Inspire Youth Arts shares results of their Tappin’ In adventure at Mansfield Carnival 2025

Young dancers and musicians from Inspire Youth Arts have been tapping, dancing and making music, with Artists from Tappin' In through, regular weekly sessions at The Old Library since April 2025. Tappin’ In is a mass participation tap dance project that encourages people to get moving and to connect with people in their local areas.

The group have had an amazing experience learning how to tap dance and create percussive music, whilst creating a brand-new performance piece that was performed at Mansfield Carnival 2025 on Saturday 21 June to an audience of over 500 people!

Mansfield Carnival, hosted by Mansfield District Council returned for its third year this June. This year’s theme, One World, was all about global unity and the power of coming together as one community, as well as promoting environmental sustainability. From vibrant parades to eco-conscious choices, the carnival celebrated both cultural diversity and our shared responsibility for the planet.

Inspire Youth Arts is one of eight groups taking part in Tappin’ In. Each group is performing in their local area this summer, and all will be featured in a dance film which will premiere in Nottingham in September 2025.

Stephanie Ridings, Founder and Artistic Director of Tappin’ In said: “We’ve been lucky enough to have a little look as the workshops have unfolded and we’ve seen everyone’s confidence grow incredibly, tap dancing and body percussion is so joyful and we’ve loved hearing everyone’s stories as part of the project”.

Lou Lomas, Creative Producer for Tappin’ In added: “The public sharing gives us chance to see the pride participants take in their local area and in creating a performance together, we couldn’t wait for their local community to enjoy with them!”

Built on the success of Tappin’ In 2022, the project is a co-created participation tap dancing and storytelling extravaganza. Tappin' In 2022 was part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival and Birmingham International Dance Festival.

Tappin’ In 2025 is produced by Tappin’ In Ltd. Partners include Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Inspire Culture, Live & Local, Blackfriars Arts Centre and Outside Arts.

Tappin’ In is supported by FABRIC and Arts Council England.