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2026 World-Renowned Artist Lineup
We are committed to bringing the best of the best to Orange County! The Orange County Tap Festival welcomes tap dancers from around the world to learn from, connect with, and be inspired by some of the most respected and accomplished tap artists in the world. Our diverse, world-renowned faculty includes Emmy nominees, top television and industry choreographers, acclaimed Broadway performers, and international master teachers—some of the world’s best, all in one place.
The lineup is just getting started, with new artist announcements coming regularly - check back frequently!
Max Pollak
Max Pollak is an Austrian-born virtuoso who’s redefining the boundaries of rhythm. A master musician, band leader, percussive dancer, composer, and educator, Pollak seamlessly blends tap dance, body percussion, and singing into a singular, electrifying performance. He treats the body as a legitimate, versatile instrument, making it an integral voice in any ensemble. Pollak has worked across the globe, collaborating with titans in jazz, classical, and Latin music. His extraordinary musicianship has put him on stage with legends like Ray Brown, Chucho Valdés, Paquito D'Rivera, Pedrito Martinez, and Danilo Pérez, and even classical superstars like Diana Damrau and Zubin Mehta. He's a true genre-buster, equally comfortable collaborating with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas as he is with the Bavarian State Opera Orchestra. A testament to his impact, Max Pollak is featured on the U.S. Postal Service Forever Stamp honoring Tap Dance. An award-winning performer and the co-creator of the hit off-Broadway show Carmen - To Havana and Back, Pollak's dynamic artistry has graced prestigious venues like Vienna's Konzerthaus and Zurich’s Tonhalle. His debut CD “RumbaTap” was released in 2015.
Sarah Reich
Sarah Reich/ @sourtaps (Performer, Choreographer, Instructor, Composer) is a trailblazer in
the world of tap dance, captivating audiences with her innovative approach. A Los Angeles
native, Sarah has performed, choreographed, and taught in over 40 countries, shaping the next
generation of tap dancers.
In 2015, she skyrocketed to international fame while touring with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern
Jukebox, earning millions of YouTube views and critical acclaim. She has graced iconic stages
such as Radio City Music Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her Tap Music Project, Sarah continues to inspire dancers to
explore musicality and collaborate with musicians. Her 2018 debut album, New Change, features
original compositions that fuse percussive tap rhythms with live instrumentation, creating a
distinctive sound. Sarah’s ambition is clear: “I want to be the first tap dancer to win a Grammy
Award!”
In summer 2024, Sarah expanded her reach by launching It’s Tappening, a TV series that
highlights tap dance culture across the globe. Sarah is currently faculty at NUVO Dance
Convention traveling the country and sparking a love for tap amongst children. Discover more at
www.SarahReich.com
the world of tap dance, captivating audiences with her innovative approach. A Los Angeles
native, Sarah has performed, choreographed, and taught in over 40 countries, shaping the next
generation of tap dancers.
In 2015, she skyrocketed to international fame while touring with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern
Jukebox, earning millions of YouTube views and critical acclaim. She has graced iconic stages
such as Radio City Music Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House.
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her Tap Music Project, Sarah continues to inspire dancers to
explore musicality and collaborate with musicians. Her 2018 debut album, New Change, features
original compositions that fuse percussive tap rhythms with live instrumentation, creating a
distinctive sound. Sarah’s ambition is clear: “I want to be the first tap dancer to win a Grammy
Award!”
In summer 2024, Sarah expanded her reach by launching It’s Tappening, a TV series that
highlights tap dance culture across the globe. Sarah is currently faculty at NUVO Dance
Convention traveling the country and sparking a love for tap amongst children. Discover more at
www.SarahReich.com
Anthony Morigerato
Anthony Morigerato is a tap dancer, producer, director, content creator, writer, and Emmy nominated choreographer. Anthony is the executive producer and artistic director for AM Dance Productions. AM Dance Productions, short films include The Text (2015), The Subtext (2018), and the award winning When Snow Falls (2020). AM Dance Productions live theatrical shows include AM Dance Project (2006-2008), Matt and Anthony (2009), flood (in the dark corner) (2017), flood (redux) (2020), and Alternate Spaces (2021). In 2014, Anthony founded and is currently the co-director and managing partner of Operation: Tap, an online forum that is dedicated to immersing tap dancing into the public’s consciousness. In 2019, Anthony created CODA, Break The Floor’s online dance competition scoring system that provides dancers with genre specific score sheets, homework video content to improve their performance, and data analytics. Anthony worked as a tap dance teacher, performer, and adjudicator for NUVO Dance Convention from 2010-2020. As a performer, Anthony was a soloist and member of Michael Minery’s Tapaholics (2002-2012), a soloist and associate choreographer for Stacey Tookey’s Still Motion, and a soloist for various tap dance festivals, benefits, industrials, seminars, and performances since 1999. He has appeared as a choreographer and/or a performer on television shows including The Tony Danza Show (2005), America’s Got Talent (2009), The Arsenio Hall Show (2013), So You Think You Can Dance (2013-2018- Emmy Nomination 2016). Anthony holds the world record for “most tap sounds in one minute” having made 1,163 sounds. Anthony is an accomplished dancer in multiple disciplines, having trained at Marymount Manhattan College, where he performed the works of Robert Battle, Elizabeth Higgins, Jiri Kylian, David Parsons, Katie Langan and William Soleu. He has recently done choreographic residencies at Marymount Manhattan College (2014, 2016, and 2019), Pace University (2019), and is an artist in residence at the American Tap Dance Foundation (2020). Most recently Anthony performed and had choreography featured in Ayodele Casel: Chasing Magic (2021), presented by the Joyce Theater in NYC. Anthony continues to travel as a teacher and choreographer for dance organizations, festivals, competitions, theater schools, and dance studios all over the world.
