The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees
Become a Tap Dancing Christmas Tree!
For 36 years, The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees have brought joy, sparkle, and tap-dancing to the holiday season through unforgettable performances at parades, tree lightings, and special events across the Bay Area and beyond!
Audition Information
This audition is for new trees or those returning after some time away from the forest.
- Date/Time: Friday, May 15, 2026 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Location: Dance/10Â Performing Arts Center
900 Santa Clara Ave. Alameda, CA What to Bring: Tap shoes, water, comfortable clothing, holiday cheer
Who We’re Looking For
- Enthusiastic tap dancers
- Age 16 and up
- Love to perform and spread holiday cheer
- Confident with:
- Shuffles
- Flap ball changes
- Buck triple time steps
- Learning multiple pieces of choreography
- Please note: These skills are used in Trees, but execution alone does not determine selection. Final decisions are made by the director.
Why Join the Trees?
- Be part of our 36th season!
- Multiple performance opportunities.
- Wear a sparkly tree costume
- Make new friends and fun holiday memories.
- Spread joy through dance all season long.
What to Expect as a Tree
- All Tree Rehearsal: Thursdays 6:30 PM, Mid-September-December.
- New Tree Rehearsal: Fridays at 6:30pm (Mid-August-Mid-September).
- Attend 80% of scheduled events
- Performances take place November–December.
- Final schedule shared after audition results.
- Annual dues and costume fees.
- Must enroll and attend a regular tap class at Dance/10.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need to be a professional, but you do need a solid foundation in tap! We look for dancers who are confident with shuffles, flap ball changes, and buck triple time steps, and who can learn multiple pieces of choreography. Just as importantly, we look for energy and holiday spirit!
Please contact us as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate you, but we cannot guarantee placement outside of the scheduled audition dates.
The Trees are a dedicated group! Rehearsals for new Trees begin in mid-August on Friday evenings. Starting in mid-September, all Trees rehearse together on Thursday evenings. Performances take place throughout November and December, and we ask that all Trees attend at least 80% of scheduled events.
Yes, all Tap Dancing Christmas Trees must be enrolled in and regularly attend a weekly tap class at Dance/10 to maintain their technique and stamina throughout the season.
Yes, there are annual dues and costume fees associated with being a Tree. We rent the iconic sparkly tree costume, but dancers are responsible for purchasing specific shoes, and base pieces. Full details on fees are provided if you are selected to join.
Yes! If you are returning to the forest after some time away, we ask that you attend the audition so we can see where you are currently at and seamlessly integrate you back into the group.
We perform all over the Bay Area and beyond! You can catch us spreading joy at local holiday parades, tree lighting ceremonies, community festivals, and special seasonal events.