Encore 2026

Max Pollak, Joel Hanna, Jessie Sawyers, Riley Skworoda, Bryn Kinders and Matisse Quaglia come together for this very special presentation that shares performances by and conversations with some of the most extraordinary dancers in the world who, at different places in their lives and careers, are asked the hilariously weird question "What song was your anthem?"

We all know that feeling when we hear a song and it takes us back to the days when we dreamt of the big stages in far off countries, and conquering them all. But for us as dancers, the answers are very different and fantastically surprising.

Then we get back to the game that makes everyone lose their minds "Tap Dance Karaoke!". But this year, the game is different; bigger and better, but the rules are the same. We don't know who's calling the tunes, and we don't know what the tunes are.

The risk of uncertainty thrills us when improvising and that sentiment drives us to practice and pursue that perfect expression. But, we're usually the ones choosing the tune!

Come witness this hilarious insights into the hearts and minds of the long time professionals and virtuoso outliers, but most of all, dear friends as they perform extraordinary solos, share heartfelt stories, and express their love music, life and each other in the language that they express themselves with the loudest… Tap Dance.

With a live band (The Dean Thiessen Trio), hosted by Joel Hanna, and danced with joyfully open hearts, let us give you a wonderful night of incredible dance, wonderful music, stories, shenanigans, and copious amounts of laughter. let us dance for you.

 

*** Present your ticket when you go for dinner at Provence Marinaside on the day of your show to enjoy a complimentary Prosecco or dessert ***

*** Present your ticket when ordering at Hapa Izakaya (Yaletown) after the show to enjoy a TAKEZAKE  (Hapa signature chilled sake served in frozen bamboo) and meet the artists ***

The Players:

 

Max Pollak
Creator of RumbaTap. He fused Afro-Cuban rhythm with American rhythm tap, and the world took notice — Bessie Award nominee, U.S. Postal Service stamp honoree, the only non-Cuban member of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.

Joel Hanna
Most artists stay in their lane. Joel built a new road — through Riverdance, Broadway, Lincoln Center, and (literally) everywhere else, and now VanTap.

 

Jessie Sawyers
Seattle tap dancer turned global connector. She built a career on bridging idea and action — she once traveled five months with nothing but a tap board strapped to her back, teaching strangers to dance in eleven countries. Five original shows, and a company built to unlock people. Turns out rhythm needs no translation.

Riley Skworoda
Edmonton-born, Vancouver-made. Her global heart chased her passion for tap across Greece, Spain, and Chicago, and now leads VanTap's Competitive Choreography Program.

 

Bryn Kinders
Dancing since age two, tap won, by choice. Mentored by New York legends Barbara Duffy and Heather Cornell, she now spends her days making sure the next generation falls just as hard.

Matisse Quaglia
Tap dancer, emcee, entertainer. As VanTap's TapCo Director, he brings the same energy whether he's on his feet or on the mic and makes sure the room is having as much fun as he is.

 

The Band:

The Dean Thiessen Trio

Led by pianist and composer Dean Thiessen, whose training runs from Red Deer College to Berklee to Capilano University. A fixture of Vancouver's jazz and improvised music scene, he brings that same easy swing to every stage he plays — from theatre and dance productions to international tours across the US, UK, and India.