Midsummer Place and MAPA School of Dancing are encouraging people across Milton Keynes to put on their dancing shoes and help break a world record this November.
The shopping centre will host the National Tapathon on Sunday 15 November, from 12.15pm to 1.30pm, bringing together dancers, families, friends and complete beginners in an attempt to break the world record for the most people performing the same tap routine simultaneously.
Organised locally by Milton Keynes-based MAPA School of Dancing, the event will see participants at Midsummer Place dance alongside schools and groups taking part across the country. Organisers are hoping for a fantastic turnout from the local community.
Registration is now open: Sign up for the National Tapathon
This year’s routine will be performed to the FRIENDS favourite “I’ll Be There For You”, and the good news is that no previous tap dancing experience is needed to take part.
To give people a chance to try it out before the big day, MAPA will host a special practice and taster session at the Midsummer Place Bandstand on Sunday 18 October at 12.30pm.
The session will offer an opportunity to watch the routine, have a go at the steps, meet the MAPA team and find out how to register for the main Tapathon.
Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place, said: “Can Milton Keynes help break a world record? We certainly hope so!
“This is exactly the kind of event we love to support at Midsummer Place. It brings people together, it’s great fun and it gives absolutely everyone the opportunity to get involved in something pretty amazing.”
As well as bringing people together through dance, the Tapathon supports The Performers Project, raising funds for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs.
Micaela Perez Amaro, Principal of MAPA School of Dancing, said: “Last year we came incredibly close, so this year we want to go bigger and get even more people involved.
“The brilliant thing about the Tapathon is that you don’t need to be an experienced dancer. It’s about having fun, getting involved and being part of a huge community event.
“We’d love Milton Keynes to really get behind us and help us get the numbers we need. Imagine being able to say you were part of the year we broke the world record!”
On the day, participants should arrive at Midsummer Place from around 12pm, giving everyone time to warm up and practise the routine before the official Tapathon begins at 1pm.
Entry costs £15.50 per person and includes a Tapathon T-shirt, certificate of completion and badge, as well as a medal if the world record is broken.
The deadline for T-shirt orders and registrations has been extended to around 23 October, giving those who attend the taster session time to sign up for the main event.
Places are available now and can be booked through the MAPA School of Dancing booking page here.
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