Chaos Theory

Tap for Joy is a free, outdoor tap dance program for all ages and skill levels, founded on the philosophy that it's hard to be unhappy while you tap!

Tap for Joy began as an antidote to the alienation, isolation, and depression that came with Covid-19. It was born of a desire to get people together (face-to-face!), moving, and making music with their feet. I put a few boards out on the Cambridge Public Library lawn, and dancers came out of the woodworks, ranging in age from 4--74! The focus is not on perfecting steps, but rather, on cultivating joy through connection. My focus is on musicality, improvisation, and groove.

Thanks to a grant from Cambridge Arts, Tap for Joy has expanded to serve residents of the Port neighborhood. Classes are now being offered at Fletcher-Maynard Academy (three classes: 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grade), at an after-school program at the Community Art Center, and at Newtowne Court, a public housing site. I also maintain a weekly community class (jennyherzogmusic@gmail.com for info), open to all ages and skill levels, followed by an Intermediate Repertory class. Classes have always been, and shall remain, free.

In order to continue to offer Tap for Joy classes to the public, I need your help! My mission is to spread the joy of tap dance as far and wide as possible. I truly believe that tap dance contains a magical elixir: a perfect balance of exercise, musicality, rhythm, goofiness, personality, connection, spontaneity, and fun. In a time that brings so much heaviness, my desire is to bring tap dance to as many people as I can: especially those who may not otherwise have access.

Your donation will:

--sponsor Tap for Joy classes at a new location
--pay for individualized, 2X2 tap dance boards
--go towards supplying tap shoes for under-resourced dancers
--help bring a live accompanist to class, giving students the opportunity to dance with a live musician!
--sponsor a live performance for the community (jazz trio, feat. tap dance)

During Covid, I read "The Depression Cure," by Stephen Ilardi; he illustrates six steps to help cure depression.Tap for Joy encompasses four of the six: engaging activity, social connection, sun exposure, and exercise. (We're missing nap-time and Omega-3 supplements, though who knows what the future may bring?) Tap dance has had a positive impact on my own mental health; I want to share this with as many people as I can.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support, and for helping to spread the joy of tap dance!