It's true:
Days are better with tap dance.
"Taptopia is a treasure chest of gems that will springboard you to where you’d like to be as a tap dancer."
- Jen, Australia
Tap dance is not a solitary journey.
Each day all over the world, people of all ages are embracing a journey in tap dance.
And though we can go it alone, the journey is infinitely more rewarding, fulfilling and likely to succeed with the necessary learning tools, guidance and community support.
Introducing...
An online learning platform for all tap levels
+ a global community of tap dance friends.
inside taptopia...
From the beginning, we've set out to create a space where members can be themselves, grow on their tap journey, and share it with each other.
It's a beautiful thing.
1. ongoing Learning Material + Access to Replays
Membership includes access to 3 live-streamed tap classes each month, plus access to class replays (including archived content).
The levels of the classes are Advanced-Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced (with new Pro level adventures on the way in September 2022), taught by Bill or a carefully selected special guest.
2. community group Platform
Each member will receive 24/7 access to the Taptopia community group platform; a clean, private & curated network where members can connect, ask questions, share wins and struggles, access class content, replays and much more.
3. Real-time connection with new Tap friends across the globe.
Members are invited to join monthly live community calls with Bill and the team, where we dive into specific tap topics together, share updates, ask questions, and generally talk tap!
"A warm, welcoming and inspirational place."
- Susan, England
Investment
Pay by the month, quarter or year.
All prices in USD. Cancel any time.
$27 p/m
Monthly
$25 p/m
Quarterly
(Total = $75)
~ $22 p/m
Annually
(Total = $269)
Each subscription includes access to:
All tap classes
All replay videos
All community group spaces
Lock in these savings for the life of your subscription. Your price will never go up.
The doors to Taptopia will open to new members in:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
The doors to Taptopia are open NOW, and will close in:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
(Or when we reach our maximum number of members. Whichever comes first).
the team
Bill Simpson
Creator of Taptopia | Founder of JustTapDance.com
I first discovered tap dance at age 16, I've been making noise with my feet ever since.
For more than 20 years, I've made a career as tap dance performer, choreographer and educator.
I love sharing tap dance with others, and a few years back, I created a series of video courses to help people across the world learn tap dance, and to date, more than 3500 students have enrolled in the Just TAP series.
I love photography, writing, coffee, music, movies, dogs and pretty much everything else.
...but I have yet to find an activity more enjoyable or satisfying to the body and/or the mind than the beautiful art of tap dance.
Tiarna Leigh
Co-Founder & Community Manager
Hi! I'm Tiarna. I began tap dancing at age 2 (along with many other forms of dance), and basically haven’t stopped.
I graduated from ED5 International (under the
direction of William Forsythe) with a Diploma in Musical Theatre (my favorite style of dance, alongside tap).
I’ve spent many years performing and teaching. I'm currently enjoying choreographing my own work, with Bob Fosse and Ann Reinking being my biggest creative influences.
Outside of dance my many loves include, yoga, dogs, coffee and being a life-long Taylor Swift fan (AKA, 'Swiftie').
Taptopia might be for you if...
You’ve felt alone or lacking in support on your tap dance journey.
You’ve struggled to find ongoing learning content at a level appropriate for you.
You’ve struggled to receive feedback that makes sense.
You’ve struggled to maintain practice consistency.
You’d like to meet and interact with new tap friends across the world.
You’re looking for guidance, direction and accountability on your tap dance journey.
You’d like to connect directly with Bill (award-winning tap mentor and founder of JustTapDance.com) + Tiarna (Co-Community Manager) + special guests!
You’d like to take an active role in a warm, welcoming community of tap dancers (like you!), each on their own tap journey.
Taptopia is probably NOT for you if...
You’re completely satisfied with how your tap journey is unfolding and have all the resources and support you’ll ever need (go you!).
The wonderous combination of sound, movement and rhythm we call ‘tap dance’ doesn’t excite or inspire you at all.
A safe, supportive community for all
Taptopia offers its members:
A safe space to ask questions, share wins or struggles, commit to challenges, and learn and grow without fear of judgment or rejection.
