Get set for the UK’s biggest tap dancing event! Taking place in Brindleyplace, Birmingham on Saturday 18 June, Tappin’ In, a project by Stephanie Ridings in association with Lou Lomas, is presented by Birmingham 2022 Festival and part of Birmingham International Dance Festival.
At this special event, the Tappin’ In dancers will present a joyful live performance, hosted by TV and Radio favourite, Christopher Green. The free event starts at 2pm with the participants’ performance at 3pm followed by a mass tap lesson at 3.45pm ahead of the large-scale shim sham moment.
130 people from Birmingham, Coventry, Stoke, Rugby, Cannock Chase, Chelmsley Wood, Tamworth and Telford have been learning to tap dance – with one hourly session each week for 12 weeks – whilst also listening to each other’s stories and experiences.
In this finale event all the 130 budding tap dancers come together in the heart of Birmingham for an afternoon in celebration of the joy of dance, supported by a team of professional performers, choreographers, music directors and set designers.
Then everyone is invited to join in as Tappin’ In attempts the city’s biggest tap lesson and Shim Sham, known as the national anthem of tap.
There is still time to learn the Shim Sham at home in easy-to-follow videos, here and be ready to join in on the day. Post your dances on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #TappinIn – and be sure to follow us to look out for updates!
Tappin’ In is produced by Stephanie Ridings in association with Lou Lomas. Associate producers: FABRIC. Tappin’ In is generously supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, Arts Council England and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.