Meet Tap Dancer and National Heritage Fellow Reginald "Reggio the Hoofer" McLaughlin

Art Works Podcast

We’re revisiting my conversation with the 2021 National Heritage Fellow, Reginald “Reggio The Hoofer” McLaughlin, a master tap dancer whose feet tell stories of tradition, perseverance, and cultural heritage. In this podcast, Reggio discusses his childhood love for tap dancing sparked at community centers in Chicago, his transition from a successful career as an R&B bassist to a full-time tap dancer (and how this musical foundation influenced his tap dancing career) and his experiences busking in Chicago’s subways. He highlights the invaluable lessons and traditions passed down by his mentors, Jimmy Payne and Ernest “Brownie” Brown, and their influence on his style and teaching. Reggio shares his passion for teaching at the Old Town School of Folk Music, emphasizing the importance of connecting students with the history and joy of tap. He also recounts performing on stages around the world as part of Old Town’s international program and audience’s embrace of this American art form. He gives an inside look into the creation of "The Nut Tapper," showcasing how he blends tap with diverse cultural dance forms to celebrate the universality of dance. And reflecting on his National Heritage Fellow award, Reggio discusses the importance of recognition for artists dedicated to preserving cultural traditions.