25th Annual Soul 2 Sole International Tap Festival

Tapestry Dance Company presents the 25th Annual Soul 2 Sole Festival, taking place June 18-22, 2025. This internationally recognized tap festival is a one-of-a-kind, “Austintatious” celebration of rhythm, artistry, and community, bringing together some of the world’s most renowned tap dancers for an unforgettable week of learning, performance and connection.

Participant’s Showcase & Friends! Friday, June 20, 2025 | 8 p.m. A dynamic evening of choreography and improvisation, featuring selected participant works chosen by audition, seamlessly interwoven with performances by this year’s esteemed guest artists and the Soul 2 Sole Jazz Trio.

Just Friends! Saturday, June 21, 2025 | 8 p.m. A night of exhilarating solos and spontaneous play, showcasing the artistry of this year’s guest performers alongside the Soul 2 Sole Jazz Trio.

“Each night at the Long Center will be an unforgettable celebration of movement, music and artistic expression,” Gray said. “It’s a rare chance for the public to experience the brilliance of world-renowned tap artists alongside emerging talent, all united by the power of rhythm and improvisation.”

This year’s festival offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in an intimate and reflective exploration of tap dance as an art form, guided by leaders in the field. Guest artists include the legendary Dianne Walker, Tony Waag, Acia Gray, Brinae Ali, Jeremy Arnold, Nicholas Van Young, Karissa Royster, and Siobhan Alexis. Adult and teen participants will experience a mix of technique classes, improvisational sessions, and conversations that delve into the artistic journey of a tap dancer.

Soul 2 Sole is one of the longest-running and most distinguished tap dance festivals in existence today. Originally founded as The Austin Tap Jam in 1992, it has withstood the test of time while many other festivals in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Boulder and Boston have succumbed to financial challenges, shifting grant opportunities, and the impact of the pandemic.

“Throughout its rich history, Soul 2 Sole has welcomed many legendary figures, including Arthur Duncan, Jeni LeGon, and Harold “Stumpy” Cromer, alongside the pioneering female leaders of the Tap Dance Renaissance—Jane Goldberg, Brenda Bufalino, Sarah Petronio, Lynn Dally, Heather Cornell, and Katherine Kramer—who laid the foundation for the art form’s 1980s revival,” said Acia Gray, Tapestry Dance founder and artistic director. “Soul 2 Sole continues to honor this legacy, fostering an intergenerational exchange of knowledge and artistry that elevates tap dance on the international stage.”

At the heart of the festival are two must-see premiere concerts at the Long Center, both open to the general public.

ABOUT TAPESTRY DANCE: As a Long Center Resident Company, Tapestry is a professional, non-profit organization founded in 1989 by Acia Gray and Deirdre Strand for the purpose of developing a foundation in multi-form dance and music performance and education. For over 35 years, the critically acclaimed events and programs of Tapestry Dance have included more than 68 full length world premiere concerts, the Annual International Soul 2 Sole International Tap Festival, community outreach programs such as Rhythm, Dance, Music & You! serving thousands of at-risk and Title One children since 1990 and numerous master classes and workshops as well as touring performance residencies throughout the world. Awarded best ensemble, best dancer, best choreographer and other honors by The Austin Critic’s Table Awards, Tapestry is also listed on the TCA Touring Roster and the company’s NEA American Masterpiece production of The Souls of Our Feet -­ A Celebration of American Tap Dance which toured the US and globally for over five years including a five-week tour of The People’s Republic of China.

This is a venue rental event presented by an independent organization separate from the Long Center. Any views or opinions expressed in this event or by the event organizers do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or values of the Long Center.

The Long Center is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment and will not tolerate demeaning, harassing, or discriminatory conduct from, or directed toward, patrons, artists, rental clients, staff, or volunteers.