Participants wanted for a mass tap dancing experience next year - let’s bring the people of the West Midlands together tap dancing!
Tappin’ In is a project happening across the West Midlands during spring-summer 2022, as part of Birmingham International Dance Festival and the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
Participants can sign up to join a local group and have the opportunity to learn to tap dance and be part of a tap dancing world record attempt. It’s open to anyone aged 16+ and no previous tap dancing experience is necessary. Tap has a rich history, from West African dance, Irish and clog dancing to jazz and hip hop and is great fun.
Councillor Eileen Callear, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Visitor Economy commented “2022 is going to be an exceptional year, the Common Wealth Games are taking place in Birmingham with the Birmingham 2022 cultural programme that runs alongside it. Tappin’ In is a great opportunity for the community of the borough to get involved and be part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. It’s also a great opportunity to learn a new skill, have fun and come together with new friends. Dancing is a great way to get fit in the New Year too”.
Groups will come together weekly between February – May to learn to tap dance. Each class is followed by a cup of tea, a biscuit and a chat, everyone will have the chance to get to know their fellow dancers, and listen to each other’s stories and experiences of living in the West Midlands.
In June 2022, dancers will take to the streets of Birmingham for a world record attempt at a mass ‘shim sham’, a dance known as the national anthem of tap at the Birmingham International Dance Festival. In addition, each group will get the chance to share their work with their friends and family back home.
Want to be involved and join in? Tap shoes, transport and refreshments are all provided. All you have to do is turn up, join in and have fun. Find out more about Tappin' In on their website. Sign up by emailing Sue Wright by 15 January 2022 sue.wright@telford.gov.uk.
