By Jeanni Ritchie
The rhythm starts before you even realize it—the shuffle, the tap, the laughter between counts. At the Louisiana Athletic Club, it’s not just about learning steps. It’s about showing up, trying something new, and finding your people along the way.
Several years ago, Debbie Morrison did exactly that.
“Eight years ago, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and join the Tap Class at LAC,” she shared. “I had never tapped before and was very nervous about it. But when I walked in my first class, I knew this was where I needed to be. It wasn’t just a Tap Class. It was a group of very welcoming ladies who embraced and encouraged this first-time tapper!”
That sense of welcome isn’t accidental—it’s the foundation the group was built on.
According to dance teacher Pamela Green, the Tap Queens started nearly two decades ago when a small group of women approached the gym about starting a class. Today, it’s grown into a vibrant community of about 26 women, ranging in age from their 30s to their 80s—with at least five dancers proudly in their eighties.
And they don’t just show up—they show out.
From local events like the Pineville Mardi Gras parade and holiday performances to visits at nursing homes, the group shares their joy well beyond the studio. They also gather outside of class, building friendships that go far deeper than choreography.
“We are a ministry of women,” Green said. “We pray and take care of one another.”
For some, it’s a passion. For others, it’s a mid-day reset. One member owns a yoga studio and still makes time for tap, calling it her favorite. Another slips into class on her lunch break. No experience is required—just a willingness to try.
“Dance is an activity that promotes physical health, mental well-being and a social connection—and it’s a lot of fun!” Green said.
That combination—movement, connection, and joy—is exactly what National Tap Dance Day celebrates each year on May 25. The day honors legendary performer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and the legacy of tap as both an art form and a cultural expression.
But in Central Louisiana, it’s not just something celebrated one day a year.
It’s happening every Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m.—one step, one laugh, and one friendship at a time.
To find out more about joining the Tap Queens, call Louisiana Athletic Club at 318-487-1000. To schedule a Tap Queens performance, call Pamela Green at 318-308-8635.
