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National Tap Dance Day

Put on your dancing shoes and show off some fancy footwork - it's National Tap Dance Day! Let's get tapping and celebrate this amazing art form.

Tuesday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 25

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHobbies

SUBCATEGORYPerforming Arts

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get your dancing shoes out and join in the celebration of National Tap Dance Day on May 25! This day is dedicated to honoring the art form of tap, which originated in the mid-1800s. It's a fun way to express yourself through rhythm and movement and has been popularized all over the world by some amazing dancers. So mark your calendar for this joyful holiday that honors one of America’s favorite dances!

TIMELINE

National Tap Dance Day Timeline

Tap Dance Origins

Tap dance began in the mid-1800s, combining African American hoofing and Irish step dancing.

First Tap Dance on Film

The first tap dance sequence captured in a film was presented in "The Jazz Singer," featuring Al Jolson.

Golden Age of Tap Dance

The 1930s and 1940s marked the golden age of tap dance, with stars like Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.

Tap Dance Preservation

The American Tap Dance Foundation (then known as the American Tap Dance Orchestra) was established to promote the preservation and advancement of tap dance.

National Tap Dance Day

National Tap Dance Day was signed into American law by President George H.W. Bush. The date of May 25 was chosen in honor of the birthday of legendary tap dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Tap Dance Day

Watch a tap dance performance

Search for a local tap show or find a classic movie that features tap dancing. Invite your friends over and enjoy some great entertainment.

DRESS

Dress up and dance

Put on your best dance outfit, grab a pair of tap shoes, and put on your favorite music. Tap along to the beat and show off your skills.

TAKE

Take a tap dance class

Look for an adult or children's tap dancing classes near you. You can learn the basics of tapping or brush up on your skills with more advanced moves.

MAKE

Make a homemade video

Grab your camera and film yourself doing some of your favorite taps. Upload it to YouTube and share it with the world!

ORGANIZE

Organize a flash mob

Gather some friends who are also into tap dancing and create an awesome flash mob routine. Pick a place to perform and invite onlookers to join in the fun.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Tap Dance Day

Tap dancing brings people together

Tap dancing is one of those activities that bring people from all walks of life together. No matter your age or experience level, there's always someone out there who loves tapping just as much as you do and will happily share their knowledge with you! So join in on the fun and get ready to boogie down!

Tap dancing is fun and creative

Many people don't realize that tap dancing is actually an art form! It's a great way to express yourself, get creative, and stay active. Learning the steps can be challenging but once you get the hang of it, you'll find that it's both rewarding and incredibly fun.

Tap dancing builds strength and coordination

From your feet to your core, tap dancing is an excellent workout. It requires strength, coordination and agility - all of which help build muscle and improve overall fitness. Plus, it's a low impact exercise so you don't have to worry about straining your body unnecessarily!