Dear DC Tap Fest Family,

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Seventeen years of Tapping into Inspiration—what a milestone! Each year, we are overwhelmed with gratitude, joy, and pride as we reflect on how far this community has come. What started as a dream has blossomed into a movement, and it is only possible because of you. Thank you for showing up, for celebrating with us, for being joyful champions of our mission, and for continuing to make the DC Tap Fest a true home for dancers, artists, and audiences from around the world.

Over the past 17 years, we’ve welcomed thousands of dancers and nearly ten thousand audience members from more than 55 countries and every U.S. state. Our programs—scholarships, internships, master classes, battles, jams, film workshops, panels, and courses in everything from entrepreneurship to self-empowerment—have opened doors and launched careers for so many. The festival has become a gathering place where stars of Broadway, film, and television share the stage with the next generation of gifted dancers. Many of those stars began right here as students themselves! Every year, we love the opportunity to watch our returning students grow and to welcome new dancers to the DC Tap Fest family. In the years to come, you will build upon the skills and community you have tapped into here in DC, and we will celebrate you every step of the way!! 

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This year, we are celebrating the lives and legacy of those who are no longer with us - our father, Eddie Arnold, and our cherished community leader, Nick King. Their memories fortify our spirits and inspire us to push further, and together, we will honor all they gave to us and the DC Tap Fest community. 

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Through the Chloé and Maud Foundation, our mission is of the utmost importance now more than ever: to inspire, uplift, and unite people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences through the joy of tap dance. The DC Tap Fest is more than a festival—it is a space for safety, growth, creativity, connection, and legacy. We honor those who paved the way, and we are committed to carrying their torch forward, building opportunities for future generations of artists and changemakers.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to dance into the future with you—here’s to 17 years of inspiration, and many more to come!

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With love and gratitude,
XOXO
Chloé & Maud