TOP 10: lessons from melanee

# 8 -- if you sign up for tap class, you're going to tap class

I took dance lessons from the time I was three-years-old until I was a sophomore in high school. I’ve always loved ballet, and I’ve always been incredibly serious. It makes sense. However, I’ve also always loved the IDEA of being very carefree, silly and exciting. I am not these things. I do try to be these things from time to time, though. And when I was about 7, I decided I wanted to take tap lessons along with my ballet classes. Gee, wouldn’t that be fun?

            Well, no, Lauren, it wouldn’t be. Mr. Tony has more personality in a single wave of his jazz hands than you’ll ever have in your life… and right now you’re only 7! Welcome to a completely miserable experience for the child who was asked by a classmate, “Why are you sad all the time?” (I’m not sad all the time; I just have a very intense resting face.)

            I wanted to quit more than anything. I hated every second of it. I hated Mr. Tony for wanting to be my friend and talk to me. I hated being asked to smile repeatedly. I hated the fact that we were dancing to the Inspector Gadget theme song. But Mom saw not a miserable little girl. She saw an opportunity for a life lesson. When you make a commitment, damn it, you’re sticking to it.

            And that’s what I did. I have the recital pictures to prove it. (Courtesy of Mel herself). Sparkly red velvet romper and matching cap. It was a horrible experience. But I know that I am a much better person for all the torture my mother put me through.