In commemoration of National Tap Dance Day, May 25th, Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. hosted a special episode of his podcast “Where Do We Go from Here?” featuring guest Anthony Lo Cascio, a local pioneer of the art form to discuss its lasting significance in American culture. 

"National Tap Dance Day is more than a celebration of steps and rhythm—it's a recognition of our shared history, our artists, and the vibrant communities that make Queens a cultural crossroads,” Addabbo said. “By lifting tap, we lift all of us, and we affirm that arts education and inclusive opportunity belong to every neighborhood."

Guest Anthony Lo Cascio is the Founder and Artistic Director of Taplife Company, a NYC-based dance organization formed in 2013 that offers performances, classes, and apparel. He is a renowned tap dancer and choreographer with over 30 years of experience, including 17 years performing with the international hit show Tap Dogs. In 2019, Lo Cascio created the Taplife Hero Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on arts, culture, and humanities.

National Tap Dance Day is a designated time to recognize tap dance as one of America’s original art forms. It honors the legacy and contributions of artists who built tap. 

Now, a decade after the designated day’s declaration was signed into law by former President George H.W. Bush on November 8, 1989, it continues to highlight diversity and unite people together across generations and backgrounds, particularly in melting pots like the borough of Queens. It was officially observed in the United States for the first time on May 25, 1989, to coincide with the birthday of Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson, a significant contributor to tap dance.

Lo Cascio reflected on tap’s humble beginnings in Queens, noting it’s start as a flashmob on Rockaway Beach and growth to sustained gatherings that continue to bring together dancers, families, educators, professionals, and community members. 

“Ten years ago, this was a vision that began on the boardwalk,” Lo Cascio said. “Today, it is a beacon for consistency, care, and community belief.”

Lo Cascio will be hosting a local celebration of this 10-year milestone with a community celebration on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Forest Park George Seuffert Sr. Bandshell.  It will celebrate the people who have kept tap dance visible and thriving, with a special focus on honoring Rockettes of Color Alumnae for their enduring impact on the art form and its community.

Moving forward, Lo Cascio hopes the visibility and recognition of tap dancing continues to grow, inspiring dancers, educators, and families, which translates into greater inclusion, opportunity, and intergenerational connection. Senator Addabbo and Lo Cascio expressed plans to continue celebrating and preserving tap dance’s rich heritage, while inviting new audiences to experience its energy.

https://youtu.be/-LH2wHRCCUg