Daniel Borak
Daniel “Dani” Borak is a world-renowned international tap and multi-genre performer, choreographer, and teacher. The exceptionally talented artist is driven by his passion for experimentation and collaboration with a diverse range of performing and visual artists. Through his innovative approach, Daniel has redefined the boundaries of traditional tap dance and developed his own distinctive mixed vocabulary, which paves the way for the future of percussive dance and rhythmic expression. With his artistic prowess, virtuosity, relaxed demeanor, and natural charm, Daniel consistently enchants and captivates audiences.
Daniel Borak’s journey began in Winterthur, Switzerland, where he grew up in his mother’s dance school, Liba Borak. At the tender age of five, he discovered his current passion for tap dance. Between 2000 and 2009, he actively participated in the IDO World Tap Dance Championships in Riesa, Germany, earning a total of eleven gold medals, six of which were in the solo category. In 2010, Daniel graduated from the Zurich Dance Theatre School (ZTTS), where he received comprehensive training in ballet, jazz, modern and contemporary dance, hip hop, flamenco, Feldenkrais, Pilates, and choreography.
Following his graduation, Daniel immersed himself in numerous exhilarating projects as a dancer, including notable performances in “Flashdance” (Musical), “DAS ZELT-Varieté,” “WINGS” by Rigolo, “Funny Feet,” “Rhythm-Refix,” “STYLIZE Crew,” “DaNaTi,” “Carpe Rhythmum,” Synergy-Workshops, shows with his Tap Dan’s Company, “Dog, Sheep & Shepherd,” “Kids On Ice” 2018, Morton Gould’s “Tap Dance Concerto” (performed with the Camerata Cantabila Orchestra), concerts with the Swiss Brass Consort, “Marimba & Tap” with Manuel Leuenberger, “Metamorphosys…on tap” with pianist Cinzia Merlin, and numerous television appearances. He also showcased his talents aboard the cruise ship “MS Europa 2” and on various other occasions. In 2016, Daniel curated his own festival, the “Tap Dan’s Festival,” at the Theater am Gleis in Winterthur. This seven-day event featured seven distinct shows, six of which were sold out, with Daniel participating in each performance.
Daniel’s expertise extends beyond the stage as he is in high demand as a guest teacher worldwide. He has been invited to conduct workshops and participate in festivals across Germany, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Colombia, England, Spain, Brazil, Ukraine, Croatia, Poland, and the USA. From 2017 to 2019, Daniel regularly traveled to Chicago, where he served as the first three-year Artist in Residence for the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP). During his tenure, he utilized his diverse skills as a dancer, choreographer, teacher, co-director, and co-producer across various CHRP programs, including Stomping Grounds, Rhythm World, and Stone Soup Rhythms.
In Switzerland, Daniel has been teaching for many years at the “Backstage Studio” in Zurich and the family dance school “DanceStudio Borak” in Winterthur. He instructs tap dance, jazz, and hip hop to students of all ages, choreographing numerous pieces annually for the Swiss and World Championships, often leading his students to top rankings. With unwavering dedication and the highest artistic standards, Daniel and his mother, Liba Borak, produce their own shows every year, showcasing their students and current repertoire to the Winterthur audience. Additionally, he has recently embarked on a teaching position at the Musical Factory in Lucerne, where he imparts his knowledge and skills on a weekly basis.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Contemporary Dance from Tanzwerk101 in Zurich, which he completed in 2022, he has demonstrated his commitment to honing his craft. Daniel serves as a board member of the Swiss Tap Dance Association “SwissTap” and regularly engages in collaborative endeavors with fellow tap dancers and tap schools, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to expanding awareness and fostering a deeper appreciation for this exquisite art form.