Tracy Rose
Tracy started performing at age 5 and hasn't stopped singing and dancing since.
Her first entertainment job was in a show at Busch Gardens in Tampa, FL. Getting paid to sing and dance was a dream come true, but even better, she met her husband of 40 years through a coworker.
Fast forward a few decades or so where raising children and working were top priority. Tracy found "Taptastics" and has been dancing and
making friendships with this beautiful and talented group of women.
Tracy is blessed with two daughters and five grandchildren.
Cammy
Originally from a suburb north of Chicago, Cammy is an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.
She began studying dance in middle school and continued through college. She performed in theatre productions for over 20 years and choreographed multiple shows. While she has studied various forms of dance, tap has always been her favorite.
She is so happy to be taking tap again as an adult, as it brings her so much joy.
She is a former high school Spanish teacher who spent 15 years in the classroom and another three years online. She is currently a stay at home mom and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.
Jeanette Whalen - Founder and Leader
Jeanette's dance journey began as an adult student, discovering a passion for tap dance that quickly became a significant part of her life. After dedicating herself to learning the art form, she was invited to teach at a studio in New York and later again after relocating to North Carolina.
With a professional background in nursing, education and service has always been at the heart of what she does. She completed 4 tap teacher training courses in order to become a stronger and more effective tap teacher.
Since 2015, she has proudly managed a tap performance troupe to help dancers share their talents with audiences throughout the community. One of the most rewarding aspects is bringing entertainment and joy to people who are no longer able to attend live performances on their own.
Watching audiences connect with the music and energy of dance is truly special. In fact, she is not sure who enjoys the performances more- the audience or the dancers!
Sandy Dolnansky
Sandy is from New York and has been living in NC for exactly 5 years. She was an independent small retailer for 30 years. Then she went into real estate and was a broker for 12 years. She has been a teacher of Israeli Folk Dancing for the past 15 years.
Kerry Dallin
Kerry Dallin is a former professional musical theatre performer with experience touring, cruising, and working in regional productions. Originally from Long Island, NY, she now lives in Wake Forest with her family, where she teaches dance, works in real estate, runs a sewing business selling handmade items at Southern Suds and Gifts, and creates costumes for Wake Forest Youth Ballet.
Katie Baugh
Katie grew up dancing in a small town in Pennsylvania that most people don't know exists. She has studied all sorts of different styles of dance from ballet to latin ballroom but tap was the first one she tried. As a SAHM mom of 4 active kids, she is thrilled that she still gets to perform her passion regulary with the Taptastics! She lives in Wake Forest with her husband, four children and one gecko! In addition to dance and being Mom, she is an entrepreneur, loves making unique cakes and baked goods and being in the sun!
Janis Pyburn
Janis grew up on Staten Island, New York, where she trained in dance for 15 years and spent six years teaching. During her time in New York, she had the honor of performing as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall.
After relocating to North Carolina with her husband, Janis dedicated many years to raising her family. She later rediscovered her passion for dance when she joined “The Taptastics.” Stepping back into her tap shoes reignited her love for performing.
Today, Janis enjoys sharing her talent by performing with the troupe. She finds it deeply rewarding to combine her lifelong love of tap dancing with the opportunity to make others smile.
Patricia Berman
Patricia was a physical education instructor for 50 years. She started tapping at 60 years old and has been at it for 15 years. She has two adult daughters and two wonderful grandchildren.
Gail Turner
Gail is originally from Chicago, and still catches a Cubs game whenever she can! She retired after 30 years in education, the last 16 as an elementary principal. She and her husband have four children and nine grandchildren, all in North Carolina.
Gail started dancing at age three, and has no plans to stop. Jazz was always her favorite, until she started tapping at age 71. Now she is obsessed!
She is thrilled to be dancing with the Taptastics, and helping to bring joy to their audiences. Many thanks to Jeanette, our tireless and talented troupe leader, for the opportunity!