Why tap? Why now? Tap dancing as arts participation

This study adds to existing knowledge of the value of arts engagement for older adults as it explicates the intrinsic value of tap dancing as well how the environment created at the studio where the study took place positively influenced participants' experiences. As arts engagement gains traction and healthcare professionals proactively refer clients to community-based programs and services that promote creative, expressive art forms, tap dancing, with its multidimensional sensory-motor and social benefits, has the potential to uniquely and positively influence well-being.