AN: I'm sure some of you are wondering exactly who Sunrise Tapper is. Well, to put it simply, she's my OC, and also pictured as the title image. I created her back in 2020 and made some images of her that I posted on DeviantArt. BTW, my DeviantArt username is MajesticMoose2020 for those who want to check it out and see her. Her story is pretty basic: she's an earth pony living in Ponyville who loves to tap dance. The thought of writing stories featuring her had honestly never really crossed my mind. That is, until my friend GreenWiggle2018 asked me about it, and, well, here I am now. So, without further ado, let's begin the story. Also, for those of you who are wondering when exactly the story takes place, I imagine that it's set some time during the events of Friendship is Magic's ninth and final season.
One morning outside Café Hay, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were sitting at a table waiting for something, specifically for Twilight Sparkle and Spike to arrive.
"What ever is keeping them", Rarity asked, "it's not like Twilight to take so long like this."
"Oh, don't worry about Twi", Applejack said, "she and Spike have just had a lot on their plates lately, what with the Princesses' retirement coming up."
"Applejack's right", Rainbow said, "it's not Twilight's fault she's been too busy to hang out with us."
"She probably doesn't like this any more than we do", Fluttershy said.
"Oh, I know I wouldn't", Pinkie said, "if I was too busy to spend time with you guys all the time, I'd be devastated."
"Look", Applejack said, "here she comes now."
Twilight walked into view with Spike by her side, and the two took a seat at the table with the others.
"Sorry I'm late, you guys", Twilight said, "you know how it is."
"It's okay", Fluttershy said, "at least you're here now."
"And now that you are, let's order some drinks", Pinkie said.
The six ponies and single dragon each ordered a glass of lemonade, with Twilight, Rainbow, and Applejack ordering plain lemonade, Rarity and Spike both ordering blackberry lemonade, Pinkie ordering raspberry lemonade, and Fluttershy ordering peach lemonade, and as the seven friends drank their beverages, Twilight decided to talk about her constant being absent.
"Hey, guys", Twilight said, "I just want to say I'm sorry that I haven't been able to spend time with you these last few days."
"Me too", Spike said.
"It's okay, Twilight", Applejack said.
"No, Applejack, it's not okay", Twilight said, "you guys are my friends, and I've been neglecting you too much."
"Oh, Twilight", Rarity said, "you haven't been neglecting us."
"You've just been doing work that's necessary for you becoming the ruler of Equestria", Fluttershy said, "we get it."
"You should always be a good friend, but it's also important to focus on getting all your work done", Pinkie said.
"I guess so", Twilight said, "but I wish there was a way we could spend more time together."
"I'm sure one of us will think of something", Rainbow said.
"Thanks", Twilight said.
A little later, the Mane Six and Spike were walking along the streets of Ponyville, when they heard a strange tapping noise.
"What's that noise", Twilight asked.
"You hear it too", Rainbow asked, "I thought it was just me."
"It's coming from over there", Fluttershy said.
The seven friends walked over to a building with a glass window at the front, where inside, a female earth pony who was about the same age as the Mane Six with a Hollywood cerise coat, medium spring green mane and tail, and maroon eyes and wearing a pigment green vest and white spats was dancing on the dance floor, with tapping sounds being produced by her shiny, visible black hooves, much to Twilight and the others' amazement.
"Wow, look at her", Pinkie said.
"My word, she's good", Rarity said.
"That's putting it mildly", Twilight said.
Then, the pony looked and noticed the seven friends watching her, and she slipped and fell, much to their surprise, so they decided to go inside and see if she was okay.
"Are you alright", Twilight asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine", the pony said.
"We're so sorry", Fluttershy said, "we didn't mean to startle you."
"It's alright", the pony said, "you just caught be by surprise, that's all."
The pony stood up, and then proceeded to bow down.
"Princess Twilight Sparkle", the pony said, "it's such an honor to have your presence in my studio."
"Uh, thank you", Twilight said, "what's your name?"
"Oh, right", the pony said, "my name is Sunrise Tapper, I'm the owner of this studio."
"It's nice to meet you, Sunrise", Twilight said.
"You too", Sunrise said.
"So, Sunrise", Rainbow said, "you noticed us watching you from the window."
