Article Photos

Dancers and non-dancers alike are invited to head down to Betts Park this Friday, May 21, from 4 to 9 p.m.. to celebrate Warren's Second Annual National Tap Dance Day! Following the success of last year's premiere event, which was founded by Erie native, Brett Fallon, director of Dance Elite* Performance Company, the celebration once again returns and promises to be even greater this year. Organized by Starlite Events by Design, under the management of Melanie Augenstein, additional performers and activities have been added to the line-up. Because of the downtown renovations at Soldiers and Sailors Park, festivities have been moved to the Clifford Betts Pavilion located across from the Bocce Courts at Betts Park.

For those of you unfamiliar with its origin, National Tap Dance Day is a celebration of tap dancing as an American art form, and was officially signed into American law in 1989. This holiday is not just celebrated in the U.S., but in many other countries as well. Events in recognition of National Tap Dance Day are often held in late May, as this appropriately coincides with the birthday of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, a significant contributor to the art of tap dance.

Once again this year, Dance Elite's Brett Fallon will be entertaining the crowd with his upbeat tap dancing and more. Students of Linda Dies' Dance Unlimited and Dance Express Company will be performing a variety of impressive tap dance selections. Singer Amber Cooke will return with her phenomenal vocal pieces, and she may even decide to put on her own dancing shoes. Other featured performers will include Carla Fleming of Lake Erie Belly Dance, students of Studio K of Kane, and more.

In addition to the performances, Linda Dies' and Brett Fallon will lead interactive tap dance demonstrations that will make people of all ages want to get out of their seats and join in the fun. Who knows?? ... They may even quiz you with some of their tap trivia! There will also be organized hands-on craft activities for the kids.

Pack your picnic basket, and gather your family, friends, and neighbors for a casual evening of fun and entertainment!! All are invited to join in this celebration of "the magnificent art of tap" and more!