Tap Day Events

8th Annual International Tap Day Celebration
May 15–17, 2026 | Calgary, AB

Tri-Tone Productions, in partnership with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, presents the 8th Annual International Tap Day Celebration in Calgary.

Curated by Artistic Director Tasha Lawson, the three-day event honours tap legend Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. The weekend includes master classes, a film screening, panel discussion, in-studio feedback showcase, and two live jazz and tap performances at The Attic Jazz Club.

2026 Faculty: Tasha Lawson, Jessie Sawyers, Kristina Linden, Laura Donaldson, Kaja Irwin
Musicians: Kodi Hutchinson (bass), Jon Day (piano), Tyler Hornby (drums)

Workshops & Master Classes
Friday, May 15 & Saturday, May 16 | DJD Dance Centre
Classes welcome rhythmic artists at multiple levels, with focused technical training and artistic exploration. Youth and Adult classes offered!

Film Screening: By Word of Foot – Special Zoom appearance by Jane Goldberg (NYC)
Saturday, May 16 | 10:00–11:15 AM
The documentary examines the tap festivals of the 1980s that contributed to the form’s resurgence, featuring archival footage and interviews documenting a pivotal period in tap history.

Community Showcase
Saturday, May 16 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Emerging and established dancers present original solos, duets, and group works in a performance and feedback setting.

The Attic Sessions: Live Jazz & Tap
An intimate live jazz and tap experience — Improvisation. Groove. Conversation.
Sunday, May 17 | 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM

The Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble joins Hutchinson, Hornby, and Day for an immersive listening-room performance inspired by the intimacy of classic jazz clubs. Group works rooted in swing, groove, and live musical exchange share the stage with solo and duet “improvography” — blending structure with spontaneity.

Audiences experience the music up close, with food and drinks available, in an atmosphere that celebrates collaboration and conversation between dancers and musicians.

International Tap Day 2026 continues to support the growth of rhythm tap in Calgary through education, creation, and community engagement while acknowledging the African American roots of the form.

Workshop & Events - Pricing & Registration Link
Feedback Showcase Link - Submit a piece!
Detailed Description of Classes & Events
The Attic Sessions - Follow us on instagram for ticket launch date!

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

May 15 & 16 – Classes & Workshops
May 16 – Film Screening – By Word of Foot /w Jane Goldberg (NYC) – 10:00am – 11:15am
May 16 – Panel Discussion /w Faculty – 2:00pm – 3:00pm
 May 16 – In Studio Showcase – 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Classes &  events will be at the DJD Dance Centre – 111 12 Avenue SE
May 17 – The Attic Sessions
12:00pm & 3:00pm @ The Attic – 1413 – 9Ave SE

About The Attic Sessions

Improvisation. Groove. Conversation.

Sunday, May 17 | 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM

Curated by Tasha Lawson, Artistic Director of Tri-Tone Productions, The Attic Sessions brings acclaimed jazz musicians Kodi Hutchinson (bass), Tyler Hornby (drums), and Jon Day (piano) together with the Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble for an immersive listening-room performance inspired by the intimacy of classic jazz clubs.

Group works rooted in swing, groove, and live musical exchange share the stage with solo and duet “improvography” – original rhythm compositions and familiar jazz standards that blend structure with spontaneity.

Audiences are invited to experience the music up close, with food and drinks available, in an atmosphere that celebrates collaboration and conversation between dancers and musicians.

About Tap Day

A Bill to designate May 25th as National Tap Dance Day was introduced in the House of Representatives in September of 1988 and on November 7, 1989, May 25th was chosen to commemorate the birth of Bill Robinson (May 25, 1878 – November 25, 1949) and his outstanding contribution to the art of tap dancing on both stage and in film through the unification of diverse stylistic and racial elements.

Tap Day Proclamation

Whereas, the multifaceted art form of tap dancing is a manifestation of the
cultural heritage of our Nation, reflecting the fusion of African and European cultures into an exemplification of the American spirit, that should be, through documentation, 
 and archival and performance support, transmitted to succeeding generations;

Whereas, tap dancing has had an historic and continuing influence on other genres of
American art, including music, vaudeville, Broadway musical theater, and film, as well as other dance forms;

Whereas, tap dancing is a joyful and powerful aesthetic force providing a source of enjoyment and an outlet for creativity and self-expression for Americans on both the professional and amateur level;

Whereas, it is in the best interest of the people of our Nation to preserve, promote, and celebrate this uniquely American art form;

