Tap Into Something Extraordinary
Our Mission
Taplife Hero Foundation preserves and advances tap dance as an original American art form. We create opportunities for dancers and communities to experience, learn, and celebrate tap dance through classes, live events, and mentorship programs across the United States.
"If you own a pair of tap shoes you're part of the club."
— Gregory Hines
"Secretly, everyone wants to know how to tap dance."
— Jimmy Slyde, via Dianne Walker
"For 45 years tap dance has been my life. It taught me discipline, resilience, artistry, and how to show up — even when everything else was falling apart. Everything I build through tap dance exists to pass that on. This is what it means to experience life through tap dance."
— Anthony Lo Cascio, Founder & Executive Director
OUR PROGRAMS
From weekly classes to national showcases, Taplife Hero Foundation creates pathways for tap dancers of all ages at every level.
LIT: A Tap Dance Experience — One day. Real wood floors. An educational experience and showcase built for learning & performing, not competing. Every LIT includes the LIT Showcase — students who took classes that day, plus visiting dancers and companies, perform alongside our faculty.
Queens Adult Tap Classes — Weekly classes for adults. No registration required — just walk in, pay at the door, and take class.
National Tap Dance Day Celebration — A free celebration of tap, open to everyone, every year. Next date to be announced.
WORK DIRECTLY WITH ANTHONY
Taplife Remote — Mentorship that goes wherever you do — for dancers, teachers, and studio owners.
Virtual Technique Critiques — Send your video. Get real feedback, fast.
Master Classes — Anthony comes to you. Book him to teach a class at your studio or school, locally or by travel.
Private Lessons — In person or on Zoom, built entirely around you.
Choreography — Original work, classics and company rep, in person or by video, for solos, groups, and full productions.
LIT: TAP DANCE EXPERIENCE
One day. Dance on real O'Mara Sprung wood floors. A boutique tap experience combining technique classes, choreography, an improv + "cutting" workshop, faculty Q&A, and Talent Showcase.
Every LIT includes the LIT Talent Showcase — not a competition, a real performance. Any student who took classes that day is eligible to perform, alongside visiting dancers, companies, and our faculty. Every performer receives a complimentary ticket, and is automatically eligible for a recognition award — including full scholarships to a future LIT.
"Nobody does a tap experience quite like Anthony & Taplife Hero Foundation. Warm, friendly, and tap forward. This is how you show tap dancers they matter and someone cares deeply about them and their relationship to the art form." — LIT Attendee
Now expanding — look for LIT in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and North Carolina.
TAPLIFE REMOTE
More than mentorship — life coaching through tap. Train directly with Anthony Lo Cascio from anywhere, on a plan built entirely around you.
WHAT YOU GET:
- Up to 2 live, one-on-one video sessions per month with Anthony
- Direct access to Anthony via text, email, or social media during business hours
- Choreography review and personal adjudication of your pieces — competition or otherwise
- Personalized referral and recommendation letters for colleges, scholarships, grants, and auditions
- VIP treatment and early registration access at all Taplife Hero Foundation events
- 10% off Taplife events like LIT (Can always be applied, not to be combined with other discounted offers)
- Access to an exclusive community of Taplife Remote members
Monthly Investment: $138 | One-Time Enrollment: $55
Spots are limited so every member gets real, personalized attention.
VIRTUAL TECHNIQUE CRITIQUES
Get real feedback, fast, from a former adjudicator with over 30 years competition experience. Submit a video of your dancing and receive a personalized critique from Anthony — technique, musicality, clarity, and performance, reviewed with the same eye he brings to Taplife Remote members.
It's an affordable way to get direct, expert feedback without committing to ongoing mentorship — and a great first step if you're considering Taplife Remote down the road.
QUEENS ADULT TAP CLASSES
These classes are designed for adult tap dancers at all levels — including those stepping into tap dance for the very first time. Whether you are a complete beginner, returning to tap dance after time away, or continuing your training, you will build technique, rhythm, musicality, leg strength, and confidence in a supportive and structured environment.
Danceworks Howard Beach — 82-17 153rd Ave #208, Howard Beach, NY 11414
Mondays: 6:00–7:00 PM Basic Beginner | 7:00–8:00 PM Intermediate
No registration required. Walk in, pay at the door, and take class. New students are always welcome.
Tap shoes available for a donation. Inquire about available sizes — for new and current class members.
If you've been thinking about taking a tap class, this is your sign to come try it. You don't need to be perfect. You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need to show up.
MASTER CLASSES & CHOREOGRAPHY
Bring Anthony directly to your studio, school, or company — in person or virtually. Whether it's a one-time Master Class or original choreography built for solos, groups, and full productions, Anthony brings decades of experience straight to your dancers.
In-person Master Classes: Anthony travels to you, locally or by flight, with travel and lodging covered.
Virtual options available for both Master Classes and Choreography — no travel required.
Interested in booking? Reach out to start the conversation.
PRIVATE LESSONS
One-on-one instruction with Anthony, in person or on Zoom — built entirely around your goals, pace, and skill level. Whether you're refining technique, preparing for an audition, or just want focused, personalized time, private lessons meet you exactly where you are.
Interested in booking a private lesson? Reach out to start the conversation.
SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION
Your gift helps Taplife Hero Foundation bring tap dance to more communities — funding classes, mentorship, and free public events like National Tap Dance Day.
STAY IN THE LOOP
Join our email list for class updates, LIT dates, National Tap Dance Day announcements, and Foundation news.
NATIONAL TAP DANCE DAY
Join us for our annual, free-to-the-public Tap Dance Day celebration — a full day honoring the history and community of tap dance. Next date to be announced.
HOW THE DAY UNFOLDS
Free open beginner classes to start • A community tap jam with our performers • The Champion of Tap Dance ceremony, opening the show • Live performances • Closing finale: "Lucky to Be Alive," open to all participants at no charge
WAYS TO PERFORM
Professional artists & companies: curated performers are offered a stipend to perform live at the show.
Community performers: join the live show for $50 per dancer per piece (duos, trios, groups) or $75 per solo. The closing finale is free and open to all participants — no fee required.
PARTICIPATE FROM ANYWHERE
Learn our signature piece, "Lucky to Be Alive" (original song by Frank Persico), through our free tap tutorial series — three skill levels, taught on video. Use it freely as an anchor to your own event or to present a flash mob in your own community, anywhere in the world. Be sure to post your videos and photos to join the online celebration. #taplifehero #tapdance #nationaltapdancedaycelebration
PAST HONOREES
2025 — Shelby Kauffman
2026 — Rockettes of Color Alumnae
Get in touch
Have questions about our programs, events, or how to support tap dance as an original American art form? We’d love to hear from you.