Chelmsley Wood dancers to perform in Birmingham city centre this weekend

A group of dancers from Chelmsley Wood will join others from across the West Midlands to form a toe-tappin’ troupe of 130 people as they perform in Birmingham city centre this weekend. The 3pm performance on Saturday 18 June in Brindley Place is the culmination of the Tappin’ In dance programme that has given groups from all over the region the chance to learn and showcase some tap-dancing skills.

Tappin’ In is part of the Birmingham International Dance Festival and the Birmingham 2022 Festival, a celebration of creativity across the West Midlands taking place alongside the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The programme which aims to combat social isolation has given participants the opportunity to share their experiences and stories whilst dancing together

The strength of those bonds was clear for all to see last month when the Chelmsley Wood tappers joined with Sing Solihull for a showcase of local talent at The Core. Sing Solihull, a community choir made up of Solihull residents, performed several songs before the dancers took the stage. The Tappin’ In group shared their stories with the audience just as they have with each other during the programme. They then gave a joyous performance before inviting the audience to join them for a shim sham – a quickly learnt mass participation tap routine ending the evening with tea and cake, a staple of any Tappin’ In rehearsal.

Cllr Karen Grinsell, the Deputy Leader of Solihull Council and portfolio holder for the commonwealth games said “If the standard we saw in May was anything to go by then we can expect a really brilliant performance from the Chelmsley Wood tappin’ in group as they join people from across the region on Saturday. The shim sham certainly had me on my feet and dancing. I’d encourage anyone who can to go along, enjoy the performance and get involved themselves.”

Further information including tutorial videos for the shim sham and a seated shim sham can be found at: https://www.tappinin2022.com/get_involved