Hype Dance joins the Tapathon 2026 for BBC Children in Need

On Sunday 15 November, Hype Dance is hosting its own Tapathon event at our studios on Upper Allen Street. Our tappers are taking part, raising money for BBC Children in Need and joining dancers across the UK in a world record attempt.

This year there’s an extra twist. Our creative director, Paulina, has never tap danced before, and she’s learning the routine from scratch to perform alongside our students.

What is the Tapathon?

The Tapathon is a nationwide fundraiser organised by The Performers’ Project, which has run it since 2010. Each November, dance schools and community groups across the country learn the same tap routine and perform it at the same time, all raising money for BBC Children in Need.

The aim is to set a record for the largest tap dance across multiple venues. There’s a simpler and a harder version of the routine, so tappers of every age and level can take part. This year’s routine is danced to “I’ll Be There for You”, the theme from Friends.

Paulina’s challenge: from first shuffle to performance in six weeks

Paulina spends her days creating dance work and helping other people discover dance. Tap, though, is completely new to her. She bought her first pair of tap shoes on 6 October, giving her just under six weeks until the big day.

Between now and 15 November, she’ll be getting to grips with shuffles, ball changes and tap steps, learning the routine alongside our tappers in class.

She’s sharing the whole journey on our social media, wobbles and all. Being a beginner again isn’t easy, and it’s a good reminder of how brave our own students are every time they try something new.

How you can support us

• Sponsor Paulina or our tappers. Every donation goes straight to BBC Children in Need: justgiving.com/page/paulina-chochulska-1

• Follow the journey. Watch Paulina’s progress on Instagram and Facebook

• Share the page. Pass it on to friends, family and colleagues. If you work for a company that matches charity donations, it could double your gift.

• Come and cheer us on. Everyone is welcome to come along and watch, so bring friends and family. Paulina and Alice are running a cake stall on the day, with all proceeds going to BBC Children in Need, so come hungry!

Event details

• Date: Sunday 15 November 2026

• Time: Record attempt at 1pm

• Venue: Hype Dance, 60 Upper Allen St, Sheffield S3 7GL

• In aid of: BBC Children in Need

Our studios are on the first floor and there is no lift. If you have access needs, please get in touch before the day and we’ll do what we can to help.

Thank you for supporting Paulina, our tappers and BBC Children in Need. We can’t wait to share the attempt with you.