Eye of the Tiger!

Eye of the Tiger is a song by the band Survivor.. and it looks like the beginning tap class IS going to survive! (wow... now THAT is how you do a lead in, folks. My goodness, that was amazing) I'm very happy my friend/sister/pal/not-really-sister has finally been able to make it back to class. Just as much, too, I'm happy that other people have joined - I hope they stick around, because I'm enjoy going over the basics again. I'm not some pro or anything, and I think the fact that I was the only one coming over all of these months, distracted the teacher a little into hoping I was better than I was. Besides, Lu and even the new students will catch up to where I'm at in no time I'm sure... so I'll still have to keep practicing :)

My Greatest Challenge

In the months that I've been taking lessons, a couple of things have popped up that I still haven't conquered: I still hold my breath, my feet are still filled with lead, and that Buffalo shuffle is my greatest enemy. These challenges are nothing compared to my new foe - spinning.

I have become lightheaded from time to time because of the breath holding, and standing up too quickly, but this is something new. This past Wednesday we started practicing a new step that involves one spin at the end. I just can't do it. I got sick a few years ago, and ever since that time, it seems as if I get dizzy much easier than I ever used to. I know strong illness can cause permanent damage like that, but my body is also a smorgasbord of physical/medical mysteries - so there could be many explanations for my now being prone to dizziness. Back to the dancing, though... I tried. I also tried the dancer's trick of spotting (keeping focus on one object as you spin your body), but still no luck. I've tried practicing at home, but I hate trying to practice spinning now because if I'm not successful (and I haven't been so far), I get a little dizzy and I feel screwy for hours afterward.

I called this my greatest challenge, because while it seems like it will be impossible to conquer - it's still possible, and hence the label of challenge. Haha, this is where tap will stop being fun for a little while - as I try to get a handle on spinning. Stupid inner ear ;)

Hark, What's This?

There are rumblings of my friend's possible return to the class - I hope it comes true. I know she loves it, and I loved having her in it... so with all of this love abounding, it'd be great to see her join back up.

I Dance Alone

Haha, well - it finally happened. Since the class started, it's been small, and over time it has fluctuated in attendance - twice dwindling to just me and one other student with the teacher. Tonight, however, it was simply a duo of teacher-student... me and her. A younger Mark, not yet sure of himself or confident in who he was, would've hated it - but it was no big deal. In fact, she graciously stayed the full hour (technically, if there are 2 students or fewer, she only gets paid for 30 mins). It was fun, too - I had a private lesson for far, far less than it would normally cost. There are pros and cons to it, and it was interesting to discover that. Obviously, I'm the only one, so when I screw up or fall behind on something, the teacher adjusts to that. In a group, I can naturally be lost sometimes (although, I've come to be one of the better tappers in the class, simply because of how much time I've put in). Anyone who knows me, knows full well that I'm much more talkative one on one with someone. Once even just one other person shows up, I'm much quieter. I do enjoy the camaraderie of the group, though, so I look forward to their return. The teacher said in January a few others will be joining in permanently (the current roster has ladies who are musicians - which is why they miss class), and that'll be cool.

As far as the tapping goes, I'm ever improving. Speed is still my enemy. I know the steps perfectly, that comes from practice - but up the tempo beyond my limits and all of a sudden a become a retard in rollerskates walking a tightrope. Even still, though... I'm even improving my speed. I can do flaps across the room at a pretty quick speed like nobody's business, which is quite a feat if you've seen the first video I posted ;)

Ever-improving

I'm doing very well! It's been nearly a couple of months now, and I'm the only one who has showed up for every class - and I think it's showing. Add the fact that I practice a few times a week to keep it fresh, and I'm getting better all the time (can't help but think of the Beatles' song whenever I say that). I've noticed that my speed is really improving. I do much better when I'm on my own because I can set my own tempo, and I'm more relaxed of course, but even in class... it seems that I am doubling my ability every week. Haha, of course, to see how I started, that's not saying too much ;)

In the last class, for the first time, I impressed the teacher. She can obviously tap me under the table tenfold, but I'm dedicating a good amount of time to this, and she noticed. She even said, "Good job, you must practice." So, at least I know it's not my own deluded mind only THINKING that I'm getting better :)

Well, let's not get CRAZY...

I was under a false impression. I know, I know, I thought I was perfect too... it's a harsh realization. As I believed, I was taking a beginning tap dance class that lasted for 4 weeks, which could then be followed by an intermediate tap dance class for another 4 week session. I'm taking lessons at an actual dance studio, however I thought this was just a community service they did. As I found out last night, however, this was merely a trial 4 weeks in what would normally be a full year course. So, with my trusty dance partner, I will now be going taking lessons every Wednesday night through June! When I found out that they actually offered a full class, and not just these short trial versions, I was really happy about it. Secretly, I'd been thinking, "Ok, so after I'm doing with these 8 weeks... then what?" I wasn't sure if I'd just practice on my own once a week and hopefully get better, or what I'd do next... but now I know :) It's a little pricey for me now, because I'll be loading up on classes to try and transfer this fall so I won't be working much, but I'll make it happen. I've really enjoyed it, and even though I may have talked about preferring another teacher in my last blog... knowing that I can continue on in a true beginning class for the rest of the year makes me a very happy boy.

And yes... I'm STILL straight ;)

My Right Foot Doesn't Work

Since I started, this right foot/leg of mine has been a troublemaker, and I have no idea why. At first, when trying to shuffle with my right foot, I often was just hitting the ground once. Haha, with a heavy thud, my foot would go down once, but not hit the second time. After awhile, though, I become so aware of this, that I started pulling back too much, and instead of a loud thud, I wasn't hitting the ground at all. Now, I'm doing both. Sometimes I hit with a single thud and sometimes not at all. Shenanigans, I tell you! I'm working on it, even if it means starting the rhythm slow and then getting up to speed for the sake of my retarded right foot.