Cartier Williams
Cartier Williams is a hoofer, choreographer, filmmaker, and performer hailing from Washington, D.C
Cartier kicked off Paris Fashion Week 2020 with a spectacular star turn for Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh, the culmination of his 25-year ascendance to the stratosphere of tap superstardom. Williams, began his tap-dancing career at the age of four when his grandmother, Audrey Williams, taught him his first steps.
Two years later, six-year-old Cartier won the Apollo Kids competition at the iconic Apollo Theater and became the youngest inductee in the Apollo Legends. Later that year Cartier danced at the Kennedy Center Honors alongside Robert Downey Jr. Mr. Williams studied at the prestigious Washington School of Ballet under the tutelage of Mary Day.
At the age of ten, Cartier co-starred with tap royalty Buster Brown, Jimmy Slyde, and Dianne Walker in the International tour of Footnotes. Mr. Williams considers it a blessing that he danced and shared the stage with tap pioneers and masters Peg Leg Bates, The Nicholas Brothers, and Gregory Hines.
Cartier performed for two U.S. Presidents: Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. In 1998, he co-starred in the PBS Special: In Performance at The White House with President Clinton. He toured the U.S. and Japan in the Tony Award-winning Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk, co-starring with Savion Glover. Williams performed at The Joyce Theatre, New York City Center, and the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles at The AFI Awards: A Tribute to Tom Hanks. Other appearances include: Usher's birthday bash in New York City, and at the headquarters of the FCC, the CIA, the State Department, and the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. In May 2011, Cartier choreographed and directed Cartier Williams Rhythm Refix at Joe’s Pub at New York’s Public Theater.
In 2014, Cartier formed The Cartier Williams Dance Theatre, whose credits include: New York Botanical Gardens, ZIGITYBOP! (Oslo and Zurich), Children's Museum of Manhattan, Faison's Firehouse Theater in Harlem, Le Bain at the Standard Hotel in New York, and Black Coffee's music video Come With Me sponsored by Smirnoff. Cartier also performed at The Opening of the Cannes Film Festival for Moulin Rouge. Additional credits include; The Palms Hotel/Resort in Las Vegas with Super-DJ Chew FU, National Tap Dance Day at Macy’s, Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra, Philadelphia Pops Orchestra and The New York City Pops Orchestra. Cartier also attended The New York Film Academy studying directing. Other credits include Phone Bait, The Violinist, and My Love Awaits all written, directed and produced by Williams. He’s also appeared in Spike Lee’s Bamboozled and Tales of Poe (available on itunes).
Cartier kicked off Paris Fashion Week 2020 with a spectacular star turn for Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh, the culmination of his 25-year ascendance to the stratosphere of tap superstardom. Williams, began his tap-dancing career at the age of four when his grandmother, Audrey Williams, taught him his first steps.
Two years later, six-year-old Cartier won the Apollo Kids competition at the iconic Apollo Theater and became the youngest inductee in the Apollo Legends. Later that year Cartier danced at the Kennedy Center Honors alongside Robert Downey Jr. Mr. Williams studied at the prestigious Washington School of Ballet under the tutelage of Mary Day.
At the age of ten, Cartier co-starred with tap royalty Buster Brown, Jimmy Slyde, and Dianne Walker in the International tour of Footnotes. Mr. Williams considers it a blessing that he danced and shared the stage with tap pioneers and masters Peg Leg Bates, The Nicholas Brothers, and Gregory Hines.
