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Tap Dance: I really like the shoes, but ...

1/21/2020

4 Comments

 
Tap Shoes with words: I really like the shoes

Is it time to shuffle off?
I started tap dance lessons last fall, and I’m not sure I want to continue. I do love the shoes, but the lessons? I'm frustrated. The decision now is, how do I move forward? Will I move forward?

Starting a new hobby is an exciting adventure. But it can also be rife with doubt, confusion, and questions.

• What does it cost to get started?
• Are you willing (or able) to make the investment?
• Can (and will) you commit the time it will take to master, create, or perform whatever it is?

And what about that learning curve? Is it relatively low? If it’s steep, will you be able to push through the frustration of being a beginner?

I never dreamed of being a tap dancer, so I was surprised when the listing for “Tap Dance: Beginner” caught my eye. The schedule was good (Saturday mornings from 10:00 - 11:00), and the price was reasonable: $12/lesson for drop-in, less if you sign up for the full eight week session. And shoes. Prices start at $25, though for beginners in the class I was starting, smooth-soled shoes are acceptable.

But I wanted the shoes.

It took three orders on Amazon to get a pair that fit properly and I was ready.

I was dizzy after the first class, excited after the second, and felt doubt creeping in after the third. The fourth was the best. We learned some new steps and the routine at the end brought things together nicely. I felt like I was starting to get it.

And then there was the fifth class.

We start each class with warm-up exercises, a review of steps we’ve already learned, and the introduction of new steps. The second half hour is when it all comes together in a short routine. Or should.

It was tough. The routine was too complex for this beginner. I couldn’t remember the order of the steps, I missed the beat (more than once), and found myself making simple steps just to stay in line with the other dancers. I was discouraged.

And the next class wasn’t much better. Or the next.

So I'm asking myself, "Is tap dance right for me?" I don’t know.

What I do know is that I'm not alone. Starting a new hobby can be frustrating. When things get tough, do we stick it out, or let it go?

The answer, I think, can only be found by asking ourselves the right questions.

Questions like:
Do you have the right tools?
The right teacher?
Have you done the prep or practice that’s required to improve?
Do you care about this enough to keep going?
Is there something else you’d rather be doing?
Is it worth another try?

Is tap dance for me? I don’t know.

I'm trying to answer the questions honestly. Am I practicing enough between classes? No. Is it worth another try? Yes.

I'm not sure if I'm in the right class, so I’ve decided to look for another. I’m also looking at online lessons to boost my practice because I’m not ready to give up.

I really like the shoes.
4 Comments
Sandy link
4/1/2020 03:39:52 pm

Hi Chrissy,
Well I am a mom of a dancer, Rachel, who did Jazz, Ballet and Hip Hop for 13 years. At the recitals, Kevin and I always admired tap! I supported Rach through her dance journey because the classes were next door at The Tannery, so convenient. I saw the hours of practice, the individual and group effort and the tireless teaching. Their bodies were young and they had a lot of energy. At one point, Rachel and I went with the group to NYC. They took a master class or two, and we saw a chorus line. After that, I was super motivated for Rach. She was all of 12. I said, you need to take this class and that and she stated, “I don’t want to be a Broadway dancer!” Haha! Kevin and I took up Tennis as adults as a sport as we wanted to have something to play together. We took many lessons, practiced and then both got injured. But I love to dance now! I started very late in life with Zumba and I am now totally addicted. The routines are easy to learn. I have tried a traditional adult style class and it was HARD. The other thing I will share is my experience with Taking art classes. I have had wonderful experiences, but also sometimes it’s just not the right class. Either the class was over my head, or the teacher and I didn’t connect or whatever. So I think you should try another tap teacher or class. Sometimes as adults we are expected to catch on to something so quickly, when what we really need is the basics. And we need to be patient with ourselves. And we need a teacher that helps and motivates us!

Reply
Chrissy link
4/2/2020 09:23:09 am

Hi Sandy!

You're absolutely right, we need a teacher that motivates us. I do want to keep going with tap. It's important to know the difference between a class that's hard vs. a class that's just not a good fit. And like Rachel, we need know why we're doing what we're doing. Smart kid.

Reply
Elise
4/5/2020 02:54:28 pm

I loved my tap shoes so much I wore them at my wedding! As a youngster tap was THE BEST. I sometimes wonder though whether it (along with may stoutness) contributed to my knee issues in 3rd grade. Fast forward to retirement...if you know anyone who has gently used size 7.5 shoes, let me know! Our cement garage floor looks about right for a little shuffle-hop-step! TAP ON!
PS Trying a gentler class and taking it on as fun not work sounds like a great idea.

Reply
Chrissy link
4/6/2020 05:18:58 am

Hi Elise,

Tap shoes at your wedding ... what a fabulous idea! I would wear mine all the time if I could.

Good to know tap shoes, size 7.5, are on the market ... unless YOU change your mind.

Reply



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