Each year tap celebrations are held throughout the nation in honor of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s birthday. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity celebrate right here in Winona! Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA), beginning through advanced tappers will be highlighted in this free performance in the Academy Theatre in MCA’s home, The Valencia Arts Center. The performance is Sunday, June 2nd at 3:00 p.m.
MCA’s Winona celebration is just one that happens throughout the nation during the month of May, celebrating Bill “Bojangles” Robison who was an American tap dancer who was one of the first African American performers to go solo and to over come many racial barriers in the early 20th century. Bojangles is best remembered today for his dancing with Shirley Temple during a series of the films during the 1930’s and for starring in Stormy Weather which is loosely based on his life. The showcase will highlight the talents of students who range in age from 5 to adult and range in ability from beginning- advanced. They will be performing rhythm tap pieces they learned in workshops during the month of May. The performance will also include a special tap history presentation featuring the “Shim Sham Shimmy,” a dance known as the national anthem of tap. The showcase is free and open to the public.
Thanks to support from the Winona Walmart’s Community Giving Grant there will be a free tap lesson for audience members of all ages following the performance with tap shoes provided in most sizes.
Want to perform in Winona’s National Tap Dance Day?????
Tappers of all ages and levels are invited to participate in our National Tap Dance Day Workshops:
Each class will include tap technique, warm-ups, and rehearsals to learn a choreographed piece to be performed at MCA’s National Tap Dance Day (NTDD) celebration in the Academy Theatre on Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m. Each year tap celebrations are held in honor of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s birthday. Don’t miss this exciting performance opportunity!
Dates: Classes April 29- June 1, Rehearsal and performance Sunday, June 2, 3 p.m.
Days, times and levels: See Below
Tap for Kids- Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5-6 p.m. $120 + $12 for T-shirt (ages 6+ ), C. Deysach
Tap I- Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. & Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $120 + $12 for T-shirt (ages 6 years and up ), C. Martin
Tap II/III- Saturdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. $120 + $12 for T-shirt , C. Martin
Tap IV & V- Fridays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $120 + $12 for T-shirt, J. Dienger
Adult Tap- See Adult Fitness Section
Dancers will wear MCA Tapper Shirts, new ones can be purchased for $12 in the office.
Register Now!
