Before I went to Jesse and Anna’s tap class half a year ago, I ordered a pair of tap shoes from one of my shoemakers. When I took my first class, the shoes hadn't have arrived, so I had to wear a pair of common shoes for the class. To be honest, it was really frustrating. I just couldn’t manage simple steps like other students, especially those in tap shoes. I told myself that I will practice at home and I will manage them in the next class. Guess what? I didn’t practice and I never dared to go back.
A couple of months later, my tap shoes arrived! Then I told myself that you have invested the professional gear, so you must go back to try again! Then, I signed up the whole block of Jesse and Anna’s classes this week without hesitation. You know what? I was shocked when I danced in tap shoes. It was like the first time I wore a pair of suede sole shoes to swivel. It was just so MUCH EASIER, and I ENJOYed the dance so much MORE! With the help of the tap plates at the bottom of the shoes, similar steps sounded totally different and made more sense to me. I could clearly hear whether my steps are right or not. The different feeling between tap shoes and other shoes is also like the difference between waterproof hiking boots and other shoes on a muddy and slippery slope. The muddy journey is not miserable anymore with dry and warm boots and you will have time to enjoy the beautiful nature rather than struggle with the wet and cold trail.
I looked around the class and I saw some beginners’ confusing and struggling faces, especially those in sneakers. I totally felt them, so I shared my feelings at the end of the class. One beginner tried my shoes. First, she asked me whether she can buy a pair of shoes which can dance tap and swing. I let her try the leather sole shoes. She told me it was much better than sneakers. Then she tried my tap shoes. I could saw her face light up immediately and she said, “WOW, I want a pair of those!"
I guarantee you will have much more fun dancing tap in a pair of tap shoes!
