Fred Thorpe first starting tap dancing in 1986 after seeing a display while he was setting the stage for a performance of his first love, barn dancing. But he was not impressed with the way tap classes were run with exercises and tests and gave up.

Shortly after, it was when eight square dancers from the Tumbleweed American Square Dance Club wanted a fun spot at their Christmas party, Fred volunteered to teach them how to tap and the Tumbleweed Tappers group was born.

The original eight tappers quickly multiplied to about 35 girls and one man, with classes at Townsend Community Centre in Bournemouth. They performed at five shows, two at the Lighthouse, Poole, and three at the Barrington Theatre in Ferndown.

The reason for its popularity was because the dance group did dances choreographed by Fred with no 'boring' exercises or tests.

"The no leotards rule was supposed to attract male dancers but apart from me there was only one other man. The rule was kept as it was an adult membership, although we did have five juniors for some time", said Fred who is now 91 years old.

It was such a success they were able to run two coaches to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton to see a professional tap dance show. Several close friendships were formed and even today the former dancers still keep in touch. Tumbleweed Taps ran until pressure of work forced Fred's retirement.

Today Fred keeps his mobility by tapping at home and writes comedy sketches. He is also involved in a drama group on Canford Heath who have asked him to take up teaching tap dancing again.

Contact Fred on pfrltd@gmail.com or Echoes.