Dancing Man

The lights dimmed and crowd hushed as the stage brightened to focus on the unmanned band. Three gentlemen in black stepped out on stage, took their rightful places next to their instruments and began to play. The tune is all so familiar to this particular audience as it speaks about our dreams, our ultimate goals, the ideal place to be: Broadway.

Soaking up the sound, a movement comes from the side of the stage causing the audience to turn. Behold, a living treasure shuffles out from the wings and the audience gasps. Dressed in a stripped jacket, brown pants, and a well-worm hat, the stocky man moves in time with music down towards the audience.

It's him, Stumpy himself, Mr. Harold Cromer. He lifts his head and begins to sing.

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway. They say there's always magic in the air.

But when you're walking down the street and you ain't had enough to eat

The glitter rubs right off and you're nowhere.

Harold moves his feet around, creating the most intricate sounds and rhythms ever heard. Clear and crisp, you can tell he's had many years to perfect this art. He bends at the waist, balancing his body and watching as the taps come floating from his feet. Such talent, such history resides in those weathered tap shoes. They've danced across America on stages that we dreamers can only  hope to grace someday. He pauses for a moment, the thud of the bass still resonating on stage. Harold turns towards the audience, looks out into the light, and beings his story.

Harold Cromer came to speak at OCU last night. This was a rare treat for our school as he is a treasure to the tap history of America. It was a great honor to sit in the presence of one who has experienced so much and was gracious enough to share it with our young generation. For the rest of the evening, I heard tales from this man about his life, his career, and the lessons he wanted to share.

Harold Cromer was born a twin in Hell's Kitchen in New York City. He was born to be a song and dance man, destined to be one of the greats. His first introduction to tap came from none other than Mr. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. As a child, he watched Bojangles perform his world renowned staircase act, a dance sequence most would recognize from The Little Colonel, starring Shirley Temple.

Harold was captivated by the incredible sight of this staircase routine. He decided right then and there he had to learn how to dance. With a pair of roller skates strapped to his shoes, Harold began to teach himself how to tap. His first big success came from winning first prize at a local dance competition. The winnings? A bag full of groceries he brought back to his mother to feed their large family of ten.

Throughout the rest of the discussion, Harold entertained the audience with his animated face and colorful stories. He's seen a lot in life and it's shown in his heartfelt discussions on tap and life as an African American performer. From dancing on Broadway to vaudeville circuits, from Vegas shows to mopping up stage floors, Harold has seen it all. He's performed with such stars as Ethel Merman and Betty Grable. He headlined with musicians like Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. Harold took part in the rising age of Rock and Roll by working with such stars as Buddy Holly, Paul Anka, and Marvin Gaye. The man has truly moved through the changing times of entertainment.

However, he is probably most noted for his comedic act with partner James "Stump" Cross as Stump and Stumpy. The two men partnered together in 1948 and performed with several of Duke Ellington's shows including Jump for Joy and This is the Army. Their Stump and Stumpy act is right up there with other famous tap acts like Buck and Bubbles and Chuck and Chuckles.

Fifteen years ago, the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management honored Harold with a Living Treasure in American Dance Award. This award was started by Department Chair Jo Rowan and Dean John Bedford as a way of honoring the American living legends of the entertainment world. Over forty-seven of these awards have been given to treasures such as Deborah Mitchell, Honi Coles, Arthur Duncan Gus Giordano, and many more.

Unfortunately, when Harold was to receive this honor, he was stuck in Minneapolis, MN due to a snow storm. An arrangement was made so that Harold would receive the award during his run of Babes in Arms from his co-star, Kristin Chenoweth. The man was touched by this recognition and expressed his sincere gratitude last night during his lecture. As a parting gift, Jo Rowan asked that Harold please perform Mr. Bojangles for the audience. Even without a pianist, who never showed for the rehearsal, Harold agreed to this request.

Words can only say so much and I could never write exactly what it was like to watch this man perform this final number. This song represents many performers who's passion for dance has never gone out though their bodies may have. He shuffled across the stage and sang with all his heart, giving the audience a piece of it, too.

I knew man, Bojangles, and he'd dance for you

In worn out shoes.

With silver hair, a ragged shirt, and baggy pants

The old soft shoe.

He'd jump so high, he'd jump so high

Then he'd lightly touch down.
...

Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles,

Dance!

While singing, he reached into his left breast pocket that held a red handkerchief and pulled out a silver harmonica. He put his lips to the instrument, closed his eyes, and began to play. The sweetest sound you've ever heard filled the theater. There was so much feeling in notes that rang out. A story was told in the way he titled his head back and played. Even as he swayed, feeling the rhythm and letting the song soak up inside his soul, the music carried across the stage and reached out to the people. Everything about this moment expressed his journey, his life, and his work. The audience watched, captivated by the intense emotion and undeniable talent of this man.

Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles

Mister Bojangles,

Dance!

The crowd jumped to their feet with a thunderous applause and I gently wipped a tear from my cheek. I have never been more moved by a single performer than I was by the authentic dancing man that stood in front of me. 

