Tappin’ In launch first in a series of instructional tap dance videos
Get practising for Birmingham’s biggest tap lesson and ‘shim sham’
People from the region and beyond are being encouraged to start practising so they can join in Birmingham’s biggest tap lesson and ‘shim sham’ on 18 June 2022 in Brindleyplace Birmingham as part of Tappin In’.
Presented as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival and Birmingham International Dance Festival (BIDF), Tappin’ In is a co-created mass participation tap dancing and storytelling extravaganza.
The Tappin In’ team are today, releasing the first in a series of easy instructional videos so that everyone from those with no experience to those who’ve been tapping for life can practise the steps ahead of what will be a day of joyful performance and dance.
Stephanie Ridings, Artistic Director for Tappin’ In said:
“We are encouraging everyone – with or without previous experience – to put the 18 June in their diary to join us for what will be Birmingham’s biggest ever tap lesson and shim sham.
You can learn the steps by following our video tutorial – and we will release more tutorials over the next few months, including tutorials for people who want to join in but aren’t fully mobile – and you are welcome to come alone, bring the family or get your dance group involved, all we ask is that you get tapping!”
Celebrating the stories of the West Midlands and the people who call it home, Tappin’ In is bringing people together to get the region tap dancing and chatting about themselves, whilst having a good time.
Raidene Carter, Executive Producer for the Birmingham 2022 Festival said
“Tap is such a joyful form of expression and now, with these videos, anyone will be able to join in. This project typifies our approach to inclusivity, and our desire for the festival programme to be for and about the people who live here. This is such a fun way to get involved and you can learn in your own time and space before joining the mass participation event as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Come on down and express yourself!”
People from Birmingham, Coventry, Stoke, Rugby, Cannock, Chelmsley Wood, Tamworth and Telford are already coming together in their local communities to learn to tap dance, whilst also listening to each other’s stories and experiences. During May these groups will perform in their local communities, sharing their new or improved skills ahead of the mass shim sham in Birmingham on 18 June.
Tappin’ In is produced by Stephanie Ridings in association with Lou Lomas. Associate producers: DanceXchange. Tappin’ In is generously supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, Arts Council England and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
