Tap dancing in Australia is experiencing a fresh wave of excitement — and at the centre of that revival is performer, choreographer and educator Mitchell Hicks, whose new tap syllabus, Tap Mode, is reshaping how studios approach the artform. Bold, music-driven, and built for modern classrooms, Tap Mode is energising teachers and reigniting the spark for students nationwide.
Reimagining Tap for Today’s Dancer
For Mitch Hicks, the creation of Tap Mode wasn’t just a creative spark — it was a response to what he could feel across studios around the country. Even though tap has always cycled through phases of popularity, he began noticing a shift: fewer tap teachers, fewer classes, and competition sections that weren’t as strong as they once were. Instead of letting that trend continue, he stepped forward with a solution.
“I wanted the syllabus to feel fresh and draw on my background in both traditional and current tap styles,” Mitch shares. “The goal was for students to feel excited by the music and approach, while still maintaining the fundamentals needed for powerful tap technique.”
Tap Mode became the answer — a regeneration of the style, designed to bring focus, fun and genuine progression back into tap classrooms.
The Song That Started It All
Tap Mode’s origin story has a soundtrack — and it’s one deeply tied to Mitch’s own journey.
The Peter Allen classic Everything Old Is New Again didn’t just become the slogan and the blueprint for Tap Mode’s identity. It became the opening chord of the entire vision. He first performed the song while playing young Peter Allen in The Boy From Oz, his professional stage debut.
“That musical was the reason I went on to have a 20-year career in musical theatre,” he reflects. “It will always hold a special place in my heart.”
So when Tap Mode needed its first concept video, Soundmoda completely re-orchestrated and remixed the track. It set the tone — nostalgic, modern, and full of possibility.
A Career That Built a Curriculum
Mitch’s stage career reads like a tap dancer’s masterclass:
Tap Dogs. Hot Shoe Shuffle. The Boy From Oz. Disney’s Aladdin.
“Performing Friend Like Me in Aladdin and stomping it out in Tap Dogs — those experiences stay with you,” he says. “And being part of the 20th anniversary of Hot Shoe Shuffle was hugely influential in how I approached merging traditional tap with modern style.”
Those decades of performance, insight and mentorship became the foundation for a syllabus that honours the roots of tap while pushing it forward.
A Massive Creative Undertaking — 11 Levels, 45 Tracks, 200+ Videos
Designing Tap Mode wasn’t quick — or small.
“The creative process was long,” Mitch laughs. “We spent over a year creating it. About 200 instructional videos… and probably another 100 that didn’t make the cut.”
Co-founder Matt Jenson played a crucial structural role, ensuring perfect sequencing: no step introduced before its foundations were taught, no exercise placed before its prerequisite.
“Matt would keep me in check — ‘if you add this in Level 4, it needs the lead-up in Level 3.’”
Once choreography was set, Soundmoda adjusted every track to match the technical focus and tempo of each exercise. It was meticulous, intentional work — and the result shows.
Music That Moves With the Times
One of the most distinctive features of Tap Mode is its original music library spanning pop, jazz, swing, RnB, disco, hip hop and house.
“We always dreamed of bringing a modern twist,” Mitch explains. “Soundmoda really made that dream a reality.”
This wasn’t just about engagement — it was about preparing dancers for real-world versatility.
“Jumping between styles sets students up for success in any tap direction they head in.”
A Portal Designed for Real Teachers in Real Studios
Tap teachers often juggle heavy schedules and multiple classes. Mitch wanted a system that would support them — not overwhelm them.
“We knew we needed to remove obstacles,” he says.
The digital Tap Mode portal gives teachers:
- full-speed and instructional videos
- instant switching between levels
- click-to-play corresponding music
- the option to cast videos directly to students
“It acts like a hard drive for our already full brains,” Mitch smiles.
Inside the portal, each level is clearly broken into barre, centre, travel and routine — with demonstration videos, breakdowns and matching tracks placed side-by-side for clarity.
“It’s so simple even a non-tech person like me can’t go wrong!”
The Visual Identity: Clean, Bold and Unmistakably Green
From day one, Tap Mode wasn’t just a syllabus — it was a brand.
“Everything needed to look slick,” Mitch says.
That included:
- a high-end concept video filmed by Fluke Media
- every portal video produced by Misaligned Media
- a full marketing pack for studios
- bold green visual branding students immediately recognise
“We want students to walk into class knowing it’s not just any tap class — it’s a Tap Mode tap class.”
Growing, Listening and Responding
Tap Mode is currently running in 50 schools nationwide, and the feedback has been invaluable.
One studio expressed a gap between their preschool program and Level 1 — and Mitch acted immediately.
“We developed our Pre-1 level with all-new music and gifted it to all Tap Mode schools.”
It’s this responsiveness that sets Tap Mode apart. It evolves with its community.
Exams Designed to Celebrate, Not Intimidate
Mitch is passionate about exams adding value without fear or pressure.
“Their whole purpose is to be positive, encouraging and rewarding,” he says.
“Students get a moment to shine and be recognised. Teachers get motivated, focused classes with clear goals.”
It’s tap training with intention — and joy.
Teacher Training: Skills, Energy and Shared Purpose
Teacher training is held annually, with 2026’s event locked for late January.
“Of course teachers learn content and teaching tips,” Mitch says. “But the community energy — that’s the best part. It sparks something that carries into the whole year.”
Every Tap Mode school director attends free of charge — reinforcing shared standards and building long-term relationships.
Dispelling the Myths About Switching Syllabi
One of the biggest misconceptions?
“That Level 6 in another syllabus means Level 7 in Tap Mode.”
Not true.
“Every program defines levels differently. Teachers know their students — they can place them where they fit.”
And the fear that parents won’t like a change?
“Parents have been refreshed by something new. And parents are happy when their kids are happy.”
Designed for Students — AND Studio Owners
Above all, Tap Mode was created with real-world studio pressures in mind.
“No subscriptions. No compulsory training. Exams are affordable and approachable,” Mitch says.
“We wanted this to be exceptional for students — and not a headache for studio owners or parents.”
This studio-first mentality is part of why Tap Mode has gained trust so quickly.
Looking Ahead
In the next five years, Mitch hopes Tap Mode will continue to expand its impact.
“I want to keep the love of tap alive in studios across Australia — and continue evolving with the needs of students and teachers.”
For Mitch, Tap Mode is far more than a program.
“It represents the natural progression of my life as I’ve moved from performing to teaching and running businesses. It’s a way to reach more studios and students and pass on what I’ve learnt… and hopefully leave my mark.”
About Mitchell Hicks
Mitchell Hicks is an Australian tap dancer, choreographer, educator and studio director whose 20-year career spans The Boy From Oz, Tap Dogs, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Happy Feet, and Disney’s Aladdin. With a deep passion for both tradition and innovation, Mitch now leads the development of Tap Mode — a groundbreaking 11-level syllabus revitalising tap education across Australia.
if Tap Mode’s early success is anything to go by — that mark is already taking shape.
