CollaboTap was founded in 2019 by tap dancer and teacher Liz Rancourt-Smith after performing in a production of ‘42nd Street” at South Portland, Maine’s Lyric Music Theater, in conjunction with the incredible peers she met during that show. It was clear there was so much talent and passion for tap dance in Maine that was hidden, and dancers were hungry for community and connection. After some conversation, CollaboTap was born - to jam, to improvise, to try out new choreography or to share historical canon.

CollaboTap’s early gatherings were hosted by Spotlight Dance in South Portland, Drouin Dance Center in Westbrook, Art Moves in Norway, and The Moving Company in Topsham. The goal has always been to remain dance-studio agnostic - meaning, we are not affiliated with one dance studio, do not compete for students or teachers, and gather in the true spirit of being one tap dance community from many different places. Admission was pay-as-you-can, and dancers traded off leading, teaching, and sharing. CollaboTap performed in Downtown Brunswick’s Second Friday Art Walks and at fundraising performances throughout Southern Maine for various non-profits, such as Madeleine’s Mission and Portland Recovery Community Center.

Our goal is to continue to provide open, loving community fostering the true heart of tap dance, connecting dancers of all levels from around the state, and removing barriers to access the joy of tap dance.