Oh boy taking tap continues to be a challenge. However, I am continually being encouraged by the teachers I am taking from. I don't know why this surprises me. Perhaps it is stemming from the perfectionism that comes from ballet training. Yes, tap has to be completely perfect too, and in a way more so, or the sounds won't be correct. It's strange still how even after a class where I feel I have danced terribly, I am able to walk away feeling ok.
I suppose I should put myself in the teachers shoes. After all, it's not hard because I've been a teacher for years. Even when a student isn't up to the highest level I praise their hard work. I think another reason I am hard on myself is that because at a certain point in ballet, one knows whether or not one is going to have the chops to "make it" or not. Thereby, I tend to be down on myself when I don't catch on as fast as I would like. I actually get a bit embarrassed because I feel like I'm the student who shouldn't be in a class of the level I am taking. Then, just when I feel I am on the verge of tears (and I smile and laugh at myself to avoid that,) the teacher tells me he's proud of me for working so hard. My day is suddenly shinier, and I have an ounce more confidence to keep coming back. So, that's what I'm going to do! It may kill me, but I'm going to keep coming back.
The end.
Isn't it neat to learn new things? :D
ReplyDeleteHad you taken tap before?
What are the difficulties you notice as a ballet dancer doing tap? Are there things which you think might make it harder for you, with your background?
(I am asking because I have noticed that some ballet dancers have a harder time relaxing certain things -such as the ankles- when doing tap for the first time)