...intermediate tap...

Have I told you that I was moved into Intermediate Tap II? No joke, although to watch me you'd think it was.

At the beginning of October, my teacher at Dancing Thru Life, Christine, suggested that I move into the Intermediate class since the focus in the beginner classes was on balance and I seemed to do just fine there. I went to one class, tripped and stumbled my way through, and she still felt that it was the class for me. I was reluctant, but excited for the challenge.

Oh, what a challenge it's been!

Each Wednesday, I walk into the studio with women twice my age who are more than impressive and quite intimidating in their skills. While they gracefully glide across the floor, I tend to trip and stumble, while still managing to make the correct tap sounds (just not the correct tap moves.) To be honest, I've caught some staring at me, and more than one laughing at me. (No, no, not laughing at me, laughing with me. I'm usually laughing the hardest, anyway.)

I'm only just starting to make a few friends. While, in the beginner's class we were all new, many of these ladies have been dancing together for years. There have been many moments when I felt like I didn't belong...until this past week.

Rita sent me the steps in an email so that I could practice during the week. (My biggest issue is remembering the order of steps.) Many of the ladies noticed I was under the weather and gave me small encouragements and well wishes. (I've been battling a monster cold virus since last Thursday.) And they included me in their Thanksgiving plans conversation. It's always nice to feel like you belong.

There's no class next week, and Christine says she'll have everything picked out for our recital after Thanksgiving. Oh, yes, for those of you in town, my very first dance recital will be Saturday, April 18, 2015. Mark your calendars!

Taking a dance class has been on my list of goals for longer than I care to share. I'm glad I took the plunge this year, and I can't imagine a better studio for adults than Dancing Thru Life.

What goals will you be able to cross of your bucket list this year?