Whereas, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson made an outstanding contribution to the art of tap dancing on both stage and film through the unification of diverse stylistic and racial elements; and

Whereas, May 25, as the anniversary of the birth of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson is an appropriate day on which to refocus the attention of the Nation on American tap dancing:

Now therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that May 25 is designated “National Tap Dance Day.” The President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such a day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES

Tap Day Workshop Faculty

Jessie Sawyers (Seattle)
Jessie Sawyers is a tap dancer, educator, and creative producer with over two decades of professional experience. Known for her rhythmic clarity, musicality, and global spirit, she’s performed and taught on international stages from Brazil to Zimbabwe, sharing space with legends like Gregory Hines and Savion Glover.
Jessie’s early training in Seattle rooted her in both technique and tradition, while her career has expanded into bold, cross-disciplinary work. She’s produced sold-out concerts, led as Creative Director of Women in Tap (Vancouver), and brought together over 100 artists in her global project Music of Humankind.
Through the intersection of movement and music, Jessie experiences tap as a bridge between personal expression and shared humanity. Her approach honors the tradition while offering a deeply felt, contemporary voice within it.
Kristina Linden (Vancouver)
Kristina Linden is a multi-genre choreographer, movement director, educator, and performer whose passion for the stage began at the age of eight after seeing Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!. That moment sparked a lifelong journey in dance and theatre that has evolved to include teaching, choreography, and movement direction across musical theatre, film, and television. At the heart of her work lies a constant: a deep desire to inspire the next generation, just as she was once inspired.
A career highlight includes performing as a principal dancer in the Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics. She also opened for Grammy Award-winning artist Mýa and has appeared in television series such as The X-Files, Hellcats, Once Upon a Time, Riverdale, and Psych. Her screen work includes appearances in music videos for Michael Bublé. On stage, Kristina has performed in acclaimed productions including West Side Story, Anything Goes, 42nd Street, Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line, Singin’ in the Rain, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She has also been featured as a tap dancer at the Vancouver Spring Show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the Orpheum Theatre’s 90th Anniversary Celebration.
Kristina’s international training has empowered her to nurture emerging talent with care and excellence. Her students have earned national recognition at The Dance Awards and New York City Dance Alliance and are consistently working in television, film, and professional theatre. A former Artistic Director of TapCo (Vancouver Tap Dance Society), Kristina currently serves as the head coach and choreographer for the Team Canada West Tap Team and leads the tap and musical theatre programs at A3 District in Burnaby, BC. She  also teaches at Harbour Dance Centre and has taught at the Vancouver International Tap Festival, and Calgary’s Rhythm, Body, and Soul Festival.
In addition to her work as a performer and educator, Kristina is the co-founder of The Artist’s Atelier, a collective dedicated to elite training and holistic career development for emerging artists. Through this initiative, she helps foster sustainable, long-term careers by empowering performers with the tools, mentorship, and mindset needed to thrive on stage and screen.
Through all her work on stage, behind the scenes, and in the studio, Kristina remains devoted to shaping resilient, authentic performers prepared to thrive in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.
Tasha Lawson (Calgary)
Tasha Lawson is an internationally respected tap dance artist, educator, choreographer, and festival producer with over 25 years of experience. As the Founder and Artistic Director of Tri-Tone Productions, she is dedicated to preserving, advancing, and celebrating rhythm tap and percussive arts through education, presentation, and community building.
Signature initiatives include the Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble, the Tri-Tone Teacher Training Program, Lawson Percussive Dance Arts Company, the Rhythm, Body and Soul Festival, the National Tap Day Celebration, and the Tap and Percussive Arts Summer Intensive.
A graduate with honours in Dance Teacher Training and Dance Performance from Grant MacEwan University, Tasha began her career as a modern dancer before relocating to New York to immerse herself in rhythm tap and music studies. She has worked with many distinguished artists including Dianne Walker, Acia Gray, Brenda Bufalino, Roxanne Butterfly, Max Pollak, Arthur Duncan, and the late Harold Cromer, Jeni LeGon, and Fayard Nicholas, whose mentorship continues to shape her artistic voice.
Tasha toured internationally for six years with Tapestry Dance Company under the direction of Acia Gray and later served as Artistic Director of Tapestry’s apprentice company, Visions in Rhythm. She was invited by Dianne Walker to join the faculty of the inaugural Jacob’s Pillow Professional Tap Program and continues to contribute to the preservation of Leon Collins’ body of work.
Her work has been featured at major international festivals including the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Vancouver International Tap Festival, Third Coast Rhythm Project, Tanzhaus Festival (Germany), and the International Body Music Festival in the United States, France, and Greece. She has also delivered workshops for Cirque du Soleil and toured internationally as Assistant Artistic Director of Cirque’s Big Top show, KOOZA.
Laura Donaldson (Calgary)
Laura Donaldson is a tap dancer, choreographer, and educator from Calgary, AB. Her performance and choreographic work has been featured internationally at major festivals including Fall for Dance North, Fluid Festival, Tap Dance Days at tanzhaus nrw (Germany), Tap Liège Festival (Belgium), and the Toronto International Tap Dance Festival.
A graduate of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, Laura trained under leading artists Michelle Dorrance, Dormeshia, and Derick Grant. Laura has performed in works such as Danny Nielsen’s On Foot and Lisa La Touche’s Fool’s Gold, and recently toured Québec as a principal dancer in (in)sight dance’s M/W/D: Sentiment du moi. In 2022, Laura co-founded Boys’ Club Tap Dance Collective, presenting original work across Canada, Europe, and the U.S. Most recently they performed at PASIC in Indianapolis with percussionists Dr. Morris Palter and Nathan Smith under the artistic direction of the Grammy award winning composer Bob Becker. Laura also has over 10 years of experience teaching and sharing with the next generation of dancers across Alberta, British Columbia, Québec and Ontario and she recently joined the faculty of Power Dance Conventions.
Laura grew up in Calgary, training in multiple styles of dance, where she completed her RAD Advanced I exam. Later, she trained extensively with the Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble under the direction of Tasha Lawson and is a graduate of the Tri-Tone Teacher Training program. Laura holds a Bachelor of Health and Physical Education and is committed to providing exciting, quality tap dance education that honours the roots and history of the form; she continues to develop her artistic voice through practice, teaching, and performing in Canada and abroad.
Regarding the in studio showing: I would love to share 10-15 minutes of my new solo work in collaboration with pianist Anna Konrad. Thank you so much for the opportunity!
Kaja Irwin (Calgary)
Kaja Irwin is a dancer, artist and educator who loves to explore movement and collaborations across art forms, including mask, puppetry, clown and character work, as well as designing and sewing costumes. After deciding to pursue a career in dance after completing her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Manitoba, Kaja studied in the Professional Training Program offered at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD) developing her love of both jazz and the Calgary dance community. Kaja is now a longstanding company member with DJD in her eleventh season and continues to study jazz and its influences. Although she focusses her dance practice in the jazz form, Kaja pulls inspiration from many movement styles while feeling a strong connection to the music. In her more recent pieces, she has developed a close collaborative relationship with Calgary jazz drummer, Nate Chiang, and tries to work with live musicians as much as possible. Kaja recently premiered her first interdisciplinary solo show, Fearsssome, in March of 2025 for the Festival of Animated Objects. Kaja enjoys finding new ways to express her creativity and play within her work. 

