Photo : Conservatoire Nadia et Lili Boulanger - crée avec l'aide de Microsoft IA (Copilot)
World Tap Day: A Tribute to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
Born from the meeting of dance and music, tap dance is in the spotlight during this festive event imagined by Roxane Butterfly. Inspired by the figure of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, this day brings together students, artists, and enthusiasts around the stage, transmission, and the pleasure of creating together.
Jardin Cromot du Bourg Cour Cadet (Paris 9th)
Part of the Nadia and Lili Boulanger Conservatory Events programme
About
On the occasion of World Tap Day, celebrated every year on May 25, Roxane Butterfly invites students, musicians, and tap dance enthusiasts to share a moment centered on dance, music, and transmission.
This date pays tribute to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878-1949), a major figure in the history of tap dance and one of its first great ambassadors. An African-American dancer and actor, he contributed to making tap a true form of artistic expression and left a lasting mark on American popular culture, notably through his collaborations with Shirley Temple.
PROGRAM
Tap dance students present a performance based on compositions by pianist Pierre Cholley, accompanied by excerpts from Roxane Butterfly's show and archives dedicated to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson.
To close, a TAP JAM open to everyone brings together dancers and musicians from the jazz department for improvisation and dialogue between music and dance.
Coordination: Roxane Butterfly
Our take on this event
Forget the usual weekend plans and dive into the syncopated world of tap dance legends. Whether you are an experienced hoofer or just curious, come catch the rhythm and join the open jam session where music and movement collide perfectly.
On Saturday, May 22, 2027, the Jardin Cromot du Bourg hosts a special celebration for World Tap Day, honoring the legendary Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Coordinated by dancer Roxane Butterfly, this free event brings together students, musicians, and tap enthusiasts for an afternoon dedicated to rhythm and history. The program features student performances set to the music of pianist Pierre Cholley, historical archives, and excerpts from Roxane Butterfly’s work. The gathering concludes with an open tap jam, inviting dancers and jazz musicians to improvise together in the heart of the 9th arrondissement.
Join us on May 22, 2027, from 15:30 to 16:30 at the Jardin Cromot du Bourg, located at 9 rue Cadet, 75009 Paris. This event marks World Tap Day by paying tribute to Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, an influential African American performer who helped establish tap dance as a major art form.
The afternoon features a series of performances where tap students showcase their skills accompanied by the compositions of pianist Pierre Cholley. Attendees can also view archives highlighting the career of Robinson and excerpts from the artistic repertoire of coordinator Roxane Butterfly, offering a unique look at the history and evolution of the genre.
The session concludes with a collaborative tap jam. This inclusive segment is open to all dancers and jazz musicians interested in exploring the connection between music and movement through improvisation. Attendance is free for all members of the public.
