The West Coast Tap Collective is celebrating its 20th year with an all-tap-dancing show in New Westminster.
The show, Time Steps, is set for Saturday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at Massey Theatre — and it will feature professional and amateur tap dancers from all over British Columbia.
Each year, West Coast Tap recognizes National Tap Dance Day, the birthday of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, with a celebration that brings the local tap dance community together, as a press release notes. This year, Tap Dance Day and the 20th anniversary of West Coast Tap will be celebrated together with what organizers are promising will be a "high-energy and entertaining show."
"This event will showcase the incredible artistry of local tap dance professionals, the dedication and enthusiasm of amateur tap dancers, and bring the community together to celebrate this unique art form," said Brenda Cowie, a performing arts teacher in Langley who serves as president of the West Coast Tap Collective, in the release.
Community dance groups that are slated to perform include Abbotsford Dance Centre (Abbotsford), Cameron Dance Academy (Langley), Can Dance Studio (Mission), Classic Steps Dance Studio (Delta), Dance Co. (Vancouver), Harbour Dance (Vancouver), and Heart & Sole (Vancouver).
Professional tap performers who will be performing include Jim Hibbard, Jordyn Lemire, Troy McLaughlin, Danny Neilsen, Riley Skworoda, Tosh Sutherland and Jennifer Bishop, with the Urban Tap Squad, all accompanied by the Bill Costin Trio.
The release notes that it's a tradition in tap dance to honour the artists who have paved the way. Time Steps 2023 will honour Bishop, a performer and teacher who has been a pillar of the local tap dance community for the past 30 years.
West Coast Tap is a non-profit society that supports tap dancers and the art of tap dance on the West Coast through performances, workshops and scholarships.
Tickets for Time Steps 2023 are available through the TicketsNW box office online or by calling 604-521-5050.
Time Steps: Catch West Coast Tap onstage in New Westminster
- What: Time Steps 2023, a celebration of National Tap Dance Day and the 20th anniversary of West Coast Tap
- When: Saturday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave.)
- Tickets: $34 plus service charges/fees; book online or call 604-521-5050
