Tap Dance Day celebration to honor rhythm, history, and community at UM-Flint

FLINT, Michigan — Dancers, musicians, students, and community members are invited to gather for a free Tap Dance Day celebration on Friday, May 22, at the University of Michigan-Flint Dance Studio inside the Northbank Center.

Hosted by Shanzell Page, the event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 432 S. Saginaw St. and is free and open to the community.

The celebration is being held in honor of National Tap Dance Day, which is observed annually on May 25 and recognizes the birthday of legendary tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. The gathering will create space to honor tap dance history, celebrate its cultural legacy, and bring people together through movement, rhythm, and fellowship.

Attendees are encouraged to bring tap shoes, instruments, or simply themselves. Organizers say the event is open to people of all experience levels, including those who want to participate, listen, learn, or be in community with others.

The event is part of Page’s ongoing work with Mindful Movement, which focuses on building creative spaces rooted in movement, connection, and shared experience.

Page was also the 2025–2026 University of Michigan-Flint Artist in Residence.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP in advance through the event registration form.