opening up opportunities to our wider family.
Our postponed Melbourne residencies and show ‘United in Rhythm’ returned in January 2022 and most recently was back in full swing with our week-long event and gala showcase ‘Sounds Inspired’ to round out 2022.
The force of the tap community (aka Tap Family) was evident throughout this time and that is what continues to inspire us to create these opportunities and celebrate the art form and all of you.
An extremely special thank you to the festival committee, Alysha Juchnevicius, Jessie Cram and Jonah Ende, who also donated a lot of their time & skills to make the last 2.5 years possible. Their talent, hard work, passion and commitment to Tap dance, the festival and community is extraordinary.
We didn’t know what to expect for our return in 2022 but the outpouring of support and excitement from you (the community), the incredible faculty, our partners (Capezio, Dancesurance, Show Works, Quest Flemington & Prahran, Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, Dance Australia & Chapel Off Chapel) made it all possible.
Thank you again for your understanding and support during this time.
The sold out festival gala, Sounds Inspired, was the ultimate finale to wrap up ATDF 2022. A night of energy & inspiration with dancers from 6 – 91 years old, beginners through to professionals, classic styles to modern adaptations.
We can’t wait to do it all again in 2023!
Dates for the Festival Experiences in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane & Hobart will be announced in January.
The main event in Melbourne will run from September 23 – 30, 2023 at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance.
Until then, keep tap dancing!
Ella & Winston