To the beat of “We speak no Americano,” tap heels clicked on the stage floor as freshman Meg DiRuggiero, sophomore Caroline Jarcho and junior Charlotte Klein captivated the audience with their lively chorography and creative costumes.

The three girls are members of Soles of Steel, a tap company comprising girls from age 11 to 18. They spend long hours working on their routines at the Joy of Motion dance studio all year and rehearse weekly to work on technique.

Soles of Steel performed its annual showcase at the Jack Guidone Theater in Friendship Heights April 30. For their acts, the dancers dressed up as a number of characters, ranging from confused tourists in “I heart New York” T-shirts and fanny packs to convicts in bright orange uniforms trying to break out of jail.

“It was probably one of best shows in terms of performance quality and energy,” Jarcho said. “The more energetic the crowd is, the more energy we have because we feed off of it.”

Vikki Weinberger, who has directed Soles of Steel since 2006, choreographed all of the acts for the showcase. Their piece “Don’t Touch my Stereo” emphasized the importance of music and features popular songs, such as Rihanna’s “Please Don’t Stop the Music” and Beyonce’s “Stereo.”

Soles of Steel has showcased their pieces at numerous venues. They performed at the Library of Congress for Bring Your Child To Work Day April 28. Last summer, they danced for Nigel Lythgoe, producer and judge of “So You Think You Can Dance,” at the first Dance Day on the National Mall. A year ago, Soles of Steel also performed at the White House Easter Egg Roll.

Tap dancing has brought these girls together, and their close friendship is visible on stage.

“We’re like a family,” said Klein. “I don’t know what I’d do without Soles.”