Sharing the joy of tap! Dancers of all ages took the stage to celebrate National Tap Dance Day with the classic Shim Sham.
National Tap Dance Day — May 25
About Tap Dance Day
Under the direction of Gracey Tune—renowned tap dancer, choreographer, and historian—Arts on Tap, Inc. (now known as Arts Fifth Avenue) held its first official celebration of National Tap Dance Day on May 25, 1990. The event featured retired Speaker of the House Jim Wright as Master of Ceremonies and marked the beginning of what continues today: a joyful celebration of this uniquely American art form.
Notably, Fort Worth was the first and only city in the Southwest to celebrate Tap Dance Day until 1995, when a small Fort Worth group (also led by Gracey Tune) helped establish a similar event in Dallas at the West End with Gloria Whetstone.
How Tap Dance Day Began
A bill to designate May 25 as National Tap Dance Day was introduced in September 1988 and signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on November 7, 1989.
May 25 was chosen to honor the birthday of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (May 25, 1878 – November 25, 1949) for his remarkable contributions to tap dancing on both stage and film—uniting diverse stylistic and racial traditions through his artistry.
Legislative History:
- House Joint Resolution 131
Introduced by Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) - Senate Joint Resolution 53
Introduced by Sen. Alfonse D’Amato (R-NY) - Signed into law by President George H. W. Bush on November 8, 1989
Tap Day Proclamation
Joint Resolution Nov. 8, 1989 TQ designate May 25, 1989, as “National Tap Dance Day”. [H.J. Res. 131]
Whereas the multifaceted art form of tap dancing is a manifestation of the cultural heritage of our Nation, reflecting the fusion of African and European cultures into an exemplification of the American spirit, that should be, through documentation, and archival and performance support, transmitted to succeeding generations;
Whereas tap dancing has had a historic and continuing influence on other genres of American art, including music, vaudeville, Broadway musical theater, and film, as well as other dance forms;
Whereas tap dancing is perceived by the world as a uniquely American art form;
Whereas tap dancing is a joyful and powerful aesthetic force providing a source of enjoyment and an outlet for creativity and selfexpression for Americans on both the professional and amateur level;
Whereas it is in the best interest of the people of our Nation to preserve, promote, and celebrate this uniquely American art form;
Whereas Bill “Bojangles” Robinson made an outstanding contribution to the art of tap dancing on both stage and film through the unification of diverse stylistic and racial elements; and
Whereas May 25, as the anniversary of the birth of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, is an appropriate day on which to refocus the attention of the Nation on American tap dancing:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That May 25, 1989, is designated “National Tap Dance Day”.
The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Approved November 8, 1989.
