Southern Strutt Recital (05-15-10)

Last summer, Adam's sister Taylor mentioned that she wanted to enroll in the adult tap class at Southern Strutt in the fall. When she asked me if I would like to do it with her I was immediately apprehensive. I have never taken a tap, jazz, or ballet class in my life. She assured me that although she has taken seven years of tap throughout her life this was a beginners class. So I decided I would give it a whirl. I took a deep breath and bought a pair of $90 tap shoes (the only one's I could find on short notice).

The first class was quite interesting and a bit overwhelming. We were greeted by a very enthusiastic dance teacher, Alton. He explained the class would be taught at an intermediate level of three and four according to the American Dance Association. You can imagine me standing there in my non-refundable expensive shoes reconsidering my most recent purchase.

The next week of class, Alton looks at me and says (and I am quoting) "SHUT UP...You came back?!?" and THAT was the beginning of my tap career.
Tap started in September and lasted until the recital in May. You can imagine that I provided a lot of comic relief throughout the weekly classes.

The Tap Recital really became like a mountain I was determined to climb but I would be consumed with anxiety at each mention of the May 15th date. When the day finally arrived, I was so glad to have Taylor right by my side.

I promise I was actually in the front at some point in the dance.

The class started out with about sixteen and we ended up with nine by the end of the year. It was quite a diverse and neat group of women.

Alton and I...

This is right before we went on stage...

There were over 1000 people at the recital which took place at The Koger Center.

Leigh and I

Alton and Taylor...

My amazing sister drove all the way down from Charlotte for the recital. It was quite a special gift. My dad was out of town but my mom was able to come too.
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After the recital we went to California Dreaming.

Ed and Cyndi were in Las Vegas for the weekend so they sent these beautiful flowers for good luck.

I think as adults we rarely do things that take us completely out of our comfort zone. It was such a challenge for me but produced an overwhelming feeling of pride at its culmination. I was definately not the best tap dancer in the class and I will never be but to do something that you know you aren't going to be great at is difficult at any age but especially as an adult. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Thank you, Taylor, for experiencing this with me. This experience certainly produced many memories that I will not soon forget.