History of A5A

A Legacy of Rhythm, Community, and the Arts

In 1989, the Southwest’s very first performing arts space dedicated solely to the past, present, and future of tap dance opened on the Westside of Fort Worth, Texas. Under the visionary leadership of Gracey Tune, the mission was clear: to revive this great American dance form, share its rich history with the community, and provide accessible classes—day and night. As Artistic Director, Ms. Tune brought legendary talent to Fort Worth, hosting international icons such as Parisian tap master Sara Petronio, Broadway’s Ron Young, the groundbreaking  prodigy Savion Glover, and her internationally recognized brother, Tommy Tune.

By 1991, in partnership with the Kennedy Center’s Imagination Celebration, Ms. Tune organized a citywide audition, offering local youth the extraordinary chance to share the stage with then 11-year-old Savion Glover. More than 200 children performed alongside him on an outdoor stage at Farrington Field, with the Fort Worth Youth Jazz Orchestra providing live music for an audience of over 4,000 schoolchildren. The celebration blended artistry and spectacle—complete with skydivers, youth riding clubs, orchestras, and a parade of student-created art under the guidance of Texas Wesleyan University’s Joe Brown. To further inspire, young dancers also attended master classes with Savion at the Will Rogers Complex.

That same year, Arts On Tap, Inc. (AOT) was formally incorporated through the dedication of Ruth Ann McKinny, Assistant City Manager of Fort Worth, and Anne Miller Tinsley. By October 1992, the organization had secured its nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3).

From 1989 to 1995, AOT thrived as both a teaching and performance hub, complete with indoor and outdoor stages. Its mission was—and continues to be—a celebration of American art forms: tap dance and jazz. Programming included master classes, jam sessions, live performances, and tap history workshops, fostering creativity while inspiring future generations.

In 1995, as funding for small nonprofits waned, AOT transitioned its efforts westward. Ms. Tune joined forces with the International Tap Festival and Jazz Society of Portland, Oregon, co-producing a landmark performance featuring Mercer Ellington and a full tap revue set to the timeless music of Duke Ellington. The response was extraordinary—three sold-out shows and 6,000 audience members embracing tap and jazz with renewed enthusiasm.

A new chapter began on September 11, 2001, when Arts Fifth Avenue opened its doors in Fort Worth’s historic Fairmount District. Sparked by the vision of Peggy Bott Kirby, who brought together Eddie Dunlap and Gracey Tune, the space was imagined as a home for “Drums and Taps”—a celebration of total percussion. With support from community leaders like Ralph Watterson, Paige Hendricks (PHPR), and Don Scott of Fort Worth South, Arts Fifth Avenue was born. Its name, a playful nod to Saks Fifth Avenue, was chosen to anchor its location and invite curiosity—and people came.

From a single room to an expansive creative hub, Arts Fifth Avenue has grown with the steadfast support of neighbors, friends, and the Fort Worth community. What began as a bold vision has become a thriving center of rhythm, art, and connection. And true to its roots, it just keeps on.