The History of Tap Dance 

Knock On Wood Tap Studio Presents a Uniquely American Art 

Tap dance is a Black American dance genre that evolved over a period of about 400 years.  

Discover the rich heritage of this iconic Black American dance genre that has evolved over centuries. Join us for an enlightening journey featuring dynamic demonstrations by esteemed local experts.

Through video clips and live performances, Sam Heimowitz and Katherine Manor will take you on a journey through the extraordinary history of tap’s origins and talk about its place in today’s entertainment industry.

Attendees will learn some steps and participate!

Sam Heimowitz is a professional tap dancer with 21 years of experience as a performer and choreographer.  A native Washingtonian, he grew up dancing at Knock On Wood Tap Studio becoming a founding member of KOW's youth tap ensemble Capitol Tap where he now serves as rehearsal assistant, resident historian, and performer.  Sam appeared with Maurice Hines at the Arena Stage in "Tappin' Thru Life" when he was in 7th grade.

Sam was a co-president of Taps at Yale, growing the group from 15 members to 46 members and collaborating with the Yale Jazz Collective. He has participated in numerous tap dance festivals and residency programs, performing up and down the east coast and all over the DMV area and has a breadth of historical knowledge of the art form and teaching dancers of all ages and abilities.

Sam has recently been awarded a DC Commission on the Arts Artist grant and you can find him on @Witznsmits on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, and Youtube.  Recent tap performances include Dance Place, Art All Night, Petworth Christmas Mart, Annadale Arts Festival, and soon to be seen at Intersections Festival at Atlas Theater.

Katharine Manor was raised in the DC metropolitan area, and began studying tap dance at the age of four under the mentorship of Washington, DC’s renowned “Tap Lady,” Miss Yvonne Edwards. Her training has emphasized musicality, clarity of sound, and improvisation, prioritizing artistry and precision over flash and acrobatics.

With more than 24 years of dedicated study, Katharine has trained with many of the nation’s most accomplished and respected tap artists. She is currently a member of Percussion Discussion's District Tap (adult ensemble) and a founding member of Capitol Tap, performing under the direction of Lisa Swenton-Eppard and Baakari Wilder.

Katharine has performed at the 2016 American Dance Festival College Association Southeast Conference and the 2016 Black Theatre Network Conference. She has also toured with Davis & Elkins alumna and singer-songwriter Kaia Kater, who was recognized in Rolling Stone’s 2016 “Top Ten Upcoming Artists” review. In March 2019, she performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Katharine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Vernacular Dance from Davis & Elkins College, where she studied under Professors Laurie Goux, Becky Hill, and Emily Oleson. 

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