1.16.2010

Tappy Tapperton


I have always been under the impression that I can't dance. Why have I felt this way? Because I can't dance. Oh, I took some dance classes growing up and had a few recitals, but my twinkling toes have been dormant for quite some time.

Thursday night we had our first tap rehearsal for the show. At one point I jump out of a cake (how cool is that) and then tap a little number with some other girls while singing, "All I do is dream of you the whole night through!" etc. That afternoon, Mindi went with me to the Dance Works so I could purchase some tap shoes - the first pair I've ever owned. I found these snappy little numbers and thought they would be perfect for the show! Two-tone wing tips? 70% off? Yes please.












Before we get to work on the choreography, the other experienced dancing girls are stretching like gumby dolls and twirling around the room. Me? What am I doing? Breaking a sweat just lacing my shoes. I am placed front and center and we get to work. To my surprise, I'm actually getting it! I'm dancing! I can even wink and smile while my feet are fancy. We worked and worked and finally called it a night at 10:00. It was the best work out ever and it was so much fun!

I left feeling pretty confident, like I could take any dance on because I knew I could learn it - Cut to this morning where I joined some girls for a tap class at the theater. Whoa, what happened? I thought I could do this! No? I was awkward and felt uncoordinated and slow...and I still can't stretch like gumby. I've been humbled. I have a long way to go, but I know I can do this. And believe you me, my toes will twinkle.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

tap is way fun... you will get the hang of it, practice makes perfect. You acting, dancing, theatre.. you must make your mom so proud. Keep it up. Hugs, Jenn

Tayva said...

Oh, sweet Jenn, you're so right! I am proud!--Now, Jewels dear, the 'road' might be a bit uneven, but you've always had all the gear between your head and your toes to be a great dancer. Besides, it would be MUCH harder to teach you to sing and to act (which you already have in spades). You lace up those shoes and hang in there, honey!!!

kateastrophe said...

I think you forget I saw you dance in a recital when we were tiny things. Go BYU Creative Dance! You've always had way more coordination than me and I've taken dance for YEARS. Remember that time you helped me choreograph my final project for a modern dance class? Yeah, you were awesome.

You'll totally get it and you'll be awesome.

Natalie & Chase Gustman said...

i cant wait to see your twinkling toes!

Shawn said...

How fun for you! I still remember when I had to tap in a show that I was in----having taken some dance, but no tap----I was TERRIFIED! But I got it finally and survived---not that I can still do it....

Kim said...

I am so excited to see the play! When is it? I've always wanted to tap. I remember "tapping" for my family on the bathroom floor for hours! I just read Kate's post. I did BYU Creative Dance when I was little. Maybe we were in the same class. Cool huh?