In the season premiere of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 17, Suzie Toot wowed the judges, her fellow contestants, and viewers with a tap routine that proved she has serious dance chops. Her side-splitting Morse code interpretation of the Gettysburg Address secured her the season’s first win, and unleashed a wave of new fans.
Ms. Toot—born Benjamin Shaevitz—is no stranger to the spotlight: In 2023 she opened for Chappell Roan at Roan’s concert in Fort Lauderdale. Toot took a moment to talk about her love for tap, the overwhelming response to her tap number on “Drag Race,” her recent touring, and what she’s manifesting for the future.
What first drew you to tap dancing?
I first discovered it as a sophomore in high school, when I was cast in a production of Mary Poppins. The year before, I’d been in another show and was a terrible dancer. None of us in the cast of Mary Poppins had tapped before, but I picked it up quickly. That gave me the drive to really dig into tap dancing. I started studying and I never looked back.
You’re a well-rounded dance and theater performer. What do you love about tap specifically?
There’s a stylishness and coolness to tap dancing that I really connect with. When you do it successfully, it just feels good—it’s strong and powerful.
How did you start to incorporate tap into your drag?
Through tap, I discovered the incredible divas of the (19)20s and ’30s, and became obsessed with their style. I wanted to be Betty Boop or Clara Bow—and why not pick up a pair of tap heels and start hoofing it? The pieces all came together, and adding the tap element to my performances in bars was fresh and exciting.
What has been the response to your tap routine on “Drag Race”?
It has been incredible. I think it resonated because it was something people hadn’t really seen on the show before.
I’ve also had a number of Broadway-adjacent people and tap-focused Instagram pages reach out and comment, which has been validating. It has been amazing to connect with the tap community and see them embrace what I’m doing.
Who are your tap idols?
Debbie Reynolds, Eleanor Powelland Ruby’s bones are huge influences. I love Debbie Reynolds’ exaggerated femininity, and I try to channel it in my performances. She’s making fun of the feminine styles of the ’20s, and I’m making fun of her making fun of them. I’m also a huge fan of the Nicholas Brothers and their incredible athleticism and showmanship.
You’ve been touring the country lately—how has that experience been for you?
I’m performing in a new city almost every Friday, and it has been amazing to experience the different drag scenes across the country, from Florida to New York to the Midwest. Getting to travel and do my art has been a dream, and people get so excited about the tap dancing.
I have plans to do even more large-scale tap-focused performances, whether that’s in YouTube videos, live shows, or even Broadway-style productions where dance is really the central focus.
Do you have a particular show in mind for your debut on the Great White Way?
The Broadway revival of Sweet Charity, starring Suzie Toot. I’m manifesting it now.
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