Carol - Is there anything Marie can't do? She brings so much to Hats and Taps- an accomplished dancer, a blogger, a costume designer and a graphics specialist. Marie joined my Monday and Thursday classes at Mission Oaks Community Center several years ago. I saw her inner and outer beauty and wanted to capture as much of her as I could, so invited her to join Hats and Taps. Her joining Hats and Taps was a decision that has benefitted us in ways unimaginable.
Not only does Marie bring a creative touch to our Hats and Taps group, she also brings a personal touch. Whenever a member of the group is embroiled in an event, physical or emotional, she's "Johnny on the spot" with words of concern and encouragement through a phone call or uplifting e-mail.
Connie - Marie has endeared herself to Hats and Taps because we see the love and energy she puts into everything she does. Her dancing is impeccable. Her body sways and taps rhythmically with ease to the myriad of routines choreographed for us by our director, Carol, and it contributes to our look of professionalism.
When I walk into our dance studio and hear the words echoing down the hall, Marie, Marie, Marie - I know Marie has done something else spectacular in costume design. I smile, anxious to see the new creation I'm sure will dazzle me. I'm never disappointed.
Marie is our webmaster, creating and maintaining our blogspot, something I am inept in doing. We're grateful for the history she is chronicling for us that is now captured in cyberspace.
Carol 2 - Marie is a poised, precision dancer with the best "wiggle" in Sacramento dance circles. She always has a smile and a comforting touch, showing her love for others in many ways from designing and making dazzling costumes for us to displaying our best smiles (and legs) in her photos. Her personalized birthday cards are legendary, capturing moments in our dancing lives that we will always remember because of her artistic touch. She is a treasured friend, an excellent dancer and a creative force in our group.
Liz - When it comes to efficiency, Marvelous Marie comes to mind. Marie quietly accomplishes anything she puts her mind to, and more. Her dancing is flawless, her costumes design is original and fun, and her computer abilities are next to none. Hats and Taps would not have this blog if Marie hadn't had the idea and turned it into a reality!
Marie and her husband Eric make a fabulous photo duo as well. Our scrapbooks are filled with delightful pictures of each dancer in the troupe. "Marie-made" personal birthday cards with our tap-action photos on them are a special gift to each of us.
Marie is so generous, not only with her time and talent, but with her encouraging words as we learn new dances and steps. She is just a delightful person and we are so fortunate to have her amongst us -- dancing, laughing and just generally enjoying one another and giving back to our community.
Rhoda - Marie has written about everybody else but herself. She does not like the limelight. In fact, if you say anything about her, she'll take two steps back as soon as she hears her name and glance around as though looking for a place to hide. All of that shyness makes a very creative mind that runs at warp speed. Marie is always working on a project - costume, photo art and who knows what else! But above all, she loves to tap dance. When the music starts and the dance begins, the mask falls and the real Marie appears. One look at the smile on her face, and you know she's right where she want s to be.
Marie began, as several of us did, in a beginning tap class with our fearless leader, Carol Stone. After awhile, the group grew in skill and courage and became the High Steppers. Although Marie went on to join Hats and Taps Dancers, she couldn't bring herself to leave High Steppers. So Marie is a happy tapper in both groups. That's Marie with some of her high stepping teammates.
As the brain controlling the blog, it's been lots of fun for Marie and more work than any of the rest of us want to take on. However, you'll never know who's at the controls of "Hats and Taps Blogville" unless somebody else tells you. So we're letting her know that it's time for her to let you know who she is. And, as those she's so cheerfully put up for all to see, we're demanding our say about her. Happy blogging, Marie, and thanks for everything.
