Ferntree Gully-based tap dancing troupe the Timesteppers, including Glenys By Ed Merrison
A GROUP of local ladies has danced its way into the hearts of hundreds while tapping into a rich source of charity cash.
The Timesteppers are a tap-dancing troupe of roughly 24 ladies aged between their mid-40s and mid-70s.
Each Timesteppers performance features an average cast of 12 surprisingly sprightly tappers decked out in elaborate and even rather saucy costumes designed and made by the group’s members.
The ladies, who generally reside within a 10km radius of Ferntree Gully, meet every Wednesday evening at the Knox Gymnastic Centre to practise routines under the guidance of local instructor Susan Lewis.
“Susan is a gem,” Timesteppers founder Vicki Knight said.
“She has the patience of a saint; teaching oldies is just like teaching little ones!”
The practice is fun in itself, but is also a chance to hone performances that will be taken to retirement villages, nursing homes, RSLs and bowling clubs.
Given their energy, humour and accomplished dancing, it is hardly surprising the Timesteppers are so popular, performing between 20 and 30 shows a year.
“We actually have to knock some of them back, which is awful – we would love to do more.
“Word of mouth has enabled us to be almost booked out already for next year,” Ms Knight said.
Although the group has created so much joy, it was tragedy that initially got them on their feet.
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