Resident Lenore Spencer is One of the Dance Group March 4, 2004 Tapping through the senior years Going strong for decades BY RACHEL J. TROTTER Standard-Examiner correspondent OGDEN Some area senior citizens aren't taking their senior years lying down. Instead, they've decided to dance their way through their twilight years and are having lots of fun doing it. Grace's Golden Tappers range in age from early 60s to mid 80s. The group has been going strong for the last 20 years. They practice at least twice a week and perform whenever they can. Grace Walling started the group before she was "officially" a senior citizen more than 20 years ago. It began in the Golden Hours Senior Center on 25th Street in Ogden. Now in her 70s, she is still as strong as ever and has a full group of tappers. "We dance for two hours straight every Tuesday and Thursday. It's great for our mind and body," Walling said. Golden Hours has another tapping group that practices on Mondays and Wednesdays also. For no cost, the ladies can come and dance their hearts out, but most agree one of the best parts are the performances, many of which are in retirement homes. Instructor Grace Walling leads Grace's Golden Tappers during practice at the Golden Hours Senior Center. "Performing in the retirement homes is the best," said Brigham City resident, Karleen Bywater. "What a joy it is to see their eyes sparkling." One of the oldest members of the group, 83-year-old Mary Dowell enjoys performing for other seniors as well. "I think they like to see other seniors getting out and doing things," Dowell said. For her, tapping is one of the highlights of her week. She had never done much dancing and enjoys the exercise and the camaraderie she shares with the other ladies. "I suppose I'll keep doing this as long as I can kick my feet," Dowell joked. She said the success of the group can be credited to Walling. "She deserves a lot of credit and praise," Dowell said of Walling. Walling sews the costumes the group wears to perform and comes up with the dance