Need a Smile Today? Upbeat Tap Dancers Might Just Do the Trick

With their dance performances across the country postponed until further notice, The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has launched #HoofersAtHome, a weekly series of short dance films designed to keep their roster of professional dancers rehearsing remotely while offering audiences some much-needed levity during the pandemic.

Katie Budris ’04

The brainchild of Managing Director Katie Budris, a 2004 Hope College graduate, and longtime ensemble dancer and videographer Meg Sarachan, #HoofersAtHome films have been shared around the world, and many of the ensemble’s Facebook fans are now asking where they too can get their own tap boards.

“Without a set schedule while I’m stuck at home, I find it’s easy to just sit on the couch all day and wait for time to pass,” said Budris. “Being able to continue tap dancing is keeping me active and helping me feel a bit more like myself at a time when the world doesn’t make much sense. Working on the #HoofersAtHome videos each week gives me a reason to pull out my tap boards, put on some makeup, and smile for the camera. It allows me to perform.”

Fox29 in Philadelphia reported on the group’s online outreach. Cats, kids and everyday home life show up in the videos as do the ever-present smiles of the performers.

Budris puts on a happy face while previously hoofing on stage

“As we’ve been sharing the #HoofersAtHome videos over the past seven weeks, it’s been a delight to see the positive responses,” Budris adds. “Our hope is that these videos will bring a little joy into people’s lives and give them something to look forward to each week as they anticipate our next release. Seeing comments such as “I really needed this today” or “This is the highlight of my week” make all our efforts worthwhile.”

Click below to watch some hoofing from home.

#HoofersAtHome Playlist

Put on a Happy Face (March 20, 2020) 

Good as Hell (March 27, 2020) 

Don’t Worry, Be Happy (April 3, 2020) 

Hoofers (& Friends) (April 10, 2020) 

Singin’ in the Rain (April 18, 2020) 

Don’t You Worry About a Thing (April 24, 2020)

Hoofers at Home: Prom Edition (May 1, 2020)

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