Join us as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary!
Tickets available in 2026
For updates and info visit: atdf.org
Join us for a joyful holiday celebration honoring the legendary Duke Ellington, presented by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts (DECFA) in association with the American Tap Dance Foundation (ATDF).
Audiences will experience the rarely heard complete performance of Such Sweet Thunder — Ellington’s twelve-part jazz suite inspired by the works of William Shakespeare and co-composed with Billy Strayhorn in just three weeks. This dazzling work transforms Shakespeare’s drama, wit, and poetry into bold, swinging jazz.
Duke Ellington’s Such Sweet Thunder will be co-directed by Mercedes Ellington, Duke Ellington’s granddaughter, and Tony Waag, Founding Director of the American Tap Dance Foundation.
Musical Director Eli Yamin and The Duke Ellington Center Big Band, a dynamic 15-piece ensemble, will be joined by an extraordinary lineup of dancers, musicians, and vocalists including Mark Mindek, AC Lincoln, Karen Callaway Williams, DeWitt Fleming Jr., Antoinette Montague, Max Pollak, Valerie Levine, Miles Purinton, Karyn Tomczak & the Precision Dancers, and the Big Apple Ballroom Studio Dancers, all bringing Ellington’s sound and spirit to vivid life.
This unforgettable evening promises a fusion of jazz, dance, and holiday spirit, celebrating Duke Ellington’s boundless creativity and cultural impact.
At the annual event celebrating Duke Ellington’s legacy—hosted by The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts in association with the American Tap Dance Foundation at the Duke Ellington Statue in New York City—attendees can expect a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to the legendary composer and bandleader. Here’s what typically happens:
The Duke Ellington Center Big Band performs, delivering classic Ellington compositions and jazz standards.
Guest musicians, dancers, and vocalists join the celebration, showcasing a mix of jazz and tap dance performances that reflect Ellington’s influence across the arts.
The event is co-hosted by Mercedes Ellington (Duke Ellington’s granddaughter and president of the Duke Ellington Center) and Tony Waag (artistic director of the American Tap Dance Foundation), who share insights, stories, and introductions throughout the program.
FREE and open to the public!
This project is made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement a regrant program supported by the funding agencies: The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council, The New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature the Howard Gilman Foundation and administered by LMCC.
Surprise guests plus film clips and performances honoring the 2024 and 2025 awardees of the annual HOOFER, TAP PRESERVATION and INTERNATIONAL TAP DANCE HALL OF FAME Awards.
Hoofer
2024: Bril Barrett and Josh Hilberman
2025: Germaine Goodson, Tap and Tray and Lisa La Touche
Hall of Fame
2024: Billy Strayhorn and Joe Stirling
2025: Skip Cunningham, Tommy Tune and Dick Van Dyke
Preservation
2024: Gene Medler
2025: Kurt Albert & Klaus Bleis
Special thanks go to the Jerome Robbins Dance Division at the New York Public Library for their support.
Tony Waag teaches a special master class. Inter/Adv Level.
Limited enrollment visit: Spotlight Series to register!
Virtual Event on Zoom
Artistic Director Tony Waag reconvenes a meeting of International Tap Artists, teachers and producers from around the globe to share information and discuss current issues in the field. Come to share or just listen and become informed. There’s a whole world out there creating and producing amazing tap dance works and events!
This event is free but you can also make a donation if you like. (see above)
To join the Forum click on this LINK (available 24 hours prior to event)
Thursday, July 11, 2024 (6pm)
A Celebration of The American Tap Dance Foundation will honor its decades – long sharing of the joy of tap dance through its engagement of dancers, teachers, choreographers, and tap dance enthusiasts of all ages through year-round training programs for kids, teens and adults, premiere concert performances such as Rhythm in Motion, an Artists in Residence Program, a Teacher Training Program, Tap City, the annual New York City Tap Dance Festival, and numerous other preservation and public events that supported the tap community, both locally and internationally.
This special event will include the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Tony Waag, ATDF Founding Artistic/Executive Director, for his 24 years of service, leadership, and inspiration to the tap community. List of performers, presenters, and ticket link to be announced. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Beyond Category - Celebrating Duke Ellington’s 125th Birthday!
Monday, May 6, 2024 (8 -10pm)
A fun family birthday party filled with love, led by Mercedes Ellington celebrating her grandfather, Duke Ellington! Featuring the Duke Ellington Center Big Band and an amazing group of musicians, vocalists and dancers who are all "Beyond Category"! Special guest artist, the 8 time Grammy Award winner, Arturo O'Farrill. Musical Direction by "Dr. E", Eli Yamin. Presented by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts in association with the American Tap Dance Foundation and its Executive Director, co-host Tony Waag
Peter Norton Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre
“In-Person” Master Classes, Choreography Residencies, Tap Talks, Copasetic Boat Ride, Open House, Awards Presentation, a Student Showcase, a Tap Treasures Tour & Rhythm in Motion Concert.
