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Dance It Forward
Posted in Musings at 12:41 PM on August 5, 2010

Yesterday I witnessed “The Magic of Dance” at it’s best. There was no carefully constructed scenery, no glistening backdrops, no stage lights gelled in pink or lavender. The stage was only 9’ x 9’ and the audience sat in a variety of chairs pulled into uneven rows. The music played on a boom box that wasn’t quite loud enough to fill the room, and the program lasted less than half an hour. But the magic was there, and it was amazing.

Several weeks ago I’d received an email from Sandra, an intern at a local retirement home. A recent U of I graduate, she had taught four weeks of tap class to several residents, and they wanted to “put on a show” as a culmination of their session. Some of the students had tapped before, but some were first-timers. As a highlight to the program, Sandra wanted some local tap dancers to perform so the audience could see what proficient tappers can do.
Performing in a retirement home evidently didn’t catch the imagination of nearly all the studios Sandra had contacted. We were the only one interested, and it was a gift. Nick and John, dressed in their custom-fit dark blue suits, slick black fedoras, and broad smiles, executed their tricky moves like the pre-professionals they’ve become. Debonair and suave, they tapped, riffled, and articulated their moves like masters, injecting charm and comedy throughout their performance. They were great!
Elderly audiences are among the best—so appreciative and joyful—and Nick and John received a response beyond enthusiastic! Many of the residents came over after the performance to offer personal congratulations to “our guys,” and shook their hands. It wasn’t a red carpet, but our two tappers felt like stars.
What’s even more impressive? Two seventeen-year-old good-looking guys (that could have been texting girls or hangin’ with their homies) spent their summer afternoon spreading sunshine to a 60-plus crowd through dance. And when it was over they said they’d like to do it again.  It’s amazing what life can bring you, if you are willing to receive it.

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