Ms Evie's Tap Extravaganza

When I began Tap dancing lessons way back in 2003, none of the girls in the class were interested in taking part in the end of year concert that the dancing school presented, so my class was not included in it. Part of me was pleased about this, but a tiny part was a little disappointed.

Not so with Ms. Evie's Tappers! Everyone was enthusiastic about performing in public, so I put on my big girl panties, so to speak, bit the bullet, and got on with learning and practicing the dances Ms Evie had choreographed for her intermediate class.

The appointed day rolled around with amazing speed, my class held a couple of meetings to discuss and finalize our costumes and head pieces some weeks before.





Ms Evie had the flyers made, and they were strategically placed around the town. She was the booking agent as well, and the matinee was booked out very quickly. The evening performance was also booked out, and
the Guildford Music Hall which is one of the first music halls to be built in Victoria, was simply hopping on the day and evening of the extravaganza. There was not enough room for another person to fit in.





The tappers were to be at the hall by 1 pm. TRO and myself had been to Bendigo in the morning, not arriving home until after 12, so it was a little rushed for me to apply very heavy makeup, very red lipstick, don my first costume and be taken to Guildford.

There was much excitement, and not a few nerves. The performers had a marquee at the back of the hall to use a dressing room.  As we did not have a "call boy" we had to take responsibility for getting ourselves in the wings prior to our call.   We had a running sheet to ensure all went well.





Kirsten and Lisa looking very happy and ready to tap in the Rum and Coca-cola number.





And the full complement!





..... ready for the "cocktail hour" number.




The last few moments of "Rum and coca-cola"










I started in the back row, and finished in the front in the second dance.
We all made mistakes, but it did not matter, we all had a great time, and enjoyed our dancing. It was very surprising to us all at just how quickly the dances were over. It felt as if we had just got on the stage, and it was time to come off again!

The audiences were enthusiastic in their appreciation of our performances, clapping, whistling and cheering us on.

I am very glad I joined Ms Evie's tap class, and had the opportunity to take to the stage. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to take part in next years concert as well.



And here is Ms Evie herself tapping away in one of her numbers.....






We are all still waiting to see the DVD of the concert in its entirety, and when I get my copy,I'll be happy to share it around if you would like to watch it.


Posted from another day in Paradise