"You're a great tap dancer", Pinkie said.
"Thanks", Sunrise said, "it's how I got my cutie mark."
Sunrise tapped her rear hooves, producing tapping noises, and then showed off her cutie mark, which was a pair of tap shoes.
"You must really love what you do", Fluttershy said.
"Oh, I really do", Sunrise said, "it's so much fun showing off my moves and teaching my students what I know."
It was then that an idea came into Twilight's head.
"Excuse me, Sunrise", Twilight said, "could you excuse us for a second?"
"Of course", Sunrise said.
Twilight got the rest of the Mane Six together to share her idea with them.
"Guys, I just thought of something", Twilight said.
"What is it", Rainbow asked.
"You know how we haven't been spending time together", Twilight asked.
"Yes, why", Rarity asked.
"Well, maybe we could spend time together by taking Sunrise's class", Twilight said.
"Really", Pinkie asked.
"I mean, it does look like fun", Twilight said, "and if Sunrise's skills tell us anything, we'll be learning from the best."
"I have contemplated taking up tap dancing as a hobby in the past", Rarity said.
"And I guess it would be nice to learn how to do another dance besides square dancing", Applejack said.
"I can't wait to make those tippity-tap noises with my hooves", Pinkie said.
"Me neither", Rainbow said, "we'll bring the house down!"
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to give it a try", Fluttershy said.
"Great, it's settled", Twilight said.
The Mane Six separated, and Twilight walked over to Sunrise.
"Sunrise", Twilight said, "do you have any available classes for us to join?"
Sunrise could hardly believe her ears.
"Excuse me", Sunrise asked.
"We'd like you to teach us how to tap dance", Twilight said.
Sunrise suddenly found herself overflowed with excitement.
"Excuse me for a moment", Sunrise said.
Sunrise walked away into a room, let out a squeal of excitement, and then walked back over to Twilight and her friends.
"Yes, I have a class available", Sunrise said, "how does 4:00-5:00 sound?"
"I think I can make that work", Twilight said, "how about the rest of you?"
"Yes, I think I can make that work", Fluttershy said.
"Me too", Rainbow said.
"I should have time to make it once I finish work", Rarity said.
"If I can get my chores done quick enough, I should be able to get here on time", Applejack said.
"Any time's good for me", Pinkie said.
"That's great", Sunrise said, "I'll start making preparations right away."
"Great", Twilight said, "and one more thing."
"What is it", Sunrise asked.
"Don't treat us like we're celebrities in class", Twilight said, "just think of us in the way you would any other student of yours."
"Deal", Sunrise said.
"Well, we're off now", Twilight said, "goodnight."
"You too", Sunrise said.
The friends left Sunrise's studio, all excited about their upcoming class with her.
"This is so exciting", Pinkie said, "we're going to spend time together and learn how to tap dance at the same time!"
"I know", Twilight said, "who could ask for more than that?"
The next day, Twilight arrived at Sunrise's dance studio right on time, with Spike accompanying her.
"Are you sure you don't want to join us, Spike", Twilight asked, "it'll be fun."
"Nah, I'm good", Spike said, "this is more of a thing for you and the girls."
"Alright", Twilight said, "if you say so."
Spike sat down in a chair and began reading a magazine, and Twilight walked over to the rest of the Mane Six, who were waiting for Sunrise to arrive.
"There you are, Twi", Applejack said, "boy, are we glad you could make it."
"I wouldn't miss something like this for the world", Twilight said.
"Wow, that's great, Twilight", Pinkie said.
Then, Sunrise walked into the room.
"Hello, Mane Six", Sunrise said, "I'm so glad you could make it."
"So are we", Fluttershy said.
"I can't tell you how much of an honor it is to be teaching you", Sunrise said.
"Now, Sunrise", Twilight said, "remember what I said about you not treating us like celebrities?"
"Right, sorry", Sunrise said, "anyways, let's begin."
The six ponies all got in line so Sunrise could begin teaching them.
"Now, we're going to start with something basic", Sunrise said, "everypony do as I do."
Sunrise tapped her front right hoof on the ground two times, producing a tapping sound, and the Mane Six did the same, with some of them being surprised when their hooves made similar tapping sounds.
"Whoa", Rainbow said.
