The University of Minnesota’s tap dance club, known as MinnesoTap, meets twice a week to practice routines they perform around the Twin Cities.

MinnesoTap started in 2012. Each semester, club members choreograph four dances for the group to learn and perform.

Samantha Glass, co-president of the group, said she grew up dancing and wanted to keep it in her life as she studies elementary education. In her role, she said she values connecting with people outside her major through tap dancing.

“All of these different majors, all these different college kids have this one niche, unique interest that brings us together,” Glass said.

Glass said practices are come as you can, as they do not want anyone to feel overwhelmed by commitment. She said the club reviews the steps they have learned every practice.

“People don’t need to go home and practice a whole bunch,” Glass said. “They can just focus on school work when they’re at home, and when they’re here, just enjoy tap dancing.”

Taylor Muhlbauer, the group’s other co-president, said tap dancing is a great opportunity for stress relief. When she graduates in the spring, Muhlbauer said she will miss the group and the friends she’s made.

“Even though I’m all stressed, whenever I come it’s just fun, and I forget about school,” Muhlbauer said.

The group does monthly bonding activities, like bonfires or potlucks, so members can get to know each other outside of tap dancing. Muhlbauer said the activities helped her make friends with the members and feels the group is stronger since they know each other better.

“The club has brought back my love for dance, and brought back a good community for me,” Muhlbauer said.

Riley Himmer, the group’s social media manager, said some of the previous dance environments she was a part of were extremely competitive. As a part of the University’s club, she said she’s found MinnesoTap as a more encouraging and fun place to dance.

“Everyone just wants to have fun, and we’re not competing against each other,” Himmer said.

Himmer said she likes that the club lets members choreograph dances if they want, as it allows for more freedom and expression for members. She said tap was a great skill for her to learn, and she felt more confident after teaching a dance.

“The support that the group gives when you’re choreographing is great, everyone’s always hyping up your dance,” Himmer said.

MinnesoTap performs at Spring Jam and ‘SotaThon every year. 

The group is hosting a beginners’ night on Dec. 8 with toe and heel taps people can tie onto their shoes for anyone interested in learning.