I (Gina) am learning how to tap! Growing up, I was pretty obsessed with ballet (not to mention dance classes are expensive, so I had to choose my favorite genre) and therefore never did much with jazz or tap dancing. Lately I have wanted to branch out a bit-- mostly because I have always thought it would be fun, and also because many dance companies in the area require their dancers be adept at many disciplines. So, I actually bought my very own pair of tap shoes and ventured into the world of very-not-ballet.
It was interesting to feel like a "beginner" again in a dance studio. I have been dancing, ballet that is, since I was seven (you do the math). So to feel as if I have no idea what is going on is not a normal thing for me. But it was fun! It uses a different part of my brain than ballet. Instead of using the positions I know and drawing on the knowledge I have accrued over many years I had to relax my ankles and concentrate on the rhythm of the several steps we practiced (the time step, the Shirley Temple, etc). The teacher and other students were very patient with me and helped me along with some of the basics. I walked out of there humbled, yet also with new knowledge! I am excited to continue my improvement in this very fun and DIFFERENT type of dance.
2 comments:
THat's the difference between a dancer and a nondancer. A dancer can walk out of their first tap class and be able to do a time step. A nondancer - not so much. It took me at least a FEW lessons (weeks) before I was doing a time step. Lol! Keep up the good work. Tap is fun!
I love the music you can make with your feet through tap dancing. I've never tried it but have the utmost respect for people who can move their feet in a rhythmic way! I recently saw part of "Singing in the Rain" and was absolutely blown away by the skills of those dancers! I hope you keep enjoying it...
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