Tapping Into History: Providing Tap Shoes for Our Young Dancers
Help me give my students tap shoes for young dancers in Chicago’s underserved communities, allowing them to celebrate Black History Month by learning the rich cultural legacy of tap dance and its legendary Black pioneers.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Jones's classroom raised $1,239
This project is fully funded
My Project
Our students are passionate young dancers from Chicago’s underserved communities. They are eager to express themselves, celebrate their heritage, and learn, but they lack the resources to fully participate in the arts. Dance is their voice, and with your help, we can ensure they have the tools to make it heard.
To celebrate Black History Month, we want to immerse our students in the rich history of tap dance, an art form deeply rooted in Black culture.
Our goal is to teach them about legendary tap dancers like the Nicholas Brothers, the Hines Brothers, Sammy Davis Jr., and how Will "Bojangles" Robinson broke barriers by performing alongside Shirley Temple. These artists paved the way for future generations, demonstrating how tap dance can be a powerful means of storytelling, resistance, and artistic excellence.
Our biggest challenge is access to proper tap shoes. Many students cannot afford them, limiting their ability to participate. We are requesting tap shoes in various sizes so every child can learn without financial barriers. With these shoes, our dancers will connect with history, gain confidence, and develop skills that last a lifetime.
Providing tap shoes will allow students to engage in this Black History Month program and continue exploring tap as an art form. This project will foster discipline, rhythm, and cultural pride while keeping students engaged in a positive, creative outlet. By honoring the past, we invest in their future and ensure Black artistry continues to thrive.
Your support will help us purchase durable tap shoes, allowing every child to participate fully. Your donation will create an enriching experience that educates, empowers, and inspires. With your generosity, our students won’t just learn history—they will dance through it.
Thank you for helping our students tap into their potential!
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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