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