National Tap Dance Day is on May 25, but some local dancers can't wait that long to put their skills on display.

The Third Coast Rhythm Project will present “Steppin' Out” on Saturday, May 12, an event that will feature a number of local tap dancers. In particular, “Steppin' Out” will feature RPM, a locally based youth tap ensemble composed of dancers ages 12-20.

“The ensemble started with the idea of bringing the next generation of dancers up and giving them this opportunity,” said artistic director Barbara Phillips, who also is founder and producing director of the Third Coast Rhythm Project. “It's a chance to showcase their work.”

The “Steppin' Out” event started four years ago, and at the time only included the youth-based San Antonio ensemble. However, it since has grown to include a wide variety of tap-dancing ensembles of all ages from all across the state.

That merging of dance troupes can, not so surprisingly, breed a bit of unfamiliarity.

“The show is great on-stage, but the real show is backstage,” Phillips said. “The dancers really get to know each other, and a lot of friendships and collaborative projects have come about through the event. It's been great.”
 
A break from boring holidays

It's safe to assume that, up until reading this story, many of you had no idea that National Tap Dance Day even existed. This is not surprising.
But National Tap Dance Day is not our only obscure holiday. Far from it, in fact. Here are a handful of other examples.
 
NATIONAL PHARMACIST DAY

Date: Jan. 12
What it celebrates: The people who keep us healthy and in some cases, mentally balanced.
The 210 take: Be nice to your pharmacist. Many of them give as much as advice as doctors, though they don't get paid for it.

NATIONAL HONESTY DAY
 
Date: April 30
What it celebrates: Not lying
The 210 take: Be honest: You're going to lie on this holiday, too.

INTERNATIONAL NO DIET DAY
 
Date: May 6
What it celebrates: Gluttony
The 210 take: With all restaurants in San Antonio, every day can be No-Diet Day.
 
NATIONAL COMIC BOOK DAY

Date: Sept. 25
What it celebrates: Grown men reading about fictitious cartoon characters.
The 210 take: Comic book fanatics should use this day to celebrate with their girlfriends ..... if only they could find one.
 
NATIONAL FRUITCAKE DAY
 
Date: Dec. 27
The 210 take: Use this holiday to throw out all those fruitcakes you received for Christmas two days earlier.

Clint Hale | 210SA