In 1997, Vicki Grubic Riordan created
the Tap Pups dance program with just 17 women and men in
a complete beginner class. Since then, Vicki’s Tap Pups,
based in Harrisburg, PA, has grown into America’s
largest adult tap group with dancers ranging in ages
from 21 to 89. The Tap Pups program consists of 3
levels – Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced and has a
current average age of 60.
What started out as a simple tap
class in a recreation township program has turned into a
true community where men and women of all sizes, ages
and personalities come together to laugh, exercise and
most importantly, tap. The program’s core is Vicki’s
Tap Pups Studio & Cultural Center, located in Lemoyne,
PA and stems out to various locations around Central PA
led by Vicki-certified instructors. There is a location
and level for ALL tappers, whether you want to make your
very first tap sound or you have years of tap
experience. Vicki’s Tap Pups is not only about learning
how to dance but also -- just as importantly -- about
learning from the camaraderie and community of everyone
in the class. Concentrating solely on adults just felt
right for Vicki as she has defined her overall
philosophy of Happiness Through Tap, which mixes a
unique blend of serious technique with everyday life
experiences. The Tap Pups are a close-knit community.
As each new Tap Pup comes into the program, he or she
learns the same routines and choreography that many of
the members have learned as they moved through the
program. Vicki’s classic-style-choreography is the
strongest link among all three levels.
The
Tap Pups often meet for Tap Jam Sessions, social
gatherings and take group trips to see local theater and
Broadway shows, and every year all levels come together
for an Annual Spring Show that serves as an opportunity
for them to give back to their community. Since 2006,
Vicki’s Tap Pups have and will continue to raise
awareness of and funds for the YWCA of Greater
Harrisburg’s Domestic Violence Shelter helping single
mothers and their children reach a level of happiness,
just as it’s members have reached together through tap.
A
month after Vicki started the first adult tap class
in 1997, her son Brian, took her to see the
Philadelphia production of "Tap Dogs," an Australian
men's tap group. Vicki was instantly taken with them
and talked incessantly about the group to her class.
After their first year together, the original 17
realized that they probably weren't Tap Dogs status
"yet," so the class members presented Vicki with a
T-shirt with what they thought was to be the next
best thing, "Vicki's Tap Pups." Needless to say, the
name stuck.
All levels and classes: Grab your black-and-whites and
get ready for the quarterly Tap Jam Session at
Champions! Socialize, eat, drink and most importantly
tap with Tap Pups from all class locations and levels.
Tap Jam Sessions are a fun way to see what each level
is working on and you can most definitely count on
picking up a new step or some great pointers from the
instructors or other Tap Pups.