For detailed info, updates, and to register visit: atdf.org/tc23
“In-Person” Master Classes, Choreography Residencies, Tap Talks, Copasetic Boat Ride, Awards Presentation, Student Showcase, Tap it Out & Rhythm in Motion Concert.
For detailed info, updates, and to register visit: atdf.org/tc22index
This annual event is co-produced by the Duke Ellington Center for the Arts and the American Tap Dance Foundation to commemorate Duke Ellington’s birthday.
These events are FREE & open to the public, co-hosted by Mercedes Ellington & Tony Waag and feature performances by the Duke Ellington Center Big Band and a host of musicians, dancers and vocalists.
The Duke Ellington Statue on 5th Avenue and 110th Street in Manhattan.
Mable Lee Centennial Celebration
Big Band Dance & Costume Party Fundraiser!
August 7, 2021 (7-11pm)
The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
847 N Howard Street
Baltimore, Maryland
The Mable Lee Centennial Celebration is a big band dance and costume party fundraiser benefiting Tapology's Sweet & Able Mentorship Program & The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center.
Tapology & The Eubie Center offer free and low cost dance education and mentoring programs to historically marginalized young people, continuing Mable Lee's legacy of mentoring, supporting and encouraging the next generation of dancers.
Mable Lee was a singer and multi-genre dancer who embodied the beauty, grace, soul and humor of Tap, Jazz, and Lindy Hop. She was dubbed "The Queen of the Soundies" and graced the cover of Ebony in the 60s. Mable toured extensively with Eubie Blake & his orchestra & continued singing, dancing and mentoring until she died.
Join us as we celebrate and honor Mable Lee by paying forward to the next generation of dancers!
Tickets: https://mablelee100.bpt.me
Monday, July 5 - Saturday, July 10, 2021
Tap City is going virtual this year offering a total of 35 master classes with internationally renowned teachers and numerous diverse premiere performances & community events. Tap City is the preeminent tap dance festival of the world and is the quintessential celebration of our collective American heritage – virtues that are certainly evident in tap’s hometown, New York City.
For a complete list of activities, schedule and pricing visit: TapCity2021
Sunday, December 13, 2020 (2-4pm) est
Twenty years ago we presented an evening that honored our master hoofers that included tributes to Leon Collins, Bubba Gaines, Charles “Cookie” Cook, Eddie Brown, Jimmy Slyde, Charles “Honi” Coles, Steve Condos & others. Also, the late LaVaughn Robinson, the late Jimmy Slyde & the late Prince Spencer even performed.
Produced by Tony Waag, this amazing, and very emotional production was, originally premiered on Wednesday, July 11th at Tap City in 2001.
Live moderation and discussion in the chat room!
To participate visit: (LINK COMING SOON)
FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate
ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!
Saturday, November 21, 2020 (5:30 - 7:00pm est)
This episode focuses on the 14 year history of ATDF's very own youth performance ensemble with rare footage from numerous performances by the Tap City Youth Ensemble.
Live moderation and discussion in the chat room!
To participate visit: TCYE PART TWO
FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate
ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!
Sunday, October 11, 2020 (2-4pm)
Twenty years ago three artists, dancers, choreographers and pioneers in the field of Tap Dance got together and created this very special and one of a kind themed show. Produced by Tony Waag and collaboratively conceived and written by Brenda Bufalino, Lynn Dally, Sarah Petronio and director Avra Petrides, this iconic production was originally premiered on Saturday, July 14th & Sunday, July 15th at Tap City in 2001.
Live moderation and discussion in the chat room!
To participate visit: (LINK TO VIEW)
FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate
ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!
Sunday, September 20, 2020 (4:00pm - 6:00pm est)
The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts in association with The American Tap Dance Foundation proudly presents this virtual concert celebrating the collaboration of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
The dynamic duo of Mercedes Ellington and Tony Waag guide us through the history of Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington, accompanied by some of our favorite artists. There will be performances from Michael Choi, Marion Cowings, Kent Drake, DeWitt Fleming Jr., Sharon K. Janda, Glafkos Kontemeniotis, AC Lincoln, Antoinette Montague, David Ostwald, Vanda Polakova, Ty Stephens, Karen Callaway Williams, Andrea Wright, Eli Yamin, and James Zollar.
Plus, a special performance of "What a Wonderful World" from the legendary André De Shields of Hadestown.
