Dein Perry taps into Wagga

The creator of the world reknown "Tap Dogs" lead more than 120 tappers of all ages through a number of routines at Wagga's very first tap-a-thon.

Dancers stepped out to promote their art at the tapathon held on the 4th November, jointly sponsored by SOACT, the Wagga RSL Club and the Rules Club. SOACT was delighted to have both of these sponsors on board together with 2WG and Riverinamedia.

Dein Perry was the star of the day, keeping tappers hard at work and pushing their skills to the apex of endeavour. The price of $10 per person gave the assembled dancers a beginners lesson and after lunch the advanced class was held. Wagga Academy of Performing Arts performed at the event with a display of their ensemble of tappers.

As a community event, SOACT is to be congratulated in bringing such a high profile Australian dancer with an international identity and acclaim.

Dein is a Newcastle boy, and that is where he learned to tap. His troupe the “Tap Dogs” tour the world on a regular basis. His appearance in the long running 42nd street in Sydney opened the door for him to be invited to choreograph the West End musical "Hot Shoe Shuffle" which brought the group to London and earned Dein his first Olivier award in 1995.

President Jim Nicholls, Yvonne Braid manager of 2WG and Dein jointly launched “Stepping Out” at the tapathon.