Oklahoma City’s Metropolitan School of Dance is kicking off the annual OKC Tap Dance Festival this Friday, running through September 20. The three‑day event brings together dancers of every ability for more than 40 instructional classes, live performances, and a series of special events designed to celebrate the art of tap.
Classes for Every Level
“If they’re training in tap dance, if they ever wanted to learn about tap dance, they can join us for these classes,” said Frances Pitts, executive director of the Metropolitan School of Dance. Classes range from beginner fundamentals to advanced technique, giving participants the chance to deepen their skills, explore the origins of tap, and learn directly from seasoned professionals.
History, Performance and Community
In addition to instruction, the festival includes a tap‑dance history luncheon where attendees can hear stories about the genre’s evolution. A Sunday feedback session offers dancers the rare opportunity to receive personal critiques from featured artists.
“Not only is it something that they can learn that’s creative expression, but it also can feed into what they want to do professionally in their lives,” Pitts added, emphasizing the festival’s role in nurturing future performers and teachers.
Master and Friends Showcase
The highlight of the weekend is the new “Master and Friends Showcase,” scheduled for Saturday night at the Civic Center Music Hall. The showcase will feature a special appearance by Miss Oklahoma, a former dancer and Oklahoma City University alumna, who will join the stage as a guest performer.
“So, it’s awesome that she has that title. She’s a tap dancer. She’ll be joining us. So, it’s an exciting time,” Pitts said.
Scholarships and Accessibility
While there is a fee for participants, the organizers have announced that scholarships are available to ensure that cost does not prevent talented dancers from taking part. Interested individuals can find more information and apply for assistance through the festival’s website.
Why the Festival Matters
The OKC Tap Dance Festival provides a vibrant cultural outlet for families and individuals who value artistic expression and community engagement. By offering educational opportunities, live entertainment, and a platform for local talent, the event reinforces Oklahoma City’s growing reputation as a hub for the performing arts.
For a full schedule, class listings, and scholarship details, visit the Metropolitan School of Dance’s official festival page.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
