Tap dancing whizz triumphs on world stage

When Macyn van Borssum of Killcare watched the movie Happy Feet as a child, it set him on a path which has just seen him compete on the world stage in Prague.

Macyn was recently named the 22nd best adult tap dancer in the world at the prestigious IDO World Tap Dancing Championships, the youngest competitor in the adult category by seven years.

“I was always tapping around the house after watching Happy Feet and when I was six I started lessons,” he said.

“I just fell in love with tap dancing and have been working hard at it ever since.”

Macyn learns from the best, studying at Tuggerah with Darren Disney of Tap Dogs fame.

“Tap dancing is an important part of my life,” he said.

“I train twice a week – for four hours on Wednesday and eight hours on Sunday and every day I dance for two hours in my home studio.

“What I love about tap is the rhythms you are able to create and the freedom of the dance.

“I’m also a drummer and that’s a similar feel – creating rhythms and beats.

“I love being part of the music, not just dancing along with it.

“It’s creative and interesting and a great way to express myself.”

Macyn went through a major selection process to earn his place at the world championships.

“You had to submit videos and then there was a six-month selection process.

“I was one of three from NSW to be selected, and one of 23 Australians.

“That was a small team compared to some countries; I think the US team had about 120 people.”

The championships saw dancers compete in a variety of categories including solos, duos, trios, groups and formations and productions, which are virtually mini musicals.

“The championships went for a week and I competed on the final day,” Macyn said.

At 17, Macyn just qualified for the adult section.

“There were 28 males in the adult section and I came 22nd,” he said.

“For the rest of the week I supported the rest of the team.

“Competing in an arena in front of about 6,000 people was a lot different to anything I’ve ever experienced – I loved it.”

While Macyn has studied the work of great tap dancers such as the Nicholas brothers, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly he prefers to focus on a newer style of tap.

“I’m determined to take it further,” he said.

“I will try to go back to the World Championships next year if it doesn’t clash too much with the HSC and I definitely hope to go back the year after.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to the tap dance community.”

Macyn said he could possibly see himself establish his own tap dance show one day and he also hopes to travel the world, teaching tap dancing.

Terry Collins