"My goodness", Rarity said, "did the rest of you just hear the sound my hoof made?"
"All our hooves made that sound", Applejack said.
"That's right", Sunrise said, "if you listen closely enough, you'll find that your hooves can make amazing noises."
"That's really interesting", Twilight said.
"Thanks", Sunrise said, "now, on with the lesson."
Sunrise continued to teach the Mane Six everything she knew, and although they did mess up a few times, they kept on trying thanks to Sunrise's encouragement, and by the end of the class, they were all able to tap dance with little to no mistakes being made.
"Well done", Sunrise said, "you guys have gotten good."
"We've got a pretty good teacher", Rainbow said.
Sunrise smiled at Rainbow's compliment.
"Well, you've all done pretty good today", Sunrise said, "go home and get some rest."
"Okay", Twilight said, "see you tomorrow."
The Mane Six all left for their homes, and Twilight walked over to Spike, who was still sitting in the chair reading a magazine.
"Spike, it's time to go", Twilight said.
"Coming", Spike said.
Spike closed the magazine and caught up with Twilight.
"It looked like you girls sure had fun today", Spike said.
"You can say that again", Twilight said.
"I had a pretty good time myself checking out those magazines", Spike said, "there was some interesting stuff in them, and check this out."
Spike held up some coupons that were held together by a paperclip.
"Free coupons", Spike said.
"I'm glad to hear you had a good time, Spike", Twilight said, "maybe if you ask, Sunrise will get some more magazines."
"Oh, I sure hope so", Spike said, "it's nice to see what's in them."
Twilight was happy to see that even though Spike wasn't tap dancing with her and the others, he was still enjoying himself.
"Joining Sunrise's class is working out even better than I thought it would", Twilight thought, "even Spike's happy."
Over the next several days, the Mane Six attended Sunrise's class, and she continued to teach them every move she knew, and class by class, they all got better and better, with Spike sometimes being so amazed with their moves that he would stop reading whatever magazine he was reading to watch them, and soon enough, they had all just about become regular tap dancing ponies.
"You guys have gotten so good since you first walked into this studio", Sunrise said, "you started out as beginners, and now, you're starting to become some of the best students I've ever had the pleasure of teaching."
"Sunrise, the pleasure is all ours", Twilight said, "we've all learned so much from you."
"Indeed", Rarity said, "I think I speak for us all when I say that we couldn't have found anyone better to learn how to tap dance from than you."
Sunrise was touched by Rarity's compliment.
"Wow", Sunrise said, "that means a lot."
"Well, it's time we were going now", Twilight said, "see you for our lesson tomorrow."
"You too", Sunrise said.
The next day, Twilight was at Canterlot Castle, where she and Princess Celestia were having a conversation.
"So, Twilight", Celestia said, "how are your friends?"
"They're doing alright", Twilight said.
"That's nice to know", Celestia said, "I know I've probably been keeping you a little busy and not giving you much time to spend time with them."
"It's alright", Twilight said, "I know that there's a lot to be done if I want to take over for you and Princess Luna."
"Yes, indeed", Celestia said, "but I do want to be fair with you."
"Don't worry, we've been making this work", Twilight said.
"You have", Celestia asked, "how?"
"We've been taking tap dancing classes", Twilight asked.
"Tap dancing", Celestia asked, "that sounds interesting."
"We've been taught by a mare named Sunrise Tapper", Twilight said, "she's really good."
Then, Twilight got an idea that involved thanking Sunrise for her lessons.
"Princess Celestia", Twilight said, "may I make a suggestion for an event?"
"What sort of event", Celestia asked.
"A very special one", Twilight said.
Later that day, Twilight arrived at Sunrise's studio, where she and the rest of the Mane Six were waiting for her.
"Twilight, you're just in time", Sunrise said, "let's start the lesson."
"Alright", Twilight said, "but before we do, can I tell you something?"
"Sure", Sunrise said, "what is it?"
"Well, you know how I'm associated with the rulers of Equestria", Twilight asked.
"Yes I do", Sunrise said.
"Well, I pulled a few strings, and I managed to arrange a private performance at Canterlot Castle", Twilight said.
Words could not describe how surprised Sunrise was to hear these news.
"C-Canterlot Castle", Sunrise asked.
