Lake City Tappers keep dancing, giving

The Lake City Tappers are still dancing.

The troupe celebrated its 22nd anniversary by kicking off Halloween, wearing their “Golden Oldies” costumes during lunch. The Tappers perform for civic events and assisted living centers to various tunes in different costumes.

“We usually have some kind of theme. We do Broadway numbers, and we might do Latin and Japanese-themed routines,” said Lake City Tappers founding member Gloria Delgado. “We do multicultural routines so that we can take advantage of the costume angle.”

The Lake City Tappers were founded in 2004 by Navarre Glassman, whose motto for the troupe was “dancing for charity.” Proceeds are donated to charities that help seniors and children, such as Meals on Wheels and Canopy Village.

“Our life is about giving, not about ourselves,” Le’tana Lickfold said. “There's a lot of people out here in need and they're not going to ask. We can give without being asked."

The other reason these ladies hit the dance floor and boogie-woogie is to encourage other seniors to get up and be physically active.

“That’s our other incentive, just keep living life to the fullest,” Delgado said. “We can’t do flying splits, but we still tap on the floor.”

Lickfold said people at events are really into the Lake City Tappers and their performances.

“When you see that happiness and they're tapping their feet, clapping their hands, they're smiling, that's better than a gift,” she said. “No matter what age you are, you’re able to enjoy the music. It’s good in your soul.”

The troupe ranges in age from 65 to 89. The women find being part of the Tappers is a great way to stay in shape and “keep on trucking.” Their practice sessions are so serious that Lickfold doubted her place in the troupe.

“When I first started everybody was older than I was, and when I went home I said to my husband, ‘I don't think I'm going to be able to keep up with these ladies,’” Lickfold said. “They're all 20 years older than me and I'm dragging my butt."

Today, she says it’s an excellent aerobic exercise. All that effort shows up in their crowd-pleasing routines.

“The day of our performance, it always goes perfect,” Lickfold said.

Inquiries can be made to Delgado by phone at 208-660-4877 or email at [email protected]