Footnotes

Jazz & Tap Fest

Footnotes feature image

Footnotes highlights the legacy of Lindy Hop and Tap Elders while celebrating jazz dance and Black diasporic cultures. Organized around National Tap Day and World Lindy Hop Day, our event brings together practitioners, community members, and audiences to learn, share, and connect through swinging jazz music and dance, fostering a welcoming space rooted in cultural appreciation and social engagement.

ℹ️ About

THURSDAY, MAY 21
Join our free hangout with Pr. Lisa Bar (McGill University) to celebrate National Tap Day and World Lindy Hop Day: using historical and contemporary examples, we will explore the relationship between jazz music and tap dance.

FRIDAY, MAY 22
Our Downtown Stomp party will bring together swing and tap dancers from across North America for an evening of social dancing to live music, as well as presentations from our community's performance projects and a fun competition. Start the evening by joining one of our four class options (intro to tap or classic jazz routine followed by intro to swing or open lindy hop). We will have the pleasure of hosting the Taylor Donaldson Orchestra, who will perform three sets of live music inspired by big jazz bands of the 1930s. Enjoy a great night of social dancing inspired by the "Home of Happy Feet," and experience Cat's Corner's welcoming atmosphere.

SATURDAY, MAY 23
Saturday afternoon is devoted to workshops for all levels. Our guests, Alyssa Beard & Brandon Barker, Majiza Philip & Travis Knights, Bethany Powell & Stefan Durham, and Travis Knights will teach all day and share their inspirations and key concepts that sparks their dancing. The afternoon will conclude with a tap improvisation session in honor of Ms Ethel Bruneau's craft and legacy. In the great tradition of jazz cabarets, the evening will be dedicated to entertainment, featuring a special show by community members. Stick around for our late night social dancing!

SUNDAY, MAY 24
The festival will close on Sunday with a documentary screening, a discussion panel, playful activities, and a community barbecue. A couple of advanced classes will also be offered by our guests. Families are more than welcome as we're planning surprises for everyone, stay tuned!

📅 Dates & Registration

📍 What & Where

💃 Dance Styles

  • Lindy Hop
  • Other
  • Authentic Jazz
  • Tap

🎉 Activities & Highlights

  • Workshops
  • Social Dancing
  • Live Music
  • Parties
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Shows / Competitions

Friday night social dance to live music, Saturday night cabaret, daytime workshops and Sunday block party

🧑‍🏫 Teachers & Artists

Bethany Powell & Stefan Durham
Alyssa Beard & Brandon Barker
Majiza Philip & Travis Knights

🎷 Live Music / DJs

Taylor Donaldson Orchestra
Marcil Jazz Band

✨ Festival Vibe

cosy and festive

❤️ Why You Should Come

Because it's new, because it puts the focus on heritage, because it blends Tap and Lindy Hop around the community values of jazz!

🧾 Quick Overview

  • 📅 Dates: May 22 – 24, 2026
  • 📍 Location: Montréal, Canada
  • 💃 Styles:
    • Lindy Hop
    • Other
    • Authentic Jazz
    • Tap
  • 🎟️ Passes:
    • Full Pass
    • Classes Only
  • 🏕️ Type:
    • Festival
    • Workshop
    • Weekend
  • 🎉 Activities:
    • Workshops
    • Social Dancing
    • Live Music
    • Parties
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Shows / Competitions