Projects

 
AMERICAN TAP DANCE FOUNDATION

For decades the American Tap Dance Foundation has served as a steward of Tap dance history, providing training to dancers of all ages, and playing a major role in fostering emerging Tap talent. In its long history of contributions to the Tap community, ATDF has built a reputation as both a service organization known for its numerous programs and public events, and as a presenter of highly diverse concert performances which have launched the careers of numerous leading tap artists and choreographers in the field today.

For information on future projects produced by the ATDF visit: atdf.org or email: info@atdf.org

TAP CITY

I created Tap City, the New York City Tap Festival in 2001. It has become the preeminent tap dance festival of the world and is the quintessential celebration of our collective American heritage - virtues that are certainly evident in tap's hometown New York City.

Each July, Tap City presents numerous adult, pre-professional and youth training programs with internationally renowned teachers and a slew of diverse public events including Concert Performances by leading tap masters and up & coming young hoofers, our annual Copasetic Boat Ride, a Tap Awards Show, Tap Future (an all student showcase) Tap Treasures (historic tap dance tours) and Tap it Out, a free public outdoor event.

For detailed information visit: atdf.org

RHYTHM IN MOTION

Rhythm in Motion is an innovative Tap dance concert showcasing the rich diversity of contemporary Tap dance with a combination of young and emerging talent as well as premier choreographers in the field.

“Rhythm in Motion celebrates the art of tap dance and expands, and challenges, the limited perception that tap is considered either too old-fashioned or too commercial to be taken seriously. There are many different styles of tap dance today, all valid and all incredibly interesting, complex and diverse. Most people have no idea tap dance is practiced, presented and perfected all over the world. 

Rhythm in Motion presents the future of tap - a future that is exciting, fascinating and filled with variety.” Tony Waag

INTERNATIONAL
TAP DANCE FORUM

TAP IT OUT

Tap It Out is a free, public and outdoor event that is presented and performed by a large number of dancers who participate in Tap City. Imagine a chorus of hundreds of tapping feet performing an a cappella choreography weaving together several tap dance styles and vernacular movement. Tap City participants rehearse throughout the week of the festival to create this explosion of tones and rhythms.

Tap It Out is conceived and created by the mayor of Tap City Tony Waag and is co-directed and choreographed by dancer/choreographer Lynn Schwab.

For detailed information visit: atdf.org

TAP TREASURES

New program I introduced at Tap City 2016, the New York City Tap Festival. It is designed to provide numerous opportunities for festival students, and the general public, to learn more about, and experience, the rich evolution of tap dance in its birthplace, New York City.

Upon arrival, participants first receive an attractive “Tap Map” identifying key locations that are important to tap’s history, as well as detailed information and a schedule for the week ahead. Each event is hosted by a local iconic tap dance figure who shares their own personal relationship to tap, while also presenting historic and related information through fun interactive discussions, film clips, classes or performances. 

For detailed information visit: atdf.org

DUKE ELLINGTON
CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Mercedes Ellington & Tony Waag co-host an ongoing series of concerts and events in honor of the late great Duke Ellington.

For detailed information visit: decfa.org