Before he lef the stage, Harold had one more treasure to share, the Shim-Sham Shimmy. The Shim Sham is a tap step that has been performed since the 1900's and is a well known step in the tap dance world. What a perfect way to end the evening, seeing this tap legend bust loose with such a time standing, classic piece.

Leaving the theater last night, I took the memory of a remarkable experience in watching history move and speak intimately with a group of strangers. He spoke of finding his passion, working through the struggles, the joy of his triumphs, and the sorrow of his let downs. He shared his ultimate life secret that I hope you will carry, too. The struggles we experience, we need in life. "Dancing," he said, "will keep you alive."

Harold Cromer

Information was collected from a live lecture with Harold Cromer, the American Tap Dance Foundation, Youtube, Washington DC Jazz Network, and Jacob's Pillow Dance web sites. For citation, please contact me.



Ode to Sweet Tea

On any given bright spring day, such as this lovely one, I would throw on my shades, hop in my car, crank up the tunes, and travel down to my favorite little spot, Chik-fil-a. *SIGH*

OK, so it's not exactly a quiet little place or a hole in the wall restaurant that no one knows about, but it's my place. Thinking on why I love it so much--I have no idea. That's not true, there are plenty of reasons why I love the Chik including, of course, their delicious food *drool*, but it's their tea! Oh my gosh, I get revved up and ready to go on the stuff. Except too much speeds up my speech and thought process a little too much...Things get a little crazy, ask the family.

I guess the obsession hit around high school when I started traveling back and forth between Garland and Allen for dance--that's a 30 to 45 drive depending on traffic. One way. Drive that twice a day, six days a week for three years (i.e. I never lived at home. Hmmm, much like my time at school now.). There was a Chik-fil-a down the road from the studio and one built on the way home in Garland. Then some genius built one less than 15 min from house. Add the convenience of three available spots with my love for chicken and sweet tea, really, then it's no surprise that I've loved Chik-fil-a for long.

Speaking of their sweet tea, I had to take a speech class for my gen ed requirements in under grad. I decided to take as many courses as I could at a community college 1) it was a heck of lot cheaper 2) I could live at home RENT free 3) it was the summer of Sarah's wedding.

Anyway, to make getting through some of these speeches a little less painful, I tried to find subjects I liked. What a concept. So we had to give a sales pitch on something we truly believed in, something we thought the public desperately needed in their lives. Well, I don't know about you, but I desperately need sweet tea in my life--let's be honest here, it's a necessity almost as important as peanut butter (Still have a jar that's 3/4 full for two weeks now. Progress, folks. Progress.).

For your enjoyment (and to see just how persuasive I can be) I'm including my sales pitch for Chik-fil-a's Sweet Tea. Keep in mind it was for a class--oh and yes, I did bring in tea and glasses from Chik for the class to try. Oh, I'm that good. Be sure to let me know if it made crave the beverage or actually get up to go grab a glass.

A Sweet Sales Pitch

Imagine yourself lying out by the pool or sitting on your back porch swing in the middle of a summer’s day with that hot Texas sun beating down on you. It’s one of those times when you wish you had something seasonal and refreshing to drink. Most people would go for that same ol’ can of soda or they head to the neighbor’s lemonade stand where they choke down some sour concoction a five year old made. Why put yourself, and your mouth, through that mess? Soda’s leave you feeling bubbly and fizzy and usually craving something else. Lemonade will leave you with ulcers from too much citrus intensity. Water hydrates, but where’s the flavor your taste buds are screaming for? For me, I crave the refreshing taste of something timeless and different that carries a sweet flavor only found in one delicious beverage. Wouldn’t you like to quench your thirst with this decedent treat, too? Let’s take a closer look at why you should go for something different rather than for the usual drinks people go for.


Summer time is a time to enjoy oneself, not stress over little things like finding a refueling liquid. Sodas are filled with way too much sugar. Bottom line is that most carbonated drinks that people get are chock-full of extra calories and way too many sweeteners. According to Environmental Nutrition, carbonated sodas are more likely to encourage the development of different kinds of cancers. Who wants to worry about that on summer break? Some people need another source of caffeine. We all need a pick-me-up now and again, but sometimes hot coffee isn’t the beverage of choice in 98º weather. Lemonade has absolutely no caffeine in it which is great for your bratty 6 year old cousin, but not so great when you are the one trying to stay energized.

Most of the time you’re one the go so a drink needs to be readily available. In order to carry on in the world today it’s almost essential to get things on the go. It has to be a drink that you can get in the mall or on the road. It also needs to be something conveniently sized that you can pick up fast without waiting for some pointless no-fat-foam-whipped thing. Needs to be something that you can get large quantities of to share with friends and family or convenient individual serving. So what is this great drink that quenches your thirst, boosts your energy and still has great taste? The solution is simple: Chick-fil-a Tea!

