The Australian Tap Dance Festival is an annual event about bringing the tap community and public together to learn, share, meet and enjoy all things tap!

I’m fortunate enough to have been able to work on and participate in this wonderful event for the past few years and it’s honestly been one of the highlights of my career so far. Not only am i passionate about tap dance in general, it’s great to be immersed around like minded people for a whole week. The team behind the event are a dream to work with and that shows in the way the all inclusive festival is run.

The talent in this country never ceases to amaze me year after year. Watching students grow and building on their technique while always taking away something from each festival to better themselves before the next year is what it is all about. Faculty members are also constantly challenged to better themselves and feed off each other which is always apparent in the Jam Night where participants are encouraged to share their improvisation skills and musicality.

There is never a moment where anyone is judged, there is always just an abundance of encouragement and excitement that steadily increases during the festival right up until the gala at the conclusion of the week. 

To create a platform where faculty and students alike can dance together and showcase their talent in a performance is also a unique opportunity.

The opportunities to tap dance professionally have hit an all time high more recently, both within Australia and around the world. Everything from home grown shows like The Tap Pack to contracts dancing alongside Mickey Mouse at Disneyland Paris, there is always something to look forward to or strive towards.

It only takes a spark to ignite a lifetime of passion for the art form of tap dance and it’s certainly taken hold and thriving right now.

By Alysha Juchnevicius – Festival Committee