Toronto International Tap Dance Festival 2026: Rhythmic Celebration
Three days of tap dance performances, workshops, and community celebration
Dates
Aug 21–23
Cost
$48 tickets
Where
4 Toronto venues
Artists
36 performers
Experience world-class tap dance at Toronto International Tap Dance Festival, returning for its fourth edition after sold-out performances in 2022 and 2024. With 36 leading international, national, and local tap dancers performing across four Toronto venues, plus masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, and a closing night jam, this is the premier tap dance celebration in Canada.
🩰 36 artists
🎓 Workshops
🎤 Masterclasses
🎭 Panel discussions
💡 Produced by Toffan Rhythm Projects, this biennial festival is an all-ages celebration featuring international and Canadian tap dancers, live musicians, emerging Canadian talent, and community engagement through a closing night jam session.
Why Go
Toronto International Tap Dance Festival is a rare celebration of an artform that captivates audiences worldwide. After sold-out editions in 2022 and 2024, the festival returns for its fourth edition with 36 leading tap dancers from Canada, the United States, and internationally. This isn’t just a showcase of technical mastery—it’s a festival that celebrates the histories, aesthetics, and cultural contexts of tap dance while nurturing the next generation of Canadian excellence. Whether you’re a lifelong tap fan or discovering the art form for the first time, TITDF offers performances that range from tribute and tradition to contemporary innovation, plus the chance to learn directly from master artists through workshops and masterclasses.
Three-Day Schedule
Friday, August 21 — Evening Opening
Festival opens at Terminal Theatre with Milestones, a triple bill opening night featuring a tribute to 90-year-old tap dancer Joey Hollingsworth, a special appearance from Manhattan Tap co-founder and artistic director Heather Cornell celebrating her 70th year, and Chicago’s Bril Barrett celebrating 25+ years as a solo artist and outreach leader. Programming runs 6 PM–10 PM.
Saturday, August 22 — Full Programming Day
A full day of performances from 10 AM–10 PM across multiple venues. Terminal Theatre presents the split bill Convergence performance. Workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions run throughout the day. Attendees can experience the breadth of tap dance artistry across all venues.
Sunday, August 23 — Celebration & Closing
Final day of festival programming 10 AM–10 PM. The closing night jam session hosted by celebrated Canadian tap dancer Victoria Miller at DROM Taberna is pay-what-you-can admission—a community gathering where festival artists, dancers, and audience members of all ages celebrate together.
Festival Highlights
Opening Night Milestones (Friday): A triple bill honoring tap dance excellence. Includes a tribute to Joey Hollingsworth’s 90 years of contribution to tap, an appearance from Heather Cornell of Manhattan Tap at age 70, and Bril Barrett’s 25+ years of artistry.
Bril Barrett Residency Program: Twelve Canadian tap dancers ages 18-25 from across the country train intensively with internationally renowned artist Bril Barrett and perform alongside him during the festival—a transformative opportunity for emerging talent.
Closing Night Jam: Sunday at DROM Taberna, pay-what-you-can. Festival artists, community members, dancers, and audience members of all ages come together for a spontaneous, celebratory jam session hosted by Victoria Miller—the heartbeat of the festival’s community mission.
Workshops & Learning
Beyond the headline performances, TITDF offers a full program of learning and engagement:
Tap dance masterclasses (all levels)
Clinics and technique sessions
Free panel discussions
Community conversations
Venue Locations
The festival spans four distinctive Toronto venues, each hosting different programming:
Terminal Theatre
207 Queens Quay West | Main stage for headline performances (Milestones, Convergence)
Waterfront Neighborhood Centre
627 Queens Quay West | Workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions
Randolph Centre for the Performing Arts
736 Bathurst Street | Festival programming and performances
DROM Taberna
458 Queen Street West | Closing night jam session (pay-what-you-can)
Essentials
Tickets
$48 per show
Group Discount
10+ get $5 off each
Jam Session
Pay-what-you-can Sun
All Ages
Family-friendly event
Visitor Tips
- Plan your venue visits. With four locations across Toronto, check the schedule and map your route to catch the performances you want to see.
- Register early for workshops. Masterclasses and clinics fill up quickly. Register in advance at toffanrhythmprojects.com to secure your spot.
- Don’t miss the closing jam. Sunday’s pay-what-you-can jam at DROM Taberna is the heart of the festival community—it’s celebratory, inclusive, and spontaneous.
- Bring a group for the discount. Groups of 10+ get $5 off per ticket. It’s a great excuse to gather tap fans together.
- Explore the waterfront venues. Many venues are waterfront-adjacent. Plan to arrive early and enjoy the area before performances begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Details may change — always confirm on the official Toronto International Tap Dance Festival website before heading out.
Location
Get DirectionsMultiple Toronto Venues, Toronto, ON
