NC Rhythm Tap Festival
June 11-14, 2026
Chapel Hill, NC
4 Days Of...
Be a part of the experience...register today
Events All Weekend!
Join us for events throughout the weekend. Not just for festival attendees...
These events are open to the community, families, & all tap dance enthusiasts!
Thursday, June 11th: Festival Kick-Off
Festival Kick-Off Jam: 6:00pm
Come jam us to jam a new space and chance to build community and jam together with jazz combo led by Mark Wells! We are partnering with UNC Carolina Performing Arts to host the jam at CURRENT ArtSpace + Studio. Light refreshments available. Come as you are, when you can. The studio is right next to the performance space for Josh Hilberman's solo show, so you can attend that at 8:00pm or stay and jam some more. 7 minutes from our studios. ​
Thursday, June 11th:
Josh Hilberman's "Not Dead Yet: Dances & Stories": 8:00pm
We are partnering with UNC Carolina Performing Arts to host Josh Hilberman's solo as part of NCRTF at CURRENT ArtSpace (7 minutes from our studios). This 75 minute show celebrates tap dance, history, & mentorship through song, dance, and stories. ​
Friday, June 12th
​Emerging Choreographer's Showcase: 6:45pm at the Ballet School ~ Studio A
Watch new choreographic works and listen in as choreographers receive feedback from our faculty panel. Free and open to all to attend.
Are you interested in submitting your work? See the link below, submission deadline is May 31st.
Friday, June 12th
​​Late Night Jam in the Studio: following the showcase at the Ballet School ~ Studio C
Open to all ages, levels and abilities for a casual, welcoming, and fun improv jam. Come as you are!
Saturday, June 13th
Faculty Showcase: 7:30pm
​Experience our faculty live on stage with a jazz trio of local musicians—an evening of world-class musicianship and unforgettable energy. This performance is open to the public, and tickets will sell out!
Founded in 1999 by Gene Medler, the NC Rhythm Tap Festival is a production of the NC Youth Tap Ensemble, a 501(c)(3) organization and a Chapel Hill staple since 1982. NCYTE is committed to preserving and promoting percussive dance across NC and beyond.
Learn more about how to support NCYTE and the NC Rhythm Tap Festival HERE!