"That's right", Twilight said, "I told Princess Celestia how great you are, and she said she'd love to see you in action."
"The Princess wants to see me tap dance", Sunrise asked.
"That's right", Twilight said.
"Excuse me for a moment", Sunrise said.
Sunrise walked out of the room and let out the same excited squeal that she did when she found out that the Mane Six wanted to take her lessons, and then walked back in.
"When's the performance", Sunrise asked.
"Friday evening", Twilight said.
"Then we'd better get started right away", Sunrise said.
"We", Rainbow asked.
"Of course", Sunrise said, "we're doing this together."
"You don't have to have us dance with you", Twilight said.
"Hey, it's the least I can do after what you've done for me", Sunrise said.
"Well, alright", Twilight said, "if you really want us in it."
"Great", Sunrise said, "now, let's get started."
Sunrise and the Mane Six spend the next few days doing stuff like going over moves or putting costumes together, and soon, the night of the performance came, and many residents of Canterlot were gathered together in the ballroom, where the performance was taking places, and sitting at the front of the crowd in what was the VIP section was Celestia and Princess Luna.
"What is so important about this that you had to drag me away from my important matters", Luna asked.
"Your little games can wait, sister", Celestia said, "Twilight told me that this is going to be a great show, and she's never let me down before."
Then, the lights dimmed.
"It's starting", Celestia said.
A spotlight shone on the stage, and Spike walked onto it.
"Welcome, everypony, to tonight's tap dance performance", Spike said, "featuring the talents of Twilight Sparkle and her friends, and the very special mare who taught them everything she knows."
Spike walked off the stage, and the curtains opened, followed by six spotlights shining on the Mane Six, who were all wearing pigment green vests like Sunrise's, and the six ponies began tap dancing, much to the amazement of the crowd, and the impression of Celestia, and after a little while, a hole opened up in the stage, and out from it rose Sunrise, who was wearing a sparkly version of her vest, and she did a solo tap routine, which the audience found impressive, and it even managed to get Luna's attention, and after a while, the Mane Six joined Sunrise in tap dancing, and soon, the seven ponies formed a kickline, and with that, the show was over, and the audience roared with applause, with even Celestia joining in, and Luna was so amazed by the performance that she stood up and cheered.
"Bravo, bravo", Luna said, "wonderful show!"
The seven ponies took a bow as the curtain closed, and a little later, they were all talking to one another.
"Did you see that", Pinkie asked, "they loved it."
"That applause was no lie", Rainbow said.
"You were great, Sunrise", Fluttershy said.
"No, we were great", Sunrise said, "you guys were amazing too, and I couldn't be prouder of you all."
"Why, thank you", Rarity said.
"Yes", a familiar voice said, "you all were wonderful."
The seven ponies looked and saw Celestia walking towards them.
"Princess Celestia", Sunrise said.
Sunrise bowed in respect for Celestia.
"You must be Sunrise Tapper", Celestia said, "Twilight told me all about you and how talented you are at tap dancing."
"She did", Sunrise asked.
"Yes, and it looks like her words were true", Celestia said, "and judging by how amazing she and her friends did, it seems that you're just as good a teacher."
"Wow", Sunrise said, "thank you."
"You're welcome", Celestia said, "and, one more thing."
"What is it", Celestia said.
"Once I retire, I'm going to have lots of free time on my hooves", Celestia said, "and I was considering tap dancing as one of my options to spend it."
Sunrise could hardly believe what Celestia was implying.
"I was wondering", Celestia said, "I mean, if you'd have me..."
"Say no more, Princess", Sunrise said, "if you ever want to learn how to tap, look me up."
"Wonderful", Celestia said, "well, I must be going now."
"Alright", Sunrise said, "goodnight, Princess."
"You too", Celestia said.
Celestia left the room, and Sunrise spoke to Twilight.
"Twilight", Sunrise said, "I just want to say thanks again for getting me this amazing opportunity."
"It's the least I could do after what you've done for me and my friends", Twilight said.
"It was nothing", Sunrise said, "well, I'll see you guys around."
"You too", Twilight said.
Sunrise returned home that night happier than ever because she had become friends with the Mane Six, and because she had gotten the opportunity to meet Princess Celestia after she impressed her with her tap dancing skills.