Musicians - The Attic Sessions - Sunday May 17, 2026

Jon Day

In 1999, Jon moved to Calgary, Canada where he continued to perform, arrange, and compose with several large and small ensembles across Western Canada. Jon has also had the privilege of sharing the stage with greats like Alex Acuna, Howard McCrary, Linda McCrary, Oscar Cartaya, Hugh Fraser, Ross Taggart, PJ Perry, Don Thompson, Sean Jones, Brad Turner, Jamey Aebersold, Kevin Dean, Elizabeth Shepherd, Judy Niemack, Ranee Lee, and Andre White, to name a few. Noted for his versatility, he has also performed with blues/rock legends Jack Semple, Doug Riley, Clarence Clemens and the “Temple of Soul”, among others.
In addition to his impressive performance career which has included performances at private functions for celebrity personalities like actor Robert Duval, and directing a band for several prominent political events for the Mayor of Calgary, Jon is known for being a skillful instructor and has worked for more than two decades as a private and group instructor on both trumpet and piano. He has also worked as a civilian instructor and conductor of marching bands, small ensembles, and jazz ensembles for several Air Cadet Squadrons across Canada.
After spending several years traveling and living abroad (USA, UK, Central America), Jon returned to Calgary in 2012 where he worked as a music professor at Mount Royal University and Rocky Mountain College teaching instrument technique, performance technique, improvisation, music theory and ear training, arranging, composition, and history.
Jon is an accomplished composer having authored songs for several artists, including the song “La Cubana” recorded by Allistair Elliott – winner of the 2008 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Wind Instrumentalist of the Year – on his album, “Urban Nights”. Jon has also composed and orchestrated original orchestral works for numerous full-scale live musical theatre productions including “A Christmas Carol”, “The Grinch”, and “It’s a Wonderful Life”. He also co-wrote, “Change Me”, for which he received a shared nomination for Outstanding Songwriter at the 2001 Prairie Music Awards (now “Western Canadian Music Awards”).
Jon’s latest projects including composing music for a book entitled “A View from Heaven” by author Carolyn Neary. This one-of-a-kind book includes visionary literature combined with visual art and music. For more info, visit A View from Heaven.
In addition to performing, recording, teaching, and writing, Jon has spent a decade honing his skills as a Music Director and Artistic Director in a variety of large contemporary churches across Canada and the United States. Jon currently resides in Calgary, Alberta where he works as a sessional faculty member at the University of Calgary as well as a freelance performer, producer, recording artist, educator, arranger, orchestrator, and composer.

