FLINT, Mich. — Founded in 2001, Tapology has grown into one of the nation’s longest-running tap dance festivals. The festival returns to Flint’s Cultural District Feb. 5–8 for its 24th annual celebration, featuring live performances, classes and community engagement.
This year’s theme is ‘Matters of the He(A)rt: Rhythm, Reverence, and Revelation’ which explores the connection between heart and art while also encouraging audiences to reflect on physical, spiritual and emotional wellness.
For Frances Bradley, acting CEO and artistic director of Tapology, the theme grew from a life-altering moment when her father underwent emergency heart surgery last summer.
“Watching someone go from functioning normally to being on life support overnight really changes how you see everything,” Bradley said. “It made me think about how fragile life is, and how much we rely on the arts (music, dance, rhythm) to help us heal.”
Bradley’s father, Alfred ‘Bruce’ Bradley, the founder of Tapology, underwent emergency surgery after doctors discovered an undiagnosed aortic aneurysm that led to a life-threatening dissection. As he recovered, Bradley and her sisters spent long days in the hospital, singing to him, playing music and leaning on faith and creativity to carry them through.
“The arts kept our faith strong,” she said. “Art became therapy. It became healing. It became the thing that unified us when everything felt uncertain.”
Over the years, Bruce Bradley has mentored hundreds of young people, many of whom have gone on to careers outside the arts, including work at NASA, design, education and leadership.
“He taught discipline, collaboration, public speaking, confidence; skills that translate into any career,” she said. “And for many people, he wasn’t just a teacher. He was a father figure.”
Bradley described her father as deeply principled, generous and unwavering in his values; someone parents trusted with their children, and students trusted with their growth.
During Tapology’s featured concert on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. inside the FIM Whiting Auditorium, Bruce Bradley will be honored as a living legend, celebrating more than two decades of his mentorship and impact.
Audiences can expect a blend of gospel, blues, jazz, Hip-Hop and African dance, all tied together by the art form of tap.
“We like to take people on a historical journey,” Bradley said. “Tap dance has always been part of these musical traditions, and we want people to experience that connection.”
The festival will feature a mix of nationally recognized artists and longtime Tapology collaborators as well as emerging performers. Among them is tap legend Lonnie McFadden of the McFadden Brothers, beatbox artist Karim Manning, Broadway performer Maurice Chestnut and renowned Detroit-based tap dancer Jason Janas.
“Tapology has always been about exposure,” she said. “We want the Flint community to experience world-renowned artists while also seeing our youth and alumni shine.”
Tapology now finds itself in a period of transformation. With Frances Bradley stepping into the acting CEO role and new board members joining the organization, the focus has shifted toward sustainability and growth.
Future goals include developing satellite programs in other underserved communities and strengthening Tapology’s role as a cultural and historical resource.
Bradley also hopes to expand archival work, ensuring that the organization’s 25-year legacy — including performances by legendary artists such as Savion Glover, Jimmy Slyde, Harold Cromer and Mable Lee — is preserved and shared.
“We are nationally recognized, but we need more resources to spread our wings,” she said. “The next five to ten years are about growth, access and making sure this work lives on.”
For Bradley, the heart of Tapology remains unchanged.
“It’s always been about community, rhythm and care,” she said. “That’s what my dad built, and that’s what we’re committed to carrying forward.”
For a full schedule of events, class registration and tickets, visit tapology.org.