All Ten

Hats & Taps group pictures taken September 30, 2009. Thank you, Eric!

Dance to the Music

The Lady behind the music for Hat's & Taps is Margaret. Without her, we would be lost!"Margaret joined Hats and Taps first as our dressing room and wardrobe manager, making sure that when we stepped on stage to perform we had it all together. She warmed our hearts with her helpfulness and dedication to her task. It was not long before she was asked to be our audiographer and take control of our music. Her response was, “I’ll do anything y’all want me to do.”

Some of our routines involve switching the speed of the music back and forth, five ticks up, eight ticks down and Margaret handles it with precision. With her, we never have to worry about the music being right.

Old habits die hard. After our performances, Margaret comes back into the dressing room and we hear, “Anybody need any help?” She’s still willing to serve in both roles. What a team mate. It takes a team effort to produce a show and we’re glad to have Margaret with her smile and versatility as a member of our team." --- Connie

Margaret with Ione and Connie.

Margaret with Connie and Carolyn.

It's true! Margaret always has a smile and a hug for everyone. She may be behind the scenes most of the time, but she is front and center in our thoughts and appreciation for all that she does! Thank you Margaret!

Behind The Scenes

Rhoda helping Carol with her pocket hankie.A lot goes on behind the scenes of a show. Hats & Taps along with Rythm & Shoes, (another of Carol- taught groups), danced for a Christian Women's Luncheon on September 22, 2009. All the dancers get dressed in a dither, then help each other out the best they can. Everyone is innovatively helpful when someone is minus a prop or piece of costume.

It must be mentioned that during dancing "Personality", Lois tripped on the metal edge of the dance floor, and fell. Half of the dancers were not aware of the fall. True to Carol's Mantra, Lois never quit smiling. While on the floor or getting up, Lois grinned the whole time and resumed with her usual Funglow. A warm welcome and appreciation was felt by all.

Lois with a quick fix Hobo stick. Who knew?

Connie and Linda take time out to pose while helping each other Hobo it up.

A Colorful Crew

On September 9, 2009, Hats & Taps performed at Carlton Plaza. Rhoda's colorful costumes add to the fun of Carol's delightful choreography to Side By Side and Yakety Sax.Black and sparkly silver shines on stage for Boys From New York and New York, New York.


Patriotic colors catch the flavor of the finale with Anchors Away and Star Spangled Spectacular.
Dancing for such an appreciative audience is always a pleasure. For more pictures from this show, click on this link. Thank you Eric, for taking pictures!

The Hats & Taps Blogger

Ten total minus 4 Ls & 4 Cs + an R equals Mb. In other words, Marie, the Blogger for Hats & Taps. On March 2, 2006, an article ran in the neighborhood section of the Sacramento Bee showcasing Carol Stone and her "Distinctive dance style keep seniors active" story. Coincidentily, Marie was looking for a tap class that fit her comfort level. It was meant to be. The price was right, and intimidated enough to tackle tap for the first time, this sounded perfect.Carol's teaching style was so welcoming, comfortable and challenging at the same time. That takes talent. Carol won't let anyone hide in the back for long. She makes you work, mentally and physically. Marie didn't realize, however, that performing would be a part of the deal. Gasp. Gulp. Go ahead - Give it a try. Jump! Hooked!
Carol asked Marie to join Hats & Taps and in November of 2007, she timidly began with the group.It took awhile to get around to doing my own bioblog because it's easier for me to highlight other people and with all the positive comments my co-tappers tried to get me to add, well, it just took time! Here is the link to my very complimentary co-tappers comments. Shucks this was hard.
Marie with the Hi-Steppers group and much loved leader, Carol.

Linda 2 dash 5 - Revisited

Linda 2-5 was bioed earlier in "What's in a Name". As the newest member and newly blogging, less was known at the time. Liz's comments helped fill in some gaps, but since then, we'd like to add info. Linda 2-5, like all the gals, is a multi-talented Lady who has a great sense of humor and keeps those laughs coming. She's a prankster, but is seriously driven to dance her best. She designs costumes too and her earlier pictures show off those talents. She designed several groups' costumes for the May Tap Show. A retired P.E. teacher, Linda can dance and direct with much authority. She helps numerous students in the many groups she's involved with. She helps keep them in line, too. Sometimes physically. And we love it. On the side, Linda 2-5 also makes miniature scale model houses. So you know she is excellent with details! So much more could be written but for now,..... Gotta Dash.

Linda 2-5 with her Grand Daughter

Back To The Beginning.....

Every member of Hats & Taps has an interesting history and a path that brought them together. We have started to weave together little pieces here and there that only hint at the kind of quilt encompassing the ten lives that cross -- stitches, bond, stretch, step, shuffle, hop, ...and have become todays Hats & Taps.

When you started all this, did you have a clue, Carol,
that you would be such strong glue?

Carol met Ione at an American River dance class. Carol said, "We did a little number together and then (Ione) came over to my studio. The first group (1998, I think) consisted of Ione, myself, little Linda, and Flor Steed. Our first performance was at the pre-school where Arrin (Ione's grand daughter) and her brother went to school. We did Singing in the Rain. Our costumes consisted of plastic tableclothes made into panchos. Singing in the Rain was the number we learned at ARC. We've come a long way."

