2023 marks the 12th year of the Australian Tap Dance Festival (ATDF) and we can't wait to connect with you again!

The Melbourne event will be the culmination of the Festival Experiences tour across Australia and brings a week of all things you love about Tap, with something for everyone.

“I can honestly say I would not be the tap dancer I am today without the ATDF and the experiences it brings to the tap community. I have made life-long friends and continue to improve my vocabulary and skills with every passing year. It’s an opportunity not to be missed!”, Bec, regular festival participant.

If this is your first festival and you are unsure what level is suitable, please VIEW A GUIDE TO LEVELS

Tickets for the Festival Gala are through Chapel Off Chapel where the event will be on sale from July 2023.

What makes it special?

The ATDF is all about community coming together to celebrate Tap dance; an art form that does not discriminate. The festival creates a non competitive, supportive and inclusive environment to foster development, growth, connection and inspiration for all those who attend.

The artistic director selects a high calibre faculty of teachers & performers from across Australia to conduct tap masterclasses, residencies & special events, ensuring there is something for everyone!

Are you a tap dancer?
There are masterclasses and 5-day residencies (performance courses) from beginner to advanced levels, for a range of ages.
The festival is a once-a-year chance in Australia to experience something different and expand your style and techniques at an accelerated rate, in a high immersion environment, in a short span of time.
The intensive nature, and access to our faculty artists at the top of their field, at this one place and time, plays a big part in the amazing experience you will enjoy at this festival.
Being surrounded by like minded people who love tap as much as you do will really give you a sense of belonging and family here at the festival.

...or do you just love watching dance?
We believe everyone should have the experience of the incredible feeling of watching and/or participating in tap dance. There are public evening events to watch including Capezio's Future of Tap - a showcase of what tap shows and repertoire is being created, Jam Night with live musicians, Cutting Contest and of course, the Festival Gala. If you've never tap danced before, there is a free public beginner class!

Places are limited so register early to ensure you don't miss out!

Early Bird prices end 30 April
Use code: EARLY2023

STAY UP TO DATE
To ensure you are kept up to date with when tickets are released and other festival news and special offers, click here to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and sign up to our newsletter on the festival website: www.australiantapdancefestival.com.au

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?
The event is an all ages event and there are no restrictions on any of the scheduled events - Everyone welcome! We've have participants from 6 - 80 years of age, there are no limits!

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
The location of all the venues are conveniently near tram and train lines. There is limited parking in the area but there is all day parking available. We recommend using public transport during the weekdays.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?
The organisers can be contacted anytime via email info@australiantapdancefestival.com.au and between the hours of 9am - 5pm on 0403 138 275.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?
Once purchased tickets are transferrable.

What is the refund policy?
There are no refunds, except if the organiser cancels or changes you class. You can transfer your tickets to another person.

What if one of my classes are cancelled?
If cancellation or change of teacher occurs, you will be notified and have the option of booking an alternative class or obtaining a refund.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No you do not required a printed ticket, you can download the EventBrite app to store your tickets electronically. You will receive instructions on this with your ticket that is sent once purchased.

How do I know what level to register for?
If this is your first festival experience and you are unsure which level to register for, please contact the organisers and they can assist. Please note the level of classes at the festival are higher than regular studio dance classes you may take. We do encourage you to challenge yourself to get the most benefit from the experience. Please note, for residencies, if on the first day you find you have registered for an incorrect level (too easy/too hard), you can switch on the first day to an available alternative. Places are limited so book early.

What is a 5 day Choreography Residency?
By registering in residencies, you will do a progressive, intensive 90 minute classes everyday for 5 days with the residency teacher/s of your choice. Technique and drills will also be covered at the beginning of each 90 minute class. At the end, students will have the opportunity to film the routine as a music video clip to experience a professional shoot and also have something to take home with them!
At the end of the five days all students will have a polished routine - something memorable to walk away from the festival with, in addition to enhanced technique and relationship building.
Due to the consistency and intensity of these residencies you will enjoy building strong connections and relationships with your teachers and fellow dancers in these residencies.
To get the most out of the festival, we encourage you to take as many residencies as possible (maximum of 3 per dancer) so that you can benefit from a range of teachers, each with their own gifts, inspiration and style you can incorporate into your own tap style and repertoire. Residency experiences are something you will remember the most, long after a festival is over. If you get to perform your residency piece in the Festival Show, you will be backstage for the duration of the concert so please do not purchase a show ticket for yourself.

What are Masterclasses?
In masterclasses you will learn from our selected tap masters on the faculty who will share with you tap warmups, techniques, new steps and combinations and their approach to the dance which is quite diverse across the faculty. Each masterclass is totally separate from each other, and all run for a jam-packed 90 minutes each!
Taking place all week during the festival, choose which teachers you would like to learn from. When registering for Masterclasses (maximum 4 per day available), choose no more than one per time slot and according to your level. Places are limited so book early.

Where can I learn more about the faculty and their style of Tap?
We encourage you to check out the Faculty page on our website for biographies of each faculty member including video footage.

I have more questions to ask, who can I speak to?
Ella, our Event Producer is available to answer any questions you may have. Please email info@australiantapdancefestival.com.au