The ATDF is making a commitment to diversity and inclusivity by condemning racism and discrimination and by fostering a culture where every voice, whether it’s that of a staff member, an artist in residence, a student or an audience member is welcomed and encouraged.

Our programs serve our community regardless of race, genders sexual orientation, and ability level. Anyone can participate and feel valued and included in our organization. All ATDF programs are accessible to both able-bodied and disabled clients and we acknowledge and honor a variety of religious and cultural practices and traditions.

We’ve made an ongoing commitment in hiring a diverse staff and fostering an inclusive workplace that engage diverse perspectives that lead to better business practices. We acknowledge the fact that a diverse workforce gives us better insight into our student body, audiences and customers.

Each year the ATDF celebrates and observes National Tap Dance Day on or around May 25th!

The brainchild of Carol Vaughn, Nicola Daval and Linda Christensen, National Tap Dance Day was signed into American Law by President George. H.W. Bush on November 8, 1989.  

May 25 is the birthday of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a significant contributor to tap dance born in 1878.

On December 5, 1949, seven days after Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was buried, the Copasetics, “a social, friendly benevolent club” of musical and tap artists dedicated to preserving his memory, was organized. Its members pledged, “to do all in their power to promote the fellowship and to strengthen the character within their ranks.” The club’s motto was “Everything’s Copasetic” - Bojangles’ expression for fine, okay, grand.  The mission of the American Tap Dance Foundation has been intimately tied with the legacy of the Copasetics. The classic tap repertory learned from the Copasetics has also become a central component of the ATDF youth and adult education curriculum and we trace our approach to performance, music, and the ways we pass on the form, back to both our Artistic Mentor Brenda Bufalino and to these great tap dancers before her. The ATDF is proud to honor the Copasetics and their contributions, as we look forward to new voices and new grooves that have developed from these influences and beyond.

For decades the ATDF has worked with numerous other organizations and businesses with similar missions.

Currently, the ATDF co-produces live concerts with The Duke Ellington Center For the Arts, a non profit organization focusing on scholarship, education, and documentation of accurate Ellington history through performances connected to the legacy of Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington.

For nearly 15 years the ATDF has partnered with Groove With Me providing much needed training scholarships.

Most recently, the ATDF donated its extensive film, print, audio and photo archives to the Jerome Robbins Dance Division of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.