Sunday, September 13, 2020 (4-5:30pm)
A tribute to the Copasetics with numerous appearances including Brenda Bufalino, Michelle Dorrance, Barbara Duffy, Deborah Mitchell, Hank Smith, Jason Samuels Smith, Tony Waag, Cartier Williams & more. Premiered on Saturday, July 9th at Tap City in 2011.
Participate by clicking on this LINK
FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate
ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 (3-4:30pm)
TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy!
Participate by clicking on this LINK
FREE and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation! You can also visit: atdf.org/donate
ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. TODAY, we’re showing another hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
TODAY, we’re showing an hour and a half of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. An amazing amount of footage, amazing amount of dancing, and an amazing legacy!
Free and Open to the Public! Or pay what you want and we will consider it a donation!
ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center.
To register (and receive official invitation) click on this LINK
Monday, July 6 - Saturday, July 11, 2020
Tap City, the New York City, Virtual Tap Festival
Monday, July 6, 2020 (7-9pm, EST)
Virtual Copasetic Boat Ride
Tap City’s opening social event with film, discussion and a tap jam with special guest artists.
Hosted by Captain DeWitt Fleming Jr. and featuring guest artists Max Pollak and Karen Callaway Williams.
Tuesday, July 7, 2020 (3-4:30pm, EST)
Tony’s Tap TV
ATDF Artistic Director Tony Waag hosts his new talk show monthly with special guests, stage stories, rare footage, new work and other live and/or online content direct from the American Tap Dance Center. One and a half hours of amazing appearances by Tap masters, upcoming soloists and ensembles from around the world that came and performed at Tap City over the last 19 years! Remember, review, relive and/or check it out for the first time. Amazing footage, amazing dancing, amazing legacy! Free and Open to the Public!
Wednesday, July 8, 2020 (2-3:30pm, EST)
Rhythm Tap Teacher Training Info Session 1
Centering and Teaching Our Black Rhythm Tap Legacy
A Rhythm Tap Panel and Q & A for all Tap Teachers
Moderated by Margaret Morrison with Susan Hebach, Dexter Jones, Lisa La Touche & Toni Noblett. The dances and jazz culture of the Copasetics are the basis of the ATDF Tap Teacher Training. The artistry of generations of African-American artists give contemporary tap dancers the rich heritage that we, as teachers, can pass on to our students. Join a panel of expert tap teachers who share ideas and their best rhythmic practices for exciting dance classes. Bring your rhythm tap teaching questions.
Thursday, July 9, 2020 (7-8:30pm, EST)
Rhythm Tap Teacher Training Info Session 2
Centering and Teaching Our Black Rhythm Tap Legacy
A Rhythm Tap Panel and Q & A for all Tap Teachers
Moderated by Margaret Morrison with Barbara Duffy, Thelma Goldberg, Dexter Jones & Lisa La Touche. The dances and jazz culture of the Copasetics are the basis of the ATDF Tap Teacher Training. The artistry of generations of African-American artists give contemporary tap dancers the rich heritage that we, as teachers, can pass on to our students. Join a panel of expert tap teachers who share ideas and their best rhythmic practices for exciting dance classes. Bring your rhythm tap teaching questions.
Friday, July 10, 2020
Virtual Rhythm in Motion Concert 2020 (7-9pm, EST)
Works that were created and supported by the ATDF Artist in Residency Program and presented in Somethings Afoot choreography showcases and Rhythm in Motion concerts in 2014 - 2019. Boundary breaking new takes on tap by NYC’s finest tappers & choreographers including: Vikas Arun & Ramita Ravi, Brenda Bufalino, Christina Carminucci, Felipe Galganni, Susan Hebach, Lisa La Touche, Margaret Morrison, Max Pollak, Charles Renato, Tamii Sakurai, Dolores Sanchez, Leonardo Sandoval, Joseph Webb and others! Directed and Curated by Tony Waag FREE and Open to the Public.
Saturday, July 11, 2020
Tap it Out - On-Line (12 noon, 4pm & 8pm, EST)
Register, dance and submit your footage and then observe YOU and around 150 other tappers from all over the world in this virtual version of Tap it Out created by Tony Waag.
