Tap Fest 2026
Tap Fest: Listen to This!
Saturday, February 21 at 7 pm
Zipper Hall
Tickets: $35
Renowned dancers Derick Grant, Sam Weber, and Josette Wiggan join Colburn’s world-class tap faculty and our talented Tap V students for an uplifting evening of tap dance and live music! This year’s program explores the concept of the Tap Artist as both a dancer and musician. With careful listening, a tap performance is transformed from a simple visual display into a sophisticated musical dialogue.
Tap Fest is generously supported by Aliza and Michael Lesser.
Dancers
Derick Grant
Sam Weber
Josette Wiggan
Johnnie Hobbs III
Melinda Sullivan
Denise Scheerer
Joseph Wiggan
Musicians
Jerry Kalaf, Drums and Music Director
Liz Kinnon, Piano
Joel Hamilton, Bass
Kenton Youngtstrom, Guitar
Denise Scheerer, Tap Chair and Producer
Johnnie Hobbs III, Host
STEVEN SCHWARZ Popular
Choreography by Melinda Sullivan
IRVING BERLIN Blue Skies
Choreography by Johnnie Hobbs III
OSCAR PETTIFORD Swinging Till the Girls Come Home
Improvisation by Josette Wiggan, Joseph Wiggan
JOE HENDERSON Recordame
Choreography by Denise Scheerer
WAYNE SHORTER Footprints
Choreography and Improvisation by Colburn Faculty
JERRY KALAF Circling Back
Improvisation by Derick Grant and Sam Weber
HARRY WARREN I Only Have Eyes for You
Improvisation by Josette Wiggan
IRVING BERLIN Cheek to Cheek
Choreography by Johnny Hobbs III and Melinda Sullivan; inspired by Henry LeTang
BRONISLAW KAPER Invitation
Improvisation by Joseph Wiggan
BRONISLAW KAPER Green Dolphin Street
Choreography by Derick Grant
JERRY KALAF Ariel
Choreography by Sam Weber
JERRY KALAF Eddie’s Bounce/Shim Sham
Choreography by Leonard Reed and Willie Bryant
Tap Master Classes
Sunday, February 22
Dance Studio B
Ages 12+
Individual workshop price: $35
Intermediate and advanced level tap dancers are invited to a day of intimate master classes led by guest artists Derick Grant, Sam Weber, and Josette Wiggan.
Schedule
10–11:15 am | Sam Weber
11:30–12:45 pm | Derick Grant
1–2:15 pm | Josette Wiggan
Sam Weber will lead a master class for the Advanced Tap Dancer.
This Masterclass is for dancers 12 and up. Class duration is 75 minutes.
| Instructor | Ages | Dates | Days | Times | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Weber | 12yr - 999yr | 02/22 - 02/22 | Su | 10:00 am - 11:15 am | $35.00 |
Derick Grant will lead a workshop for the Advanced Tap Dancer.
This master class is for dancer ages 12 and up. Class duration is 75 minutes.
| Instructor | Ages | Dates | Days | Times | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derick Grant | 12yr - 999yr | 02/22 - 02/22 | Su | 11:30 am - 12:45 pm | $35.00 |
Josette Wiggan will lead a master class for the Advanced Tap Dancer.
This master class is for dancers 12 and up. Class duration is 75 minutes.
| Instructor | Ages | Dates | Days | Times | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josette Wiggan | 12yr - 999yr | 02/22 - 02/22 | Su | 01:00 pm - 02:15 pm | $35.00 |
