London Tap Dance Festival 2025

Description

Join us as we celebrate the artistry, creativity, and sheer joy of tap dance through workshops, performances, and collaborations with some of the most renowned tap artists from around the globe. Available at three different levels, there are classes for every dancer.

Get ready to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of rhythm, culture, and camaraderie at the London Tap Dance Festival – where every step tells a story and every beat ignites the soul. Welcome to the rhythm of London!

Level descriptions

This class is designed for those who have prior experience with tap dancing and are ready to take their skills to the next level. In this course, you’ll expand upon the fundamentals learned in beginner classes, diving deeper into more complex steps, rhythms, and combinations. You will be challenged to refine your technique, improve your musicality, and explore new styles and variations of tap dance.

This class is for dancers with a solid foundation in tap who are ready to explore more challenging steps and intricate rhythms. You’ll refine your technique, expand your repertoire, and enhance your musicality through a variety of engaging exercises and combinations. From syncopated rhythms to intricate footwork, this class will push you to develop your skills and creativity while exploring the artistry of tap dance.

This dynamic class is tailored for seasoned tap dancers seeking to push their boundaries and refine their craft to a professional standard. You’ll delve into intricate rhythms, complex choreography, and advanced techniques. From lightning-fast footwork to intricate syncopation, this class will challenge you to elevate your artistry, precision, and expression. Explore the highest levels of tap dance and unlock new realms of creativity.

Full weekend pass

Get your full three-day pass

Date: Friday 15 August – Sunday 17 August
Time: All day
Price: £350

The three day pass includes all evening events.

Click here to book your three-day pass

Full-day passes

Friday full-day pass

Date: Friday 15 August
Time: All day
Price: £130

Friday Festival Experience. This includes all classes at your chosen level on the main track, as well as the Tap Jam and Tap History Talk.

Click here to book your Friday full-day pass

Saturday full-day pass

Date: Saturday 16 August
Time: All day
Price: £130

Saturday Festival Experience. This includes all classes at your chosen level on the main track, as well as a ticket to The Gala.

Click here to book your Saturday full-day pass

Sunday full-day pass

Date: Sunday 17 August
Time: All day
Price: £110

Sunday Festival Experience. This includes all classes at your chosen level on the main track, as well as the Farewell Party.

Click here to book your Sunday full-day pass

Events programme

Tap History Talk

Date: Friday 15 August
Time: 6pm-7pm
Price: Donation based

Let’s delve into tap dance history.

Step into the rhythm of history with Annette Walker. Discover the rich legacy and stories behind Tap Dance — one step at a time.

Tap Jam

Date: Friday 15 August
Time: 8pm-10pm
Price: £10

Tap Improvisation meets Live Jazz — for beginners and pros alike.

Join us for an unforgettable evening where tap dance returns to its roots — spontaneous, rhythmic, and alive with improvisation. Performed by some of London’s hottest jazz musicians, this event explores the raw energy of tap before choreography took center stage. Hosted by OKR Company member, Ali Crosswell, this jam welcomes dancers of all levels — whether you want to dance a solo, join a group, or simply watch and soak in the vibes. Get ready to tap, groove, and improvise like never before.

Jack Evans Pop-up Tap Class

Date: Saturday 16 August
Time: 3.15pm-4.45pm
Price: £25
Level: Inter/Advanced

Where musical theatre tap meets rhythm tap.

Join us for a dynamic 1.5 hour tap class led by leading UK artist, Jack Evans. Blending the flair of musical theatre tap with the complexity and groove of rhythm tap, this class offers a unique opportunity to explore style, technique, and musicality in a fun and energetic environment. Suitable for dancers looking to challenge themselves and expand their tap vocabulary.

Tine Gatchalin Pop-up Vernacular Jazz Class

Date: Saturday 16 August
Time: 5pm-6.30pm
Price: £25
Level: Open to all

Discover the authentic roots of Jazz Dance with Tine Gatchalin’s Pop-Up Vernacular Jazz Class.

This open-level session explores the rich history and vibrant movement vocabulary of Vernacular Jazz, bringing traditional styles to life with fresh energy. It’s perfect for dancers of all levels who want to deepen their understanding of jazz’s cultural heritage while enjoying dynamic, soulful choreography.

The Gala

Date: Saturday 16 August
Time: 8pm
Price: £30

Honouring the past, shaping the future — the UK’s greatest tap dance gala. One night only.

Produced by OKR Dance, this gala stands as the highlight of the festival weekend. The evening opens with a groundbreaking first act, showcasing new works by esteemed faculty members, Sarah Savelli and Karissa Royster — an international collaboration delivering what promises to be the most dynamic opening the UK tap scene has ever witnessed. The second act features original works by OKR Dance, spotlighting performances by leading UK artists Avalon Rathgeb, Ryan Campbell Birch, Lucy Jones, Chris Sparkes, and Ali Crosswell. The entire night is brought to life by some of London’s finest jazz musicians, led by the acclaimed Flavio Livigni Quintet.

Tap Out Loud: Drag, Drinks & Drama

Date: Sunday 17 August
Time: 5pm-7pm
Price: £10

We’re closing out the London Tap Dance Festival with a fabulous bang — and you’re invited, whether you’ve been tapping all week or just want a fun night out!

Join us for a Queer-friendly after-party featuring live drag performances, local Brixton beer, and two hours of music, laughter and unapologetic joy.

🎤 Headliner: Roberta Calamari – The tasty catch with a voice to match! This campy queen is the perfect mix of powerful vocals, sharp humour and captivating stage presence. You’ll never forget the first time you tried Calamari!

💋 Also starring: Ula Lah – Sultry, sassy, and delightfully silly! London’s leggy redhead will make you swoon, then leave you asking “did she really just do that?!” Spoiler alert: Yes. She did.