New Bedford Adults Discover Fun With Tap Dance Classes

It's never too late to try something new.

If you have the itch to take on a new skill or revisit one from your past, try "Tappy Hour," an adults-only tap class in Marion.

"I really truly believe that dance is for everyone. It should be accessible to everyone," instructor Teah Keogh said.

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She's been dancing since the age of two, and over the past few years has developed a love of teaching dance to others, thanks in part to a local opportunity.

"Jody Stevens, who runs the Marion Art Center (known as 'The MAC'), said 'Do you have any interest in teaching adults?'" Keogh said. "And I was like, yeah, we'll try a tap class."

What started as a three-week session has become a weekly favorite.

"People were asking 'Are you going to keep this going? We've been looking for something like this for so long,'" Keogh said.

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The interest in her class quickly took off and numbers grew – so much so that she had to look for more space.

Class Details and Schedule

On Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., adults gather for "Tappy Hour," a class held at SoCo Movement Arts on Pope's Island in New Bedford.

A Class for All Skill Levels

The people in the group range in age from 18 to 80 and the skill level is just as vast.

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"I have women who have never danced a day, and I have people who danced like me growing up and are looking for something now as an adult that isn't intimidating," Keogh said.

Teah Keogh’s Mantra

Keogh starts each class with three rules:

• Be Kind
• Learn Something New
• Have Fun

"It's an hour that people are giving to themselves," she said.

Don't Worry About Tap Shoes

No need to purchase tap shoes, either. Keogh has about 50 pairs on hand for those who don't have the proper footwear.

Plus, she offers modifications throughout the class to make everyone feel comfortable. The space is open to all.

"You just come and you try," Keogh said.

How to Sign Up

If you'd like to try, you can sign up for Tuesday's "Tap Fit" on The MAC's website or Wednesday's "Tappy Hour" class by emailing Keogh directly at TeahKeogh@gmail.com.