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One of the most popular dance classes offered by the Dance Troupe is tap. These fast-paced classes provide a lot of exercise while being fun and the performances at our concerts are always a hit. But where did this type of dance originate? Tap originated in the United States as a fusion of several percussive dances, mostly African tribal dance and Scottish, Irish and English clog dances, hornpipes and jigs. When the African slaves were brought to America, they brought a type of rhythmic dancing that kept them in touch with their roots. When their slave masters took away their instruments, they compensated by adding either wooden soles or nailed pieces of metal to their shoes so that they could tap out the rhythms. Through the years, in cities where many cultures lived in close proximity, such as New York and Philadelphia, the African rhythms mixed with Irish folk dance and clogging to become a street dance known as buck and wing. By the late 1800s, people met on street corners to watch as the best competed and this early form of tap became popular in minstrel shows. By the 1920s tap dancing as we know it was popular in vaudeville shows, and nightclubs. Stars like Shirley Temple, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly brought the dance to the movies. Tap allowed black artists like Bill Robinson and the Nicholas Brothers to break the era's color barrier because of their talent. Dance studios added tap to their classes, and young and old enjoyed the fun. By the 1950s, tap was losing popularity, but still remained a staple of variety shows in Las Vegas and dance studios. In the last two decades of the 1900s, tap was revived by dancers like Gregory Hines and Savion Glover. Broadway shows, including 42nd Street, Tap, The Tap Dance Kid and Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk, were shown on Broadway. Tap might not be as popular as it was in its prime, but it continues to evolve. And, as long as it continues to combine great exercise with the joy of movement, it will continue to be a staple with the Dance Troupe. | OHCC LIVING | MARCH 2021 | 15 Ocean Hills Dance Troupe Village Squares Square Dance—A Love Story When my husband Gene and I moved here in September 2001, we set about exploring. We wandered down to the Clubhouse and opened the doors to Abravanel Hall, where we happened upon the Wednesday night square dance. We were shanghaied into a square, assured that they would just help us along (which meant mainly gentle pushing and pulling). We had learned some basic moves many years earlier and found this group to be so friendly, welcoming, and encouraging that we decided to take the class starting in January. We graduated the fall of 2002, and were absolutely hooked! We continued to attend the Tuesday classes, now helping other newcomers, and all the Wednesday dances, a pattern we continued, branching out also into other clubs, meeting even more friendly people. When Gene and I were asked to be vice presidents in 2004, we gladly accepted, becoming presidents in 2005. Tuesday classes and Wednesday dances were bright spots in our lives here, and the square dancers became family, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and holding special dances where we invited members from nearby clubs. Our dance floor became a favorite spot for other clubs, and our decorations and food we served became legendary. Our Halloween dances saw 10 or 11 squares on the floor. After Gene died in 2010, I partnered with Lyle Bergeson, a good friend. He and Clarice Magnusen were elected co-presidents in 2011, but upon her passing, I volunteered to serve as co-president. My heart belonged to square dance! Lyle and I were asked to again take the presidency for 2017, and we were happy to do so. When Lyle died suddenly from a stroke, Charline Kenney, having previously been president twice, agreed to serve with me. Square dance has been home to me. I look forward to each Tuesday and Wednesday. The people are welcoming, caring individuals, and we enjoy being together. It is a club where both the body and the mind are challenged, helping us all to lead an active lifestyle. I miss it and look forward to being in a square once again! ~ Valerie Thompson Gene and Valerie Valerie and Lyle

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