Cartier performed for two U.S. Presidents: Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. In 1998, he co-starred in the PBS Special: In Performance at The White House with President Clinton. He toured the U.S. and Japan in the Tony Award-winning Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk, co-starring with Savion Glover. Williams performed at The Joyce Theatre, New York City Center, and the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles at The AFI Awards: A Tribute to Tom Hanks. Other appearances include: Usher's birthday bash in New York City, and at the headquarters of the FCC, the CIA, the State Department, and the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. In May 2011, Cartier choreographed and directed Cartier Williams Rhythm Refix at Joe’s Pub at New York’s Public Theater.
In 2014, Cartier formed The Cartier Williams Dance Theatre, whose credits include: New York Botanical Gardens, ZIGITYBOP! (Oslo and Zurich), Children's Museum of Manhattan, Faison's Firehouse Theater in Harlem, Le Bain at the Standard Hotel in New York, and Black Coffee's music video Come With Me sponsored by Smirnoff. Cartier also performed at The Opening of the Cannes Film Festival for Moulin Rouge. Additional credits include; The Palms Hotel/Resort in Las Vegas with Super-DJ Chew FU, National Tap Dance Day at Macy’s, Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra, Philadelphia Pops Orchestra and The New York City Pops Orchestra. Cartier also attended The New York Film Academy studying directing. Other credits include Phone Bait, The Violinist, and My Love Awaits all written, directed and produced by Williams. He’s also appeared in Spike Lee’s Bamboozled and Tales of Poe (available on itunes).
Leo Manzari
Originally from Washington D.C., Leo Manzari is a Lucille Lortel award-nominated tap dancer and recording artist. Manzari has headlined in the touring and Off-Broadway productions of Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life, featured Guest Star on So You Think You Can Dance, The Mo’nique Show, The Kate TV, PBS NewsHour, Jerry Lewis Telethon, ABC’s The View, PBS’ Kennedy Center’s 50th anniversary, Dorrance Dance’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” Leo featured as a solo tap dance feature in Hozier’s music video “Almost (Sweet Music)” and performed alongside Grammy Award® winning band “The Free Nationals" in various virtual events. He also headlines alongside Byron Stripling and Grammy®-nominated Jazz vocalist, Carmen Bradford in a show called Uptown Nights, which has collaborated with multiple POPS orchestras across the world including The San Diego Symphony, The Florida Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, The Philly POPS, The Winnipeg Orchestra, The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and The Baltimore Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Ottawa Symphony, The Columbus Jazz Orchestra to name a few. He’s appeared in the Late Late Show with James Corden and Ariana Grande, and featured in The Harlem Globetrotters collaboration with the Philly POPS.
Manzari writes and records his own original music which can be streamed on all major music streaming platforms. Some of his original music performances headlined at prominent venues in Los Angeles like El Cid, Gold Diggers, Adults Only, The Sun Rose, Da Poetry Lounge, and The Hollywood Majestic. Leo’s music has been featured in major brand campaigns such as McDonald's, Ray-Ban, NFL’s “Zero to Hero” series, and Big 12 football and basketball leagues Spotify and Apple Music have also supported Leo’s music with placements on their highly streamed editorial playlists such as R&B Weekly, Fresh Finds, Day One, and Future Funk to name a few. Leo launched his company Breathe Easy Productions which is a cultural hub for all things music and dance.
In 2025, Leo launched a genre defying Tap and Music show called “KICK IN THE DOOR” that redefines how we think about music and tap dance. You can purchase his virtual educational platform “Tap Soul” on Teachable. For more information, follow Leo’s socials @leomanzari and @leochoreo and subscribe to his email list via his website: www.leomanzari.com
Manzari writes and records his own original music which can be streamed on all major music streaming platforms. Some of his original music performances headlined at prominent venues in Los Angeles like El Cid, Gold Diggers, Adults Only, The Sun Rose, Da Poetry Lounge, and The Hollywood Majestic. Leo’s music has been featured in major brand campaigns such as McDonald's, Ray-Ban, NFL’s “Zero to Hero” series, and Big 12 football and basketball leagues Spotify and Apple Music have also supported Leo’s music with placements on their highly streamed editorial playlists such as R&B Weekly, Fresh Finds, Day One, and Future Funk to name a few. Leo launched his company Breathe Easy Productions which is a cultural hub for all things music and dance.
In 2025, Leo launched a genre defying Tap and Music show called “KICK IN THE DOOR” that redefines how we think about music and tap dance. You can purchase his virtual educational platform “Tap Soul” on Teachable. For more information, follow Leo’s socials @leomanzari and @leochoreo and subscribe to his email list via his website: www.leomanzari.com
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