Tapping together

SUN CITY – The tradition of tap dancing has strong roots linked with the coming of blues and jazz music nearing the 20th century. While starting off as a natural tap to the beat, it ended up being a rhythm dance allowing the dancers to create music with their feet.

Although tap dancing’s popularity has waned since its golden years, many continue to take on the challenge it brings.

Mary Lou Kroll (left) and her daughter, Judi Kroll Llapitan (right), are dance
partners who say students any age can enjoy the benefits of tap dancing. (Christa Knight | Sun Day Photo)

Sun City has a group of tap dancing women called the Huntley Hoofers. There are multiple skill levels and anyone can join.

About five years ago, Mary Lou Kroll and her daughter Judi Kroll Llapitan, moved to Sun City. They saw there was a tap dancing class and decided they had to join.

“I had always wanted to do tap dancing growing up, but the classes were just so expensive,” Mary said. “The classes held at Del Webb’s Sun City [are] only $2 per class. You can’t beat that.”

When they first began, Mary and Judi were the first mother/daughter team. As time moved on, Judi moved up a couple of levels, but the two are still able to practice together, especially now that they will shortly be living together.

There are many benefits to joining tap dancing, and age should not hold you back, Mary said.

“It’s a way to express yourself and have a lot of fun. It’s also great exercise,” she said.

With help and guidance from their experienced teacher, they are able to work into the necessary steps to put on a great show. The Huntley Hoofers perform once a year at Sun City’s Drendel Hall.

For men, there is a class called Huntley Hunks. Mary and Judy said that many of the women in the Huntley Hoofers are hoping to one day collaborate with the Hunks.

Though joining a new group can be intimidating, this mother and daughter duo believes tap dance is something anyone can do.

“Just do it,” Judi said. “What have you got to lose? Even if you’re not much of a dancer, the instructor will take the time to show you everything you need to know.”

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