Chick-fil-a provides this summertime treat of exquisite tasting tea. That timeless, different flavor I’ve been chattering about? You can get it at Chick-fil-a. Their tea is by far the best! Its taste is strong and clear—you are always guaranteed to get a great cup each and every time you go. Tea seems to be a popular drink nowadays and more and more people agree. According to the Vegetarian Times sales for tea in the US are on the rise. Not only is it cool and refreshing, its distinguished taste is brewed fresh every day, according to their website! This drink tends to last longer is Chick-fil-a’s stylish Styrofoam cup that works like an insulator. You can order their tea sweetened or not, depending on your own personal preference. If unsweetened you can add Splenda or Sweet & Lo for a sweet taste, but less calories. Chick-fil-a also provides freshly squeezed lemon to add more flavor to your tea. They’ll also be happy to make you that trendy “Arnold Palmer” which is tea mixed with lemonade.

Chick-fil-a’s tea is a great substitute for any carbonated drink. Their unsweetened tea contains zero sugars while a leading soft drink can contain 50 or more grams. It also is a great substitute for caffeine. It gives you a little bit of a boost without adding in a bunch of unnecessary calories, but not overly caffeinated like those energy drinks. Tea is also better for you, especially green tea, but summer is the best time for cool drinks like ice tea. Chick-fil-a captures that Southern flare with their sweet tea. Nothing goes better with their fried chicken sandwich and lemon pie than a traditional glass of ice tea. What do people always drink when they are having lazy afternoons in the south? Those summer days are spent lazily drinking that amber colored heavenly liquid, iced tea!! Which you can enjoy in an air-conditioned restaurant or your hammock in the backyard (It’s easy to get it to go!.) Chick-fil-a tea has so many wonderful qualities and could add so much to your summer vacation.


Imagine relaxing in your home, backyard, pool-side or even in your speech class with a cool glass within reach. It’s a satisfying feeling, that liquid flowing down your gullet as you take another swallow of tea. Not just any tea either; Chick-fil-a tea! Perhaps it’s that fact that when you order from the friendly cashier they, too, know the full extent of the tea’s great taste. Maybe it’s in the way the ice cubes instantly melts as the fresh brewed tea hits the glass that makes you feel instantly cooled. Now that you know the best tea out there, let’s see where you can get it.

There’s no place like Chick-fil-a, but fortunately you can find many in the Dallas Metroplex. Hop in your car and hit the many off 75! There are eleven in Plano alone and eight in Dallas. You can’t miss them with their bright red Chicken for a “C.” Don’t forget about the cows, either—those spotted creatures will “moo-ve” you in the right direction.Once you have your location set, just go in and grab a glass! Fix up your drink any way you like it! Sweet, unsweet, lemon or lemonade—make it just the way you like it! Now just sit back, relax and enjoy the crisp taste of Chick-fil-a’s infamous tea.

Texas Monthly points out that June is National Ice Tea Month—join the rest of the nation early and grab a glass! When you’re thirsty and can’t think of something original to get, go for the one and only original Chick-fil-a tea. Boosts your energy, doesn’t overwhelm you with calories, flavors your day with a southern touch and it puts right in that summer mood. For an inexpensive thrill, you can bring a little bit of summer into your day.

Food, It's What's For Dinner

I enjoy looking up recipes online oh so very much. Beginning my sophomore year when I moved into my first apartment, affectionately named the Beta Babes Apartment (a whole flock of Gamma Phi Beta's lived there, including myself, for two years). We had a stove. Glory be, we had an oven, too! Oh the possibilities!

Well, the possibilities sometimes worked out, sometimes not. I spent several years kinda testing out new things, definitely going to tried and true recipes my Mom passed down, but it wasn't until I found my perfect place that I really actually got my hands, and kitchen, messy.

Going off a friends recommendation, I have fallen in love with The Pioneer Woman. Oh, it's wonderful! Ree Drummond is her name and she has fabulous recipes and stories. Oh, I just love it! And I love to say "Oh" way too much. Oh well.

Anyway, she posts a myriad of things including photography tips, gardening, and homeschooling, none of which apply to me just yet, but I'll get to them. She does have a separate blog for other individuals to join and post their recipes. Goodness gracious, there are some good ones on her Tasty Kitchen blog!

I personally tend to gravitate towards the dessert lines of recipes--what can I say? I've got a serious sweet tooth. They're also my favorite types of things to bake. Who doesn't love a really good cookie now and again? I mean, I would love one now. Please.

While I'm drooling and salivating looking at some of these delicious items, I'm reminded all the more that weigh-in's are tomorrow. Good grief--I must be masochistic, right? Torturing myself by flipping through pages and pages of heavenly fried things, warm gooey images of cookies, and sinful pictures of cupcakes. For Pete's sake...

Weigh-in's are not that bad. Truly, it's something to be aware of because my body is my instrument. Like a car, if not fueled right and taken care of, it won't go too far, then I won't get a job and then I'll just be broke. Ain't a pretty picture. I don't mind talking about weigh-in's or discussing them with people. I've had my battles, I've worked through those things--food should not be feared, nor should the scale. Just be smart, eat your veggies and jump around once in a while, you're good to go! OK, so maybe there's a bit more to it than that, but it's manageable.

However, I beg of you non-dancers, do not ask a dancer about weigh-in's or weight or anything to do with a scale while she (or he) is eating a meal. It makes a person feel like a zoo animal on display. Ooh, watch the dancer eat! (Seriously, I think dancers actually eