About

The Melbourne International Tap Festival

The MITF gives tap dancers, on an annual basis, the opportunity to see and learn both traditional and cutting edge steps as well as learn the history of tap and be in touch with its latest innovations at a cost much more affordable then if they had to travel to America. Grant Swift has spent time in America with many masters and modern greats over the last 20 years. He has witnessed the huge gap in standards and made it a goal to change what can only be described as misrepresentation of an art form. “It is simply a matter of showing the kids the information and how it’s supposed to be done and leaving them to it”.

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Grant Swift

With over 20 years experience performing around the world, from the streets of New Orleans to the New York Tap Festival on Broadway, Grant Swift brings an energy and style of tap rarely seen to the Australian dance scene.

A former state boxing champion and national silver medalist, Grant now continues with that same drive and determination to better the education and awareness of tap dance in Melbourne, throughout Australia and around the world.

As the Australian representative of the International Tap Association and Artistic Director of the Melbourne International Tap Festival, he is a truly positive energy in the promotion and education of the beautiful art form called “Tap Dancing.”

“One of the most Spiritually motivated, Politically active artists in our generation.”
Jason Samuels Smith - Emmy Award Winner and Co Director L.A. Tap Festival

Festival Committee

    Grant Swift (Festival Director)
    Steve Cerni (Business Manager)
    Alice Shields (MITF Committee)
    Ella Lehaf (MITF Committee)
    Winston Morrison (MITF Site)

Tap Festival Advisory Board

    Elka Samuels Smith
    Jason Samuels Smith
    Chloe Arnold
    Jason Coleman
    Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards
    Lamine Sonko
    Travis Smith
    Rachel Cusack
    Stewart Murrihy
    Aroha