Claire Dunigan, of the Village of Fernandina, appears to mean more than just a few sessions when she says she’s been tap dancing all her life. She was on stage with her sister at the age of four, with her mother accompanying them on the piano. Claire entertained audiences in the town hall’s amateur hour with jazz, ragtime and everything in between throughout the 1930s. Throughout high school and while raising her children, she continued to tap dance. She is especially notable for continuing to practice as she approaches her 95th year.
Dunigan simply stated, “I just have music in me,” when asked why she was motivated to follow the hobby for almost nine decades.
Dunigan was schooled by a mother who had a ballroom dancing experience as well as “a lot of music in her.” Dunigan was taught to find her own rhythm and have fun while doing so. She is a multi-instrumentalist who can play the piano, guitar and violin, and she has devoted her career to instilling a love of music in young children.
Dunigan was a teacher who founded The Bush Chorus, a singing organization for children with special needs. She accompanied the children on a tour of Delaware, where they performed for the masses and met a number of well-known musicians.
Claire’s daughter, Amy Dunigan, who resides in the neighborhood, said her mother’s work with The Bush Chorus was exceptional, and that it was one of the reasons why everyone who encounters Claire adores her.
“It made me so proud that she was able to inspire these children the way she did,” Amy said. “They took cues from her because she had much enthusiasm, and they wanted to perform well for her. It was a beautiful thing, and the parents were so thankful to my mother for allowing their children to be part of it.”
Claire stated that she adores all children, but has a special fondness for those whom she can assist. She explained that many of the kids had no idea they could sing, so bringing her musical skills to assist them to achieve their goals benefited both them and her.
Claire went on to appear in 30 shows with The Brandywiners at Longwood Gardens, including “My Fair Lady” and “No, No, Nanette,” and even got to dance in one of actor Ruby Keeler’s costumes.
Amy is presently teaching her tap dance. She is also the first to dance with Amy’s husband’s band and the last to go.
“It feels great and very natural. I don’t even have to try hard,” Claire commented of her propensity to be so energetic in her nineties. “If there’s music, I’ll dance.”