Sunday, June 21, 2020 (4-6pm) est
The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts and the American Tap Dance Foundation proudly presents a virtual concert in honor of Father's Day. Hosted by the iconic duo of Mercedes Ellington and Tony Waag, and featuring the talents of A.C. Lincoln, Frank Owens, Sharon K. Janda, Glafkos Kontemeniotis, Malik McLaurine, Dave Chamberlain, Michael Choi & Vanda Polakova, Antoinette Montague, Jason Curry, Karen Callaway Williams, Ty Stephens, James Zollar, and Marion Cowings. Music, singing, dancing, spoken-word and celebration! Free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 (8-10pm) est
The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts and The American Tap Dance Foundation presented this livestream event. It was hosted by Mercedes Ellington and featured artists Dave Chamberlain, Marion Cowings, Jason Curry, Ethan Fein, Sharon K. Janda, AC Lincoln, Antoinette Montague, Malik McLaurine, Frank Owens, Ty Stephens, Tony Waag, Karen Callaway Williams, and James Zollar.
Connecting with Content. During the Covid-19 crisis I started sending out these emails with various content including both historic and contemporary footage, tap steps & instruction and other material related to tap dance.
Check out this link to archived emails: TAP TV ARCHIVES
A New Tap Choreography Showcase exploring "works in progress" currently created by upcoming &
working professionals in the field. Directed and Curated by Tony Waag. Choreographers include: TBA
Tickets: $20 ($25 day of show) $10 Children, Students & Seniors ($15 day of show)
To purchase visit: REGISTER HERE!
A fundraising event for ATDF's ongoing ADULT education programs at the American Tap Dance Center
3 Days of Master Classes, Films, Food, Talks, Fun, Games, Raffle, Open Rehearsals, a Jam Session and Something's Afoot (a new choreography showcase).
Click HERE to register!
Sunday, November 3, 2019 (5:30-7pm)
Compositions from Duke Ellington’s 1960 Nutcracker Suite.
Mercedes Ellington, Tony Waag and the Duke Ellington Center's Big Band conducted by multi Grammy nominated Bobby Sanabria, join together to honor this legendary icon of American Jazz. Included in the program are special appearances by jazz vocalists Sharon K. Janda, Antoinette Montague and Ty Stevens as well as tap dance performances by DeWitt Fleming, Jr., Felipe Galganni, members of the Tap City Youth Ensemble, Karen Callaway Williams and belly dancer Anna Pipoyan.
Birdland, 315 West 44th Street
Sunday, September 1, 2019 (5:30-7:00pm)
The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, Inc. (Artistic Director/Founder: Mercedes Ellington) and the American Tap Dance Foundation, Inc. (Artistic Director/Founder: Tony Waag) present SACRED SUNDAY featuring The Duke Ellington Center's Big Band. With music from the Sacred Concert, My People and more!
Mercedes Ellington, Tony Waag and the Duke Ellington Center's Big Band conducted by Anthony Evans, join together in honor of this legendary icon of American Jazz with performances by the Sacred Sunday Gospel Choir, vocalist Jahneen Otis and tap dancer DeWitt Fleming.
Birdland, 315 West 44th Street
Visit: decfa.org
Sunday, August 4, 2019 (4-6pm)
Songs from the hit musicals Play On and Sophisticated LadiesDuke Ellington Center for the Arts, Inc. (Artistic Director/Founder: Mercedes Ellington) in association with American Tap Dance Foundation (Artistic Director/Founder: Tony Waag) present the Duke Ellington Center Big Band.
Mercedes Ellington, Tony Waag and the Duke Ellington Center's Big Band conducted by Frank Owens join together again in honor of this legendary icon of American Jazz with performances by leading vocalists and Broadway performers Marion Cowings, Ty Stephens, Allyson Tucker Mitchell and Brian Stokes Mitchell as well as special appearances by Tap dancers A.C. Lincoln and Karen Callaway Williams.
Birdland, 315 West 44th Street
Visit: decfa.org
presented by
The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, Inc.
Artistic Director/Founder: Mercedes Ellington
in association with
American Tap Dance Foundation
featuring the Duke Ellington Center Big Band and special Tap City Guest Artists
Tickets: $30 - $40
For tickets visit: TC 2019 Registration and Events
Visit: birdlandjazz.com
Adult Master Classes - Saturday, July 6, 2019
Tap Treasures Orientation, Tour & Event - Sunday, July 7, 2019
Youth, Pre-Pro & Adult Choreo Residencies - Mon, July 8 - Thu, July 11, 2019
Copasetic Boat Ride ~ Monday, July 8, 2019 (Departs 7pm/Returns 10pm)
Tap Awards Show ~ Wednesday, July 10, 2019 (8pm)
Rhythm in Motion ~ Thursday, July 11, 2019 (8pm)
Tap Future (All Student Showcase) ~ Friday, July 12, 2019 (8pm)
visit: atdf.org for detailed information
American Tap Dance Foundation, 154 Christopher St. #2B, NYC, NY 10014 646.230.9564 ~ info@atdf.org
