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NC Rhythm Tap Festival

June 11-14, 2026

Chapel Hill, NC

Classes & Residencies

4 Days Of...

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Community

Performances

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History

2026 Class Schedule Coming Soon
~Registration Opens February 15th~

Meet our 2026 Faculty

Brenda Bufalino

Derick Grant

Dianne Walker

Elizabeth Burke

Luke Hickey

Max Pollak

Michelle Dorrance

Jep Meléndez

Josette Wiggan

Josh Hilberman

Lisa LaTouche

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!

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Thursday, June 11th: Festival Kick-Off

Festival Kick-Off Jam in a NEW format followed by a special performance by veteran NCRTF faculty, Josh Hilberman! More details TBA - you do not want to miss this!

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Friday, June 12th

*NEW THIS YEAR* Faculty Panel Discussion: 5:30pm at the Ballet School ~ Studio A

Listen & learn about our faculty's careers, experiences, and lives in tap dance. You will be able to submit questions prior to the event. Panel will be moderated by NC Youth Tap Ensemble's Artistic Director, Emily Shoemaker.

More Info Coming Soon!

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Emerging Choreographer's Showcase: 6:45pm at the Ballet School ~ Studio A

Watch 8-10 works by Festival Attendees and listen in as they receive feedback from a faculty panel. Open to all to attend - no tickets required. Learn more and details on how to submit your work *COMING SOON.*

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Late Night Jam in the Studio: directly following the showcase ~ Studio C

Open to all levels and abilities for a casual, welcoming, and fun improv jam. Come as you are!

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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!

More Details Coming Soon!

Subscribe for Updates

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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!

Location:
The Ballet School of Chapel Hill

1603 E. Franklin Street

Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Founder: Gene Medler

Artistic Director: Emily Shoemaker

Managing Director: Emily Jane Acree

Assistant Directors: Carolina Vance & Zoe Foote

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Festival Coordinator: Lucy VanderKamp

Email: ncrtf@ncyte.org

Phone: (484) 942-4950​

Produced by the NC Youth Tap Ensemble

©2023 North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble

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