Across the great city of Philadelphia are countless commemorative murals, many of which highlight the incredible and diverse contributions of modern, ballet, contemporary and African dance masters from many generations. A strong concentration of these murals exists near Broad Street: the “Avenue of the Arts,” which for over one hundred years housed the University of the Arts. UArts abruptly closed its doors in 2024, leaving an unfillable hole in the heart of Broad Street. Though the doors are closed, the U Arts community can find solace knowing that many of their prestigious dance faculty and alumni are painted securely on the elaborate Mural Arts Philadelphia murals throughout Center City.

The University of the Arts had one of the only dance programs in the world where you could extensively study tap dance. Dance master and South Philly native LaVaughn Robinson taught tap at UArts for over twenty years. LaVaughn Robinson left a lasting impression on his students earning him the title of “Distinguished Professor” in 2005. By 2008, LaVaughn ascended leaving us with the responsibility of carrying the touch of “the Philly Style.”

Not many people know the importance of Philadelphia tap dance which is truly a uniquely American art form. During the great depression, Philadelphia was a Mecca for tap dancers such as Honi Coles, the Nicholas Brothers and the Condos Brothers. The tap community has built studies surrounding the rudimentary steps and routines of these masters who are commemorated in TV and film but unfortunately do not have a mural in the city of Philadelphia: the Mural Capital of the World. Over four thousand murals exist in Philadelphia today. It would be an affront to the legacy of the city of Philadelphia if we do not honor our tap masters with a mural. A mural would page homage to the past while inspiring the future. To help us raise awareness please consider donating to our Mural Arts Initiative, and please sign this petition and share this page with your family and friends. Thank You.

 – Philadelphia Tap Dance Community