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PAGE A-h.11IE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1998.
1998 HURON PIONEER THRESHER REUNION & HOBBY SHOW
Class act taps its way into audiences' hearts
CLASS ACT
The Classic Tappers will be putting on two shows as featured performers at this year's Huron Pioneer Thresher Reunion
and Hobby Show.
By Allison Lawlor
Citizen staff
They say music keeps them alive.
When they hear the music., this group of
classy ladies Can't help but tap their feet.
They've been entertaining and inspiring
audiences by tapping their way across
southern Ontario for the past seven years.
"I sit here some days and wonder how
did it happen," said Nora Snelgrove, 74-
year-old dancer and choreographer for the
Classic Tappers.
A former professional dancer and
instructor, Snelgrove said the group came
together accidentally, "I was teaching
then; line dancing when they asked me to
teach them how to tap."
The rest is history. Some of the original
24 members in the group have stopped
CONTINUED FROM A-5
something you could pinpoint, but it is a
lot."
The busiest times are April and the first
part of August and October when she is
preparing for the membership and the
annual meetings. Also in August, the
phone starts ringing with inquiries for
dancing due to illness and a few have
passed away. What's surprising is that
these women are still dancing with such
fervor. The group now consists of 17
women all between the ages of 64-79.
The Classic Tappers have performed at
Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto, seniors
centres, nursing homes axl schools from
as far as Windsor to Hamilton.
"Sometimes going to a nursing home is
disturbing because we know we could be
there," said Snelgrove.
But they're not. The group practises
once a week and sometimes performs
three shows in a week. Since the group
was formed they have made over 395
performances. Their show runs for 35
minutes, and the finale is a song and
dance. "It's not as easy as it was seven
years ago," laughed Snelgrove.
Dancing is second nature to Snelgrove.
particulars about the Reunion.
Marian also deals with much of the
publicity.
Though she admits she sees no end in
sight, Marian adds that she would
probably step down when she retires from
nursing. "But I know I will miss the
people. You meet such a wide variety of
people."
at practice, 'I'm tired when I get up but by
the time I get down and hear the music I
am revitalized.' It's been wonderful for
our health," said Snelgrove.
Keeping the Classic Tappers a top act
isn't easy. Snelgrove is responsible for
choosing the music, choreographing the
dances and designing the costumes. She
said although the women wear short skirts
and black nylons she has kept the
Costumes dignified to respect their age.
"My husband named us because he said
you look so classy and dignified you
should call yourselves the Classic
Tappers."
When Snelgrove's husband died a few
years ago she said it was dancing and the
group that helped her get through the pain.
Most of the women in the group have also
lost their husbands.
"We've created a close community. We
celebrate each other's birthdays and do
everything together."
The Classic Tappers all volunteer their
time. They are not paid for their
performances but do accept donations for'
charities.
"We've brought a lot of happiness to a
lot of people," said Snelgrove.
Watch these classy ladies tap up a storm
at this year's 37th annual Huron Pioneer
Thresher Reunion & Hobby Show. The
Classic Tappers will be performing twice
on Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
She's been doing it all her life. During the
war she danced with London Little
Theatre Troop and later went on to teach
in small towns near London. Despite her
age Snelgrove said she continues to dance
every day.
"A lady in our group said to me one day
Secretary not ready
to call it quits yet