Tuesday, February 16, 2010

That Went Fast!

Hats & Taps ended 2009 with five fun-filled shows! The reception at the VFW on December 1st was tremendous. Rhythm & Shoes shared the spotlight, and indeed, Shirley, of R&S, was responsible for setting up this show.

On December 11th, Hats & Taps revisited Rosewood Terrace, ... especially poignant because Carolyn, having spent some time in recovery there, returned to tap for patients and staff. A proud moment for all of us.

Always on the calendar and in our hearts, the Children's Receiving Home welcomed Hats & Taps on December 16th this year. Sharing the spotlight here with Frueh's One Note Band is a special Yuletide treat.

Combining Christmas and Military Tributes hits the mark for SIRS, at the Carmichael Elks Club. Having seen us before, we were pleased to be asked back for December 17th. We thankfully salute you!

Our last December show was a first for us at Crown Plaza. On December 18th, we danced and spread some Christmas cheer in the beautiful Foyer of Carlton Plaza's newly finished Crown Plaza. Seeing the smiles on some of these faces sent us home for our Christmas break feeling warmed and ready to rest up for the coming year. A Happy New Year to All!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Entertainer of the Year Award goes to.......

Well, that was a rather long Holiday break from blogging. Time to get back on track and Bio Ruthie! Our backbone and entertainer plus.

Carol tells it best, ..."Ruthie started tap dance with me at Mission oaks several years ago. Then two years ago she became the Hats & Taps singer. She has fit right in with us. Ruthie entertains with great personality and charm. She is a loving and caring person and that shows in her interactions with our audiences. Ruthie brings a great sense of humor and wonderful stage presence to every show. No matter how much time we spend changing costumes, she is able to keep our audiences entertained. We depend on her to keep the show going." And that, she does, fitting in all our engagements between her ever busy schedules.



Here's Ruthie rushing to entertain the crowd.













With Carol 2 and Marie at one of Hats & Taps birthday luncheons.


Ruthie with Carolyn and Linda.
Thank you, Ruthie!

Monday, December 7, 2009

All Ten




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

Friday, October 9, 2009

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!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

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.

Friday, September 18, 2009

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!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

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.