Tyler Hornby

Tyler started drumming at age 10, honed his artistry in high school big bands and experimental jazz combos, and has blossomed into one of the country’s most innovative and sought-after drummers. After completing his B.Mus in Jazz Studies 98’ Tyler continued to enhance his drumming skills attending the North Texas Drumset Camp, studying with legendary instructor Ed Soph. Tyler received a scholarship to the University of Colorado (Boulder) and completed his Masters Degree in Jazz Performance/Pedagogy 2006. Since then he has become a gifted composer by expanding his musical tastes, studying the craft with Grammy Award winning pianist Chip Stephens, and immersing himself in the work of other great players from all over the planet. His list of collaborators is wide and wealthy, including Bob Mintzer, Ingrid Jensen, Wycliffe Gordon, Frank Mantooth, Alain Caron, Randy Brecker, Eric Marienthal, Tom Harrell, Jiggs Whigham, Irvin Mayfield, James Carter, Brad Goode, Chip Stephens, Hugh Fraser, Tommy Banks, PJ Perry, Shelly Berg, Ralph Bowen, Maciek Grzywacz (with a 2007 Polish Music Award nomination for their collaboration), Maciej Sikala, Piotr Lemanczyk, Pat Bianchi, John Gunther, Ken Walker, Phil Dwyer, Mike Murley, David Braid, Joel Miller, Campbell Ryga, Jeff Johnston, Brad Turner, Victor Goines, Kirk MacDonald, Jens Lindemann, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks.

Kodi Hutchinson

One of the most active musicians in Western Canada, double bassist Kodi Hutchinson is a man who wears many hats. As well as running his own musical group the Hutchinson Andrew Trio,CKUA radio show “A Time For Jazz”, and record label Chronograph Records, Kodi is a sought after sideman on both double bass and electric bass
Described by those who know him as creative, introspective and just a happy-go-lucky guy, Kodi started his career in jazz while attending the University of Calgary. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Commerce in 1995, but followed his true passion and jumped  into play music full-time shortly thereafter. since those early beginnings, Kodi has established himself as on of the top call bassists in Alberta. He has worked with artists such as P.J. Perry, Lee Konitz, Oliver Jones, Julian Priester, Walt Weiskopf, Karl Schwonik, Dave Restivo, Owen Howard, Hugh Fraser, Paul Tobey, Ingrid Jensen, Denny Christianson, Ross Taggert, Mike Murley, Marc Antoine, Nick Colionne, Beat Kaestli, Bill Anschell, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Theatre Calgary and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks.
Kodi’s wide range of musical tastes have allowed him to tour throughout North America and Europe with such groups such as Karl Schwonik, Clanterra, Destino, Johanna Silanpaa as well as Sillian & Young. The Hutchinson Andrew Trio won the prestigious 2013 TD Grand Jazz Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival, and all three of their albums, ‘Prairie Modern’ (2013), ‘Music Box’ (2008) and ‘Lost but not Together’ (2006) were nominated for the Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding Jazz Recording. His boutique jazz record label, Chronograph Records, was nominated for independent Record Label of the Year in 2009 & 2011 – a testament to his hard work and passion for promoting Western Canadian artists.
Kodi is a true artist that finds musical inspiration in the simple things – and he channels this inspiration into his work with the Hutchinson Andrew Trio and all his musical endeavours.