A typo? No, it is the proclamation on my license plate. A man I met at the gas station pointed to the plate asking, “What university did you go to?” Hmm. Well, it does come off as a bit of a mystery. I tap dance. That is what I do. I came along in the world of dance quite late. No toddlers venue in the performing arts for me. Rather, I was a sophomore in high school participating as a member of the Modern Dance Club. Fourteen years old and high on the concept of becoming the prima ballerina. If only I had the talent. Well, I had a modicum of skill, and a great deal of enthusiasm. Prima ballerina wasn’t in the cards for me. However, eager and energetic, I became capable and controlled enough to manage routines I learned from my teachers. Even more fun was the joy in choreography. I have earned the praise generated from the fun works my dancers perform.
It was 47 years ago that I was introduced to the 5-6-7-8 of movement. Since my foray into tap I have enjoyed the percussive nature of my favorite dance genre. It is the only dance style that has a day of recognition attached to it — May 25, National Tap Dance Day in honor of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson the famed performer who, among other credits, appeared in many Shirley Temple movies. I have had amazing experiences performing in a variety of venues. It has been said that tap dance is a dying art. If that is so, I hope to give it a transfusion. It is a classic art form and it is mine. IM TAPN.
And don’t stop! May your taps always ring true.
I can only say that to me you are the best–I enjoy watching you put together your choreography–and then the watching you do the dance.