Lois, Rhoda, Carol, Ione, and Linda1 in 2006

That's Our Rhoda!

Rhoda has these intense, beautifully blue Paul Newman eyes. When she smiles as well, and catches your eye, the combination is dazzling. An attractive, multi-talented lady who not only dances, but plays the bass clarinet, sews and sings! She is one of the groups' costume Gurus.




Here she is in her overalls costume design for Side By Side and Yakity Sax. (Hat and tie contributed by Lois).

Rhoda does not beat herself up over mistakes, like some of us. She simply continues with a what-ever attitude, and remarks, "I can just as easily make my mistakes in the front row as in the back so it doesn't matter to me where I dance!" I admire that. She has spunk!

Rhoda got involved through Mission Oaks. She'd always wanted to Tap so signed up for a class there. At her last class of the session, Rhoda clicked with Carol 1, who was filling in for the sick teacher. And as Rhoda recounts, "It was exactly what I was looking for, so after class I asked (Carol) if she gave lessons. She said she did, so I asked what she charged. 'Nothing if you join my group,' was the answer. Well, the price was right, so I went to Carol's house for my first lesson and met Connie who was there for her first lesson. That was in October, 2002. Carol had us performing with the group at Christmastime. You notice I didn't say dancing. I will say that on a couple of dances we moved in the same direction as the rest of the group most of the time. That Christmas there were six of us is the group -- Carol, Ione, Audrey, Linda, Connie and I. It's hard to believe seven years have gone by already, It's also hard to believe that I lived so long without dancing when it's such an important part of me now. Thanks Carol!"


Amen to that!

Carol the Second (C2)

Carol 2 (C2) has an eloquence and quick wit on the floor and off. Her sense of humor is delightful. Laughing and tapping go well together and C2 is one of the bonding agents. She has an amazing ability to return from time away, missing practices, and dance like she never left.


Carol has been cruising quite a bit the last year or so, making the most of traveling and time with family. Those toes and tongue must articulate just as well on board ship as at home cause ya can't tell she's been gone except you miss her. This also explains why some pictures have a vacant C2 spot.

Love of dance led C2 into a class at Mission Oaks just about 3/4 years ago. Shortly thereafter, Carol 1 invited C2 to join her performing group. Here are the 2 Carols together.



C2 also has a calming effect. At times her expression is serene. A soft smile and dreamy look that exudes a quiet composure. She can lull you into her comfort zone. There was a show where this tapper made a major blunder. It happens. The look on Carol's face was one of, "Yeah, I saw that. But it's ok, it's all good. And here's a hug to let you know you're not alone." A simple kind acceptance can melt a heart forever! C2 said it best in her own words. "Even if my legs stopped working, I would want to hang out with these beautiful ladies. It's like I have a patch of velcro on my heart for them. Also, they have taught me so much about being a friend. ...I hope to dance with Hats & Taps as long as the music plays." We too, C2, we too!

Musically Minded Lois

Lois has been a member of Hats & Taps for about 4 years now. In some shows, Lois plays the piano and leads the audience in song. (For most shows, we could not make smooth costume transitions without Ruthie, our songstress plus, and Margaret who manages the music. More on them later.)


We have some standard favorite patriotic numbers. In Anchor's Away, Lois is our leader. She leads the ban....ter and also doubles as our gentle Drill Sergeant. She sharply inspects her troops, then leads us in with Pizazz. Lois relishes this position and full of fun calls, "Forward March!" We love it when she leads. We happily fall in behind and mind our steps.












When Lois is learning steps, she looks so serious in concentration. Once she's comfortable, however, she turns on the charm. She moves to the music and her enjoyment can't be hidden. I don't think she'd notice if the rest of us just stopped to watch her, as she is having so much fun. You can tell when she knows her steps. She glows!


Lois also likes to bargain shop. She finds the cutest Tap costume accessories. Her radiant smile while sharing her finds carries that same glow. Fun-glow. (Definition of Fun-glow: A sunlike radience found indoors at Hats & Taps performances, and Carol's house. Especially when Lois is there.)
We salute Lois!

Happy 4th of July

Hats & Taps entertained at a Mormon church family breakfast event on the 4th of July. The 4th is a time to express our pride and patriotism. Speaking of expressing, ...not only is she the leader of Hats & Taps, Carol is the ultimate in expression-full entertainment.


We all try hard to adhere to Carol's Tap 101 mantra, "Smile and Have Fun!" A higher level of achievement, Advanced Tap Facial Expressions, may be an unattainable goal when compared to Carol. She's a natural. And that's hard to tap into. But we love trying!
Oh, and here's Liz again trying to run away with that award.

Lively Liz

No one moves like Liz! She's a joy to watch. Somewhere she discovered the miracle of tapping into a two year old's energy level. Mix that with mature maneuverability and her dancing is sheer fun. Liz puts more movement into a single move than anyone. She is petite but her smiles are big and her laughter contagious. Liz loves to dance and it shows. As another Classy Tapper and Hi-Stepper, she gives Linda 2(5) a run for her "most groups membership award".



Liz moved into Hats & Taps about a year ago. She claims to be out of her comfort level but she is a comfort to have around. She's a stickler for getting the steps right and doesn't hesitate to ask for another demonstration, for which we are all grateful.


Pictured here is Liz
with family at the
May Show Dress Rehearsal.
What a good looking group!