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!