HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Every other Monday night in Hopkinsville, a friendly group of aspiring dancers tap their hearts away inside a brewery. In a refreshingly laid-back setting, adults who have always wanted to try their hand at tap are led by Taylor Duke, who hopes to inspire another generation of dancers.
Duke started Tapping with Taylor earlier this fall and has already curated a fun group of regulars of various skill levels ranging from beginners to previous performers. She told Christian County Now that the idea initially stemmed from a joke, with her ultimately deciding to take a chance on teaching adults. “To me dancing just feels second nature. I just want to share it and talk about it so I might as well do it in a class setting,” said Duke.
As the friendly chatter and catch ups among friends quieted as class kicked off, Duke began with basic warmups. The environment is fun yet focused with the frequent sounds of laughter and taps clicking across the back room of Hopkinsville Brewing Company. She explained that learning basics like shifting weight and movement will lay a good foundation for whatever they are looking to get out of the class.
“It’s something fun that you can practice underneath your desk, or you hear a song, and you just start moving your feet,” said Duke. “There is inspiration everywhere.”
When she first moved to Hopkinsville, her first job was at Hopkinsville Brewing Company. Since it held a special place in her heart, she felt it was the perfect place to hold her class. Duke plans on maintaining a welcoming, judgment free space, and is inspired by the growing focus on arts in the city.
“This space has allowed me to connect with others and I want this tap class to be the same way,” said Duke. “There’s no judgement, you don’t have to have the tap shoes, you can literally tap in sandals.”
Classes are every other Monday from 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. at Hopkinsville Brewing Company. No registration is required, with each class open to adults at $5 each. There are two more classes this year on Dec. 2 and Dec. 16.
DOWNLOAD THE APP: Sign up for our free Christian County Now app