Those who know me know that I don't profess to know very much about dance. That's OK, because I am surrounded by people who know a great deal about it, including many 8, 9, and 10 year olds. So it was no real surprise when a short conversation with my wife reminded me that perceptions can be deceiving. A group of DancEd instructors and DancEd dancers and their families made a trip to New York City a week or so ago to do some dancing and see some Broadway shows. Fortunately we managed to plan our trip around any earthquakes or hurricanes that may be in the area...
The main Capezio store in NYC was across the street from our hotel, and since Jump 'n Jive Dancewear carries Capezio merchandise we decided to check out the store on our last day. There were people shopping there, many of whom where tourists just looking and a few of which were actual dancers living and taking class on Broadway. One of these dancers caught my eye because she was a 6 foot tall twentysomething and slender like a ballerina. As she bought and paid for her items, it was obvious that she was a real dancer in NYC. My wife was standing with me as I made this observation so I mentioned it to her. She looked at me and chuckled a little and said "Actually, we saw her taking class at Broadway Dance Center. She was in class with some of our dancers and they were clearly better than she was." For those who don't know, most dance classes in NYC are not separated by age but rather the ability and experience of the dancers.
So the age-old truism about judging books by their cover is proved once again. Why is it that we all know this to be true, but sometimes can't help ourselves in coming to conclusions based on what we see? DancEd dancers who are not likely to grow up to be 6' tall and slender but are working hard to improve and achieve their dance goals should remember this lesson. It is the effort you make and what's inside you that matters.
Other Lessons Learned while in the Big Apple:
- Umbrella's are important.
- If you don't actually have an umbrella when it starts raining, finding one to buy will not be a problem.
- The ability to speak english is not required to communicate.
- Some of the areas of the city that are known for being "bad" have become safe (or at least safer) and newly trendy.
- After a day walking the city, finding a shop that sells $1.00 water bottles is very exciting.
- The high price = high quality axiom is very relative, especially as it pertains to dining.
- Turning a corner and bumping into a policeman in full combat gear & holding a AK-47 is a bit unsettling and sad.
- When taking class on Broadway, yawning in view of the instructor is a good way to bring the wrong kind of attention to yourself. Even yawning BEFORE class...
A great time was had by all of our dance families who made the trip to NYC, and we will definitely do it again soon!
