About JAY
Jay hails from Chicago and is amongst the most sought-after Tap Masters in the industry today. Entering his fourth decade of international dance experience, his mastery of rhythm tap has been performed, taught, and choreographed worldwide.
He’s also known as one of the most fun teachers and entertaining performers of today.
Fagan brought a unique flair with his comedic approach, evoking the Hollywood performers of old such as Danny Kaye with his tongue-in-cheek remarks to the audience. As he begins to peruse the floor with his shoes he says to the audience, “I don’t know what’s left, but I’ll try to find something.” He then goes on for thirty seconds, building up the rhythms and intricacies of his footwork, until he exclaims, “FOUND IT!” to the laughter of the audience.
Rachel Benzing
See Dance Chicago
Technically, he has been trained by the very best tap dancers in the business including, Lane Alexander, Gregory Hines, Henry LaTang, Sam Weber and Savion Glover. Jay has shared the stage with Dianne Walker, Lane Alexander, Acia Gray, Barbara Phillips, Sarah Savelli, Ayodele Casel, Derick Grant and so many more. His polished performances have been seen by the President of the United States, Kupio Dance Festival in Finland, Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, Canada Windsor Casino Showroom, Las Vegas’ Flamingo, Luxor and Suncoast Hotels, Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Third Coast Rhythm Project, Soul To Sole Tap Festival, Scotland B.A.T.D, Germany, Mexico and many more.
Mr. Fagan was an artist in residence for two years at Oklahoma City University at the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management under the direction of Jo Rowan.
He has taught all over the Chicago land area for over 30 years and is director of Jo’s Footwork (dance) Studio
Jay Fagan served as the fifth instrument in the jazz quartet, giving us sneaky tricks. He showcased a spectrum of tones and volumes that exist within sound, Illustrating that slow and quiet leaves room for intrigue.
D’onminique Boyd Riley
See Dance Chicago
A recipient of both the Presidential Scholar Award and the American Dance Award, Jay has danced with AM/FM Dance Company, Especially Tap Chicago, Sarah Savelli/Jay Fagan Project and Sibling Rivalry with his sister Connie.
All this could not be possible without his first dance teacher Jo Irbe (his second mother) who trained him from the start and showed him the love and wonderful life that dance really is. Thanks Jo!