Public Project
Xana DuMe, the Tap-Dancing Cabaret Drag Diva
I’ve been taking adult level tap dance classes for the last three years - for fun and exercise. One of my favorite teachers is Felipe Galganni.
Felipe, now a US citizen, hails from São Paulo, Brazil. He lives in NYC with his partner Rob. Felipe’s classes are challenging and fun, and his musical choices are inspiring.
A couple of years ago I attended a show at a prestigious jazz club where Felipe tap danced along with a Brazilian jazz group. He was terrific.
Months later, at a different Manhattan club, I watched Felipe perform in full drag as Xana DuMe, the Brazilian Tap-Dancing Drag Diva. Xana is a consummate performer: funny, poignant, beautiful, and she dances, too! She does regular shows and has received the honor of “Best Drag Artist” in the 2024 Broadway World Cabaret Awards.
A couple of months ago, I overheard Felipe answer a student’s question – when would he be performing next, as he had done at that jazz club? I asked him to repeat his response here and this is what he had to say:
“I’m not really feeling the urge to perform out of drag right now. It’s super important for me to support my LGBTQIA community, and I don’t think I can do that when I’m tap dancing out of drag, where I can’t fully express myself.
When I’m in drag, I can not only tap dance but also share the message that you can express yourself however you want, enjoy art, and have a blast, especially during times like these.
So, yes - you won’t be seeing me out of drag on a stage anytime soon, it doesn’t make sense to me at this moment in time.”
I am so grateful that Xana DuMe has the audiences and venues to present her talents. Her dedication to doing what feels right is admirable, especially now, in early 2025, where people just trying to be themselves are being threatened and made fearful.
With Felipe/Xana’s cooperation, I witnessed as they applied makeup and transformed from Felipe to Xana. It’s quite a procedure, and the results are spectacular.
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