This month we are highlighting one of the most revered masters of tap dancing — Reginald "Reggio the Hoofer” McLaughlin. For more than 50 years McLaughlin has pioneered his inspired distinctive “hoofing” across the nation, showcasing his talents to a variety of festivals and classrooms with the goal of keeping this dance tradition alive.

“Hoofing” refers to a unique style of tap dance, emphasizing percussive footwork and rhythmic improvisation. The grounded dance style focuses on tapping with the heels and balls of the feet, creating a fuller, deeper sound than other tap styles. McLaughlin is known for his expressiveness and ability to combine African foot stomping and Irish step, making him a unique and important contributor to the world of tap dancing.

McLaughlin was born on Chicago’s South Side in 1953, an area full of music and dance greats. Having seen a tap dance performance in second grade, his fondness for the dance grew instantly. During his teenage years, he met Jimmy Payne, Sr., a prominent Chicago tap dancer, who took him under his wing and brought him into the world of tap professionally.

Despite the wonderful foundation, dancing professionally full-time can be extremely difficult. He began his career underground, dancing through the Chicago subway stations to make a living. After some time of gaining knowledge of the dance scene and starting to make connections, he joined Urban Gates, a nonprofit that provides art experiences for Chicago’s underserved youth, finally leaving the subways behind to join a professional dance team that would eventually lead into being an instructor. He currently is the principal tap dance teacher at the Old Town School of Folk Music based in Chicago.

With an ever growing list of accomplishments and bookings, his biggest performance yet came after his performances on Broadway, having been in two Duke Ellington musicals: “Beggar’s Holiday” and “Jump for Joy.”
After decades of teaching, appearing on dance documentaries and more, his efforts earned him several awards including the Flo-Bert Award, given for achievement in the art of tap dancing, and grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. In addition to earning grants, he also was honored by Old Town School of Folk Music in 2015 with their Distinguished Teaching Artist Award and with a dance studio named after him in 2021.

The Windy City has plenty of art, music and dance greats, and thanks to McLaughlin, generations of tap dancers and inspired youth will continue on the tradition of tap.