OUR MISSION
To champion the artistry, innovation, and preservation of tap dance through exceptional teaching, creation, and performance.
We foster an inclusive and dynamic environment that encourages dancers to explore their creativity and pay homage to the legacy of tap dance pioneers such as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Gregory Hines, and Jeni Le Gon. By bridging training with performance opportunities, we prioritize equitable access and representation, empowering dancers from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the evolution of tap dance in Vancouver and beyond.
Our Core Values
The Vancouver Tap Dance Society is rooted in a passion for tap dance and a commitment to inclusivity, integrity, and excellence. For 30 years, we have connected dancers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels through equitable access to training, performances, and community engagement. Our values guide every aspect of our work, from preserving the rhythmic traditions of tap to fostering innovation in choreography and performance. We are dedicated to:
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Inclusivity: Creating welcoming spaces where dancers from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and Indigenous communities, can thrive.​
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Excellence: Upholding the highest standards in teaching and performance, inspired by tap dance legends.
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Innovation: Encouraging creative risk-taking to push the boundaries of tap dance as an art form.
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Preservation: Honoring the history and cultural significance of tap dance through education and performance.
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Collaboration: Building a supportive community that celebrates shared passion and collective achievement.
The Vancouver Tap Dance Society is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, where every dancer, instructor, and community member feels valued and empowered to express their authentic self through the art of tap. We believe that a diverse and inclusive tap dance community drives creativity, strengthens cultural connections, and honors the universal language of rhythm.
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Core Principles
Diversity: We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals, including differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, and cultural heritage.
Equity: We actively work to identify and remove barriers that may limit access to tap dance education and performance opportunities, ensuring fair pathways for all dancers.
Inclusion: We cultivate an environment where every voice is heard, respected, and integrated into our programs, performances, and decision-making processes.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the Vancouver Tap Dance Society
Our Commitments
The Vancouver Tap Dance Society is dedicated to the following actions to uphold our DEI principles:
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Equitable Access: We provide inclusive opportunities for participation in classes, workshops, and performances, with subsidized programs for low-income and underrepresented dancers.
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Zero Tolerance: We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, bullying, or micro-aggressions in our studios, performances, and community spaces.
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Cultural Education: We offer workshops and events that explore the historical and cultural roots of tap dance, particularly its African American origins, to foster understanding and respect.
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Community Engagement: We partner with local organizations to expand access to tap dance for First Nations, Urban Indigenous, and other equity-deserving communities.
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Accountability: Our leadership and community members are committed to upholding these principles, with regular reviews to ensure progress toward our DEI goals.
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Vancouver Tap Dance Society
Our Board of Directors
Tracy Chamzuk
Board Chair