National Tap Dance Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Feb 15, 2022
Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi
Celebrating National Tap Dance Day is lots of fun.

Where is National Tap Dance Day celebrated?

National Tap Dance Day is an annual event taking place in the United States of America. This day is dedicated to tap, an American art form.

Who is National Tap Dance Day celebrated by?

National Tap Dance Day is celebrated not just by tap dancers, but also by those who enjoy a tap-dancing performance.

When did National Tap Dance Day first start?

On February 7, 1989, the idea of celebrating a National Tap Dance Day was first presented to the US government. On May 25, this day was successfully celebrated by many. Consequently, on November 8 of the same year, this day was signed into law.

Who started National Tap Dance Day?

Various tap dancing groups first raised the need for a special day to celebrate this dance. Subsequently, the US government recognized their demand, and on November 8, 1989, then-President George H.W. Bush, signed this day into public law.

History And Timeline

From the creation of tap to its rising popularity online in modern times, the cultural significance of this art form and the importance of this day can be understood by reading the facts below!

First Tap Dance

The middle of the 19th century witnessed the development of tap dancing.

19th century

Rising Popularity Of Tap

With many notable figures in the sphere of tap dancing, this art form became exceedingly popular throughout America, thanks to artists like Billy 'Bojangles' Robinson.

20th century

Invention Of Tap Shoes

Special tap shoes were invented, which had metal taps attached to the soles of the shoes. This helped to create the rhythm of tap dancing.

'20s

First National Tap Dance Day

President George H.W. Bush signed National Tap Dance Day into law, making it an annual event in the USA.

1989

Increasing Online Recognition

Following 2016, National Tap Dance Day started gaining a lot of traction online. In 2016, this day had more than 27,518,521 mentions across several social media sites.

2016

Traditions And Customs

Traditionally, National Tap Dance Day is observed across the country by tap dancers and dance studios. Many cities set up celebratory tap dancing performances.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate National Tap Dance Day

The best way to observe this day is by bringing out your own tap shoes and getting your toes tapping. If you have always been curious about this art form, you can use this day to enroll in a beginner's class.

National Tap Dance Day is also a good excuse to watch performances of some of the most famous tap dancers, like Shirley Temple and Fred Astaire.

Facts And Stats

  • National Tap Dance Day was started in 1989. Many people celebrate by posting their tap-dancing moves on social media platforms on this day.
  • Many people see this day as an opportunity to indulge in their long-lost hobby of tap dancing.
  • Many organizations host fun events with music and dance and celebrate National Tap Dance Day in the most fun way possible!

What happens on National Tap Dance Day?

On National Tap Dance Day, those who belong to the tap-dancing community arrange performances to celebrate this day.

Who is Tap Dance Day in honor of?

National Tap Dance Day is in honor of tap dancing and the famous tap dancer Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson.

When is National Tap Dance Day?

This day is celebrated on May 25 every year.

What is the significance of National Tap Dance Day?

This day is a way to honor tap dancing, a quintessential American dance form, that upholds the cultural heritage of the US.

Who started National Tap Dance Day?

National Tap Dance Day was the idea of various tap dancing groups, and was later signed into law by the government.

What is the history and origins of National Tap Dance Day?

The demand for the celebration of National Tap Dance Day was first formally raised in 1989, and in the very same year, it was made into law. 

Who invented tap dance?

Tap dance, a form of percussive dance, first started in the middle of the 19th century, and had both American and Irish influences. This dance form was invented primarily by enslaved black people, to create a way to express their cultural identity.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Sunday, May 24, 2020
  • Monday, May 24, 2021
  • Tuesday, May 24, 2022
  • Wednesday, May 24, 2023
  • Friday, May 24, 2024

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Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

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Fact-checked by Sakshi Raturi

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi Raturi picture

Sakshi RaturiPostgraduate Diploma in Management

Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.

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