The Show

TAP DOGS was conceived and created by DEIN PERRY after applying for a small government grant to develop a more modern take on tap dance. His Industrial background as a fitter and machinist led him to create a show based around the steel works in Newcastle, Australia where he grew up and trained.

Teaming up with set designer and director NIGEL TRIFFIT, TAP DOGS made its debut in January 1995 at the Sydney Festival and was originally produced by THE SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY by arrangement with DEIN PERRY PRODUCTIONS. The show was an instant smash hit and was at the EDINBURGH FESTIVAL later that year produced by BACK ROW PRODUCTIONS. It was then quickly picked up for the US market where it toured constantly for 15 years with COLUMBIA ARTISTS and FRANKLE PRODUCTIONS. TAP DOGS continued to tour all major countries around the globe, receiving a host of international awards including an OLIVIER AWARD for best choreography on the London’s West End. At its peak TAP DOGS had four companies touring the globe simultaneously. TAP DOGS has performed over 330 cities and seen by an estimate of over 13 million people.

TAP DOGS was immortalized in the movie BOOTMEN directed by Dein Perry and starring Sam Worthington. The TAP DOGS have performed at some of the most prestigious events in the world including The Royal Command Performance at Albert Hall for the now King Charles, the Qunicy Jones 50 year celebration with Stevie Wonder, several times of the Jay Leno Show, the Jerry Lewis and Ellen shows and the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games with 1300 dancers to an audience of 3.4 billion viewers.