The other day was National Tap Dance Day, and it got me thinking about how much I’ve come to love tap dancing. I’ve always wanted to learn but, truth be told, I was pretty uncoordinated as a kid. Formal dance lessons were never my thing. On the dance floor, I’m more awkward penguin than graceful swan. But tap dancing? There’s something about its technical rhythmic aspect that just draws me in.
So, I started where all modern adventurers begin: YouTube. Before long, I stumbled upon the Happy Tappers Club, an online portal offering tutorials that I can squeeze into my schedule. And guess what? I absolutely love it. There’s something magical about challenging my body and coordination, being creative, and, most importantly, having a blast.
My instructor, Carrie, is a bundle of energy and passion. She breaks down the steps so well that even I can follow along without tripping over my own feet—most of the time. I aim to learn 60 to 90 seconds of choreography, and when I finally get it right (or close enough), I post it on social media. It’s my way of celebrating small victories and letting go of my perfectionism. After all, who needs to be perfect when you’re having fun?
While I hope to take in-person classes someday, for now, squeezing in a quick tap session during my son’s nap time is perfect. It’s a fun challenge for my brain and my coordination … and it brings me joy.
Learning a new skill as an adult isn’t easy. It can be downright daunting to step out of your comfort zone and embrace the beginner’s mindset again. There are moments of frustration and self-doubt, but the rewards far outweigh the struggles.
“If you’re moving, you’re doing it right!”
~Carrie Mitchell
What new skill or challenge can you take on as an adult? It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to make you happy. So, go ahead, tap into something new and let the rhythm of your passion lead the way. All puns intended. 😉