Connection and friendship opportunities with fellow tap dancers across the world.
First access to new offerings from Bill and the Just TAP team.
A welcoming community for people of all ages, regardless of background, location, race, orientation, level or preferred style of tap.
The opportunity to receive tailored feedback & advice from working tap professionals.
A tap-focused environment to accelerate the unique tap journey of each member, with no ‘fluff’, no advertising and no noisy distractions.
A privacy-first, invitation-based attitude toward all current and future aspects of the community. Members are never forced to do or take part in anything they don’t feel comfortable with.
"Taptopia has become an integral, important part of my life. Great, versatile tap learning material."
- Kerstin, Germany
taptopia is calling...
Gregory summed it up perfectly...
Because we do not judge each other, we love each other. If you have a pair of tap shoes, you're in.
- GREGORY HINES (1946 - 2003)
THIS is the spirit of Taptopia. If you want in, we want you.
...and with Taptopia only beginning in 2021, now is the opportune moment to become an early member of our community and help shape the next phase of the adventure.
What others are saying
Taptopia - I just love it! Everything about it has such a positive vibe. It is a warm, welcoming and inspirational place where people can meet up, share ideas, struggles, celebrate achievements and support one another, all brought about through our shared love of tap. With Bill and Tiarna at the helm, we have two amazing dance professionals and all round lovely people to help us along our tap journey. I think myself so very lucky to have discovered this community. Life is better with Taptopia. It is my little ray of sunshine.
Taptopia has become an integral, important part of my life - it nourishes both body and soul. There is support, interest, sharing, encouragement, compassion, fun and humor. It's a healthy, safe world that feels really good in these strange times. I've received many valuable tips in addition to the great, versatile tap learning material. For me, a real luxury (as an ex-dancer) is to receive such good individual feedback from Tiarna & Bill.
Without all of these loving people, I would never have grown so quickly and so easily. I warmly recommend Taptopia, and I'm exciting to welcome new members - arms and hearts are open!
Taptopia, a community of tap dancers of all different levels, where we can attend live Zoom classes and community chats, and where we can share our successes or ask advice on something we're working on. It's nice to know that even when I can't attend the live classes, I can come to the Taptopia platform in my own time and watch the replay videos.
I highly recommend Taptopia. Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced tapper, you're welcome here.
I am thrilled that Taptopia exists! The community is warm, safe, and encouraging. It was only with Taptopia that I was truly able to progress (consistently!), and achieve a lot more with my tap dance - it would never have been possible for me in a dance school. I feel challenged and enriched. An experience for every age!
The community group and the support from fellow Taptopians globally is just amazing. It's unique, and really really special.
Previous
Next
A few words from Susan, one of our founding members:
Other kind words
"Bill Simpson is an excellent tap mentor - having taken many classes with Bill, I highly recommend everyone to try them out. Not only does he share his amazing footwork, he brings the whole body experience to a class to ensure you leave as a better dancer internally, externally and from head to toe. From the care of his students to his diverse range of musicality and experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge to any class experience."
- Ella Lehaf, Producer of Australian Tap Dance Festival
"As a tap dancer of 30 years I have come across a huge range of artists in my time. Upon meeting Bill Simpson I was blown away by his uniqueness. His class environment is so warm and welcoming to any age or ability of tap. One thing I particularly love about his classes is that he helps you forget what is going on in your outside world. To be able to hold the attention of the class for that long requires a very special skill, which Bill is gifted with. Along with possessing an amazing style, his creativity, musicality and choreographic range is next to none."
- Shannon Zammit, Student
"Besides being an award-winning tap dancer, theatrical tour de force, and master technician (which he is), Bill Simpson is a generous educator and clear communicator, bringing dynamic freshness to classic styles with respect to the roots of the craft. All while nurturing what I consider to be the most important ingredient - the joy of dance."
- Eden Read, Tap Dance Educator
join us
Every few months, we open the doors to Taptopia to welcome new members. The doors close once we reach our maximum number of members, or at the end of the cut-off date; whichever comes first.
The doors to Taptopia will open in:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
The doors to Taptopia will close in:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. An important element of Taptopia is that the group is enjoyable and intimate for all, growing naturally and sustainably in a way that doesn’t overwhelm us or its members. This also gives existing members a chance to rally around and properly welcome our new Taptopians, making sure they feel supported.
Taptopia isn’t about how far along your tap journey you are, just that you’re on one. We’re glad to welcome tap dancers of all levels to our classes community, with several class level options available to ensure each of our members feel happily challenged.
We welcome all adults, regardless of age. From time to time, we do come across mature, driven younger tap dancers who’d very much like to be involved. If this is you, reach out to us here and we’ll let you know if Taptopia is a good fit.
In Taptopia, we strive to keep things clean and simple! That said, we understand it can be daunting starting something new. Rest assured, we’re here to help, and will guide you step-by-step through the process of setting up, accessing and using the community group and the live classes and calls. We even have members within the group who’ve volunteered to help our new members and answer questions. We’ll only ever be an email or message away.
Usually, TUESDAYS are when our live events take place, or when pre-recorded classes are released.
Current Event Schedule:
- 1st Tuesday of the month: Advanced Beginner (Live Tap Zoom Class)
- 2nd Tuesday of the month: Intermediate (Pre-recorded Tap Class*)
- 3rd Tuesday of the month: Taptopia Community Call (Live via Zoom)
- 4th Tuesday of the month: Advanced (Pre-Recorded Tap Class*)
Sidenote: We’ve previously offered live zoom classes for the Intermediate and Advanced levels and intend to do so again, but are currently pre-recording these levels to ensure the standard remains consistent, and isn’t affected by the average standard of the zoom room.
For each live event, we offer two different time options for members to join:
- Tuesday 12:30am Pacific Time (Best for UK, Europe, Australia)
- Tuesday 5:30pm Pacific Time (Best for America)
Check your timezone with this nifty converter.
Timing doesn’t work? Don’t worry. Each Zoom call and class is recorded, with replays made available in the Taptopia group platform.
Taptopia is a community, first and foremost. In our experience, shared is better, and we encourage our members to embrace the full experience. We think you’ll love it.
But, Taptopia is offered with zero expectation or pressure.
Every member naturally has a different experience with Taptopia. Some choose to engage with the community – daily, weekly or monthly – while others prefer to simply focus on personal improvement and attending/viewing classes. In the end, if it works for you, then it works for us!
Not currently, no.
But we’re certainly thinking about it for the future.
Sometimes, we all need a little help on the journey. Members will have the option to receive personalized individual feedback from Bill, Tiarna and/or other carefully selected industry professionals.
Optional, but highly recommended.
Absolutely! Members can upgrade their subscription at any time.
Absolutely. Members can cancel their subscriptions at any time.
Yes! We’re glad to allocate spots as scholarships to gift to the tap community. We also have low-cost or volunteer-based options (where you can receive access in return for helping out in the community). If you’re interested in finding out more about our scholarships, low-cost or volunteer options, please reach out to us here.
Hooray! We open our doors to new members every 3 months.
We’re currently in-between member intakes, but be sure to join the notification list. As soon as the next intake dates are confirmed, we’ll let you know!
This is just the beginning.
"In the months since it began in mid-2021, Taptopia has become something very special in many lives (including my own). I love this community. I'm proud of what it is and can't wait to see where the journey leads. I hope you'll join us for the next exciting phase."
BILL SIMPSON
The doors to Taptopia will open in:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
The doors to Taptopia will close in:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
acknowledgement
acknowledgement
We recognize the many nations and cultures that shape and contribute to the art of tap dance, but acknowledge tap as an African-American art-form at its roots, which directly influenced the dancers of the ‘golden era’ of Hollywood, in-turn popularizing tap dance across the world.
We also acknowledge the First Nations Peoples of Australia - the traditional owners of the land on which we join you from - and pay respects to their elders, past and present.
The doors to Taptopia will open in:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds