Once they were warmed up, the dancers, all over the age of 40, crossed the studio in unison, arms outstretched and shoes clacking to the beat. Click-clack, click-clack, click-clack, stomp.

The Tri-City Tappers knew the drill: First, an upper-body warm-up, followed by footwork exercises at the bar. Then came the choreography.

Dolly Ammann of Richland, who led the advanced tap-dance class, first tap danced 20 years ago, when a friend convinced her to take classes with the Tri-City Tappers. She hasn’t looked back since.

“I fell in love with it,” she said. Ten years later, she began teaching some of the classes. Now, she is the group’s manager and teaches all the classes. 

The group offers tap-dancing classes for all experience levels, and the more advanced members of the group put on shows throughout the Tri-Cities.

This year marks the group’s 30th anniversary. Kim Stock, a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher, founded the Tri-City Tappers in 1994.

Senior-friendly

The Tri-City Tappers practice traditional Broadway-style tap dance, sometimes called chorus line tap or show tap, Ammann said. “What we do is a jazz style of tap. It’s slower and designed for people who are older,” she said.

Rather than the rhythm tap style many children learn, which involves rapid foot movement, “everything we do is designed for the older person in mind so that they don’t have to worry about getting injured,” Ammann said. Arm and leg position is emphasized, and movements like jumping are replaced by a heel drop.

The group is open to individuals 40 and older, and many of the members are older. Ammann is 83.

During a recent practice, the dancers moved confidently throughout the class, fluidly following Ammann’s movements as they practiced the choreography for “Chicago,” complete with bowler hats. 

“To see what we’re able to do at our age is just amazing,” said Cynthia Ewer of Richland, one of the dancers. 

Dancing is a great way to stay in shape, Ammann said. And outside of classes, the dancers can practice at home. “I tell them you can practice in your kitchen,” Ammann said. “You don’t even need to put tap shoes on to practice moving steps.”

And members “don’t have to hear well to dance,” said Ewer, who has profound hearing loss. 

Photo by Rachel Visick

Dancing community

Many of the advanced dancers have spent years tap dancing.

Cathy Mann, 73, of Richland, has been tap dancing for 38 years, including seven years in Alaska. 

And although Carleen Strasser of Pasco has only been with the Tri-City Tappers since 2019, she danced for 20 years before moving to the Tri-Cities.

Not all of the tap dancers have such an extensive background, though; it’s not a requirement to join.

When Wilma Laity of Richland began tap dancing, she had no experience. 

“She said, ‘I’m 70.’ I said, ‘I think you can do it,’” Ammann recounted. That was 10 years ago, and Laity is still with the Tappers. 

They will “put you to work no matter what your skill is,” Ewer said with a smile. 

During a newcomer’s first class, which is free, Ammann brings about 30 pairs of used tap shoes to try out. That way, those interested in tap dancing can find out if it’s for them before buying shoes.

Joining the group is also a good way to meet other people, “particularly for new people coming into the community who want to make friends, because the group is very social, very friendly,” Ammann said.

The Tri-City Tappers go out to eat after performances, and sometimes meet up outside of classes.

The group also organizes several group events throughout the year, like holiday parties and a pool party, Ammann said. This year, it held a 30th anniversary gala in February.

Performances

At a recent practice, the Tri-City Tappers wore elegant tap shoes and T-shirts with the Tri-City Tappers logo on them. But when it comes to a real performance, the dancers have a variety of feathered and sequined costumes.

“We have probably about 18 or 20 costumes in our closets, depending on how long you’ve been a member,” Ammann said.

Many of the costumes are bought over the years, but some have been made by Ewer, including costumes for the piece the Tappers are working on now, “Chicago.”

Audience members may recognize the standards the Tappers often dance to: “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Orange Colored Sky” and “Chicago.” 

They’ve performed at Christ the King Sausage Fest, Christmas and Halloween shows, dance competitions and retirement homes.

“What I like the best is when I’m on the stage,” Ammann said.

This year, they’ll perform at fundraiser for the animal shelter on Sept. 7, the Tri-Cities DanceSport of Washington gala on Oct. 12 and the Senior Times Expo on Oct. 15.

Photo by Rachel Visick

Beginner classes

Group members tend to stick with the Tri-City Tappers, but the group loses members over time as people move away or health issues arise.

There’s a need to keep new members coming in, Ammann said. 

Beginners have a chance to do just that with a new introduction to tap class starting Sept. 10. The class is at 1:15 p.m. Tuesdays at 6515 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 230, Kennewick. The group rents studio space at Dance Images West.

Classes run year-round, and dancers can move up to a more advanced class when ready, Ammann said. 

After the first class, one-hour classes cost $15 per class if paid during class, or $13 per class if paid at the beginning of the month. Advanced classes, which are longer, are $15 and must be paid per class. 

“We want it to be affordable and fun,” Ammann said.

Contact: 509-420-4712, carolynewmmann@gmail.com, tricitytappers.com.