I began the day with a sprightly walk down 59th street. I was headed to meet my friend Claire for “coffee” - the quotations represent the fact that I love the idea of coffee, but strongly despise the taste - when I stopped to tend to all of the commotion surrounding the apple store at 5th avenue. The CBS studios are located right there, so I often pass by a filming of some politician being taught how to grill asparagus - usually I pass right on by knowing I will most likely not recognize the guest of the day on the early show. However, this time was different. Somehow I knew the “celebrity” who had drawn the surprisingly large crowd was more legit than the usual suspects. Only 2 minutes after I’d stopped, Cyndi Lauper came out and proceeded to climb onto the stage in front of her band members. At the time I was convinced I had no idea who she was. But still sensing it was worth my attention, I asked Claire to screw the coffee idea and meet me there in order to see someone famous sing a song. Claire met me, then proceeded to tell me the songs Cyndi had been famous for back in the day…

Well, my goodness it’s a good thing I stuck around! Turns out I not only knew who she was, but actually got excited about the prospect of her singing something I loved! She sang THE song of my childhood. The one all the 5 year olds would blast on our parents stereos… I mean this one truly is worth of jumping on all of the furniture. I was far from star struck, nor did I even attempt to whip out my Samsung 2007 to snap a phone-pic… But I gotta tell you, when THE creator of your nostalgic joy is singing ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ into your very ears… those chills are hard to avoid. Thank you for being a friend, Cyndi. That song will forever bring happiness and pride into my heart. 

Claire and I then made our way into Bergdorf Goodman where we went to the cafe on the 5th floor. There, we shared a fruit and cheese plate and pretended to fit in with the regular clientele. And by “pretended to fit it”, I mean we people watched and gasped at price tags. Never did get that coffee. 

After that I was even more sure of my decision to take a Jazz class at Steps on Broadway. I walked to 74th, passing two of my Purchase chums in the street who were working for Children International. I did not buy a sponsorship, however I did promise that I will once I have an income that allows me to buy anything more than rent and dinner. Dare to dream…

I made it to Jazz class. Mind you, I have not taken anything but Modern and Ballet for essentially 3 years. I’ve fit in the occasional class or two, just know that it’s been a while. After being thrown in to a set warm up that everyone in the room knew but me - which was utterly ridiculous I might add - I finally felt at home when we learned a fosse-ish combination complete with snaps and hip rolls. The teacher (Deborah Roshe) has the following credits - Broadway: Woman of the Year, Camelot; National Tours: La Cage aux Folles, Song and Dance and West Side Story. No big deal… I took the class in characters shoes (which is a fancy term for danceable high heels) - so much fun. However, I did realize that the heels I paid $16 for (a steal) after I wore them in Barksdale’s production of “Guys and Dolls” are far too dangerous for me to actually use. They are unstable, cheap, and too high. Not a good combination when you are nervously auditioning for a broadway show. All the broadway girls wear Laduca - they’re legit. I have decided that I deserve to have a safe, good pair of character shoes that I can use for class and feel comfortable auditioning in. Here goes one of the biggest splurges of my training life! Wish me luck.

Movin’ Out. Check the shoes!

What an experience. The environment in that studio, in that class, with those dancers provides a huge contrast to the Cunningham studios - or modern dance for that matter. It’s incredibly interesting to witness the differences. Let’s just say they were two extremely opposite worlds. Though I honestly know that I have a place for both in my life. 

until next time. xox.