The Tellico Tappers, an award-winning adult dance group, perform and entertain audiences throughout the greater Knoxville Area.  The group originated in the retirement community of Tellico Village in 1993 when retired dance teacher, Marilynn McKenna, invited several women to tap with her as a form of exercise. The group has now expanded to include women from many areas of Knoxville and is affiliated with the Academy of Dance Arts in Lenoir City, Tennessee.  As the group developed, the Tappers became closely involved with their community and began to perform regularly for nursing and assisted living facilities, local fund raisers and charity events.  Their reputation and popularity has increased.

In 2006 they received a Platinum Award at the Dance Masters of of America competition and have recently expanded their venue to include such events as the Honda Hoot, The Dogwood Arts Luncheon at the Knoxville Museum of Art, Senior Day at the Knoxville Zoo, the City of Knoxville's 4th of July celebration, and the Covenant Senior Health Awards Celebration, Musical Mondays at the Tennessee Theater.

The Tappers share an incredible love of dancing and the desire to share this joy with others.

The dancers are in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s!  Many danced when they were children, others started as adults.  They meet four hours each week for lessons and to prepare for upcoming performances.  It is time intensive and a big commitment.  Like other women, they have busy lives and choose to fit dance in among their other commitments. 

They are proud of their level of fitness and how hard they work to maintain and improve upon their abilities as dancers!