Ok, after being gently reminded that I have only two posts on this blog, I have decided to make it my New Years resolution to enter at LEAST 5 a year !
Have not been tapping now for about oh, two weeks which is quite a long time for a tap addict. With Christmas and New Years over and probably an extra 5 pounds put on with an over abundance of shortbread and sugar cookies, its time to get back to it. I feel like blob right now !
Usually there is a mid-year Christmas show put on by Van Tap, but for several reasons it was put off this year, so, we weren't practicing as much as we would have previous years.
However, Heart and Sole, the Monday night performance group I belong to was asked to perform at the Chalmers Lodge seniors center for a little Christmas entertainment. The group usually consists of about 12 of us, but, being the holiday season, only 5 were available.
The challenging thing about this gig was that, due to the small stage area, we had to dance on small circular pieces of board for our floor. Now, these weren't just any pieces of board, they were the pieces used by the tappers during the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics in Feb 2010.
These were about 5 ft in diameter, with big red maple leafs painted on them. I have to say, I was quite excited about just dancing on the same floor that these talented dancers performed on.
The show we did consisted of 4 numbers, BS Chorus danced to the tune of "More" by Bobby Darin, "You Make Me Feel So Young", Shim Sham Shimmy
at the end, and.. something I had never done before, an improv number, no music, just the 5 of us doing our "home" steps. This is done by one person starting a step they like, then the next person, jumping in with one of their steps, but keeping the rhythm, and so on with the rest of us. This was conducted by our choreographer Shelley Stewart-Hunt.
I had practiced this once before with the group, and just did a slow rhythmic cramp-roll as it is quite intimidating at first to do this. It sounded pretty good, so I thought for the show, I would get a little fancier. Well, there is something to be said for keeping it simple, as I started to do fancy, and it definitely was not a fit, Shelley very quietly leaned in and said, "keep it simple" which I did, and it turned out pretty good.
The audience was so responsive to the show, their feet were tappin' they were clapping, swaying and really seemed to be having a good time. I just loved them, I don't think you can find a more appreciative audience. The looks on their faces was all I needed to see, they were happy, engaged, curious, asked questions, present.
I would hit the seniors circuit in a minute !
In 2011 I hope Heart and Sole has many more of these small venue performances, they are such good practice and increase the comfort level of being on stage, which is always a bit nerve racking.
This year I am continuing with Troy McLaughlin's choreography class, doing a very bluesy number called St. Louis Blues by Peter Cincotti. Lovin' this number, but have to say it is the most challenging to date, very fast steps, and a real study in rhythm and beat. Its one of those numbers that if one of is off, you can really hear it, so with 12 of us dancing we all have to be spot on.
Troy has a great easy style of teaching, patient, understanding,and, with a sense of humor. Thank you Troy !
Hopefully I can get some photos posted here soon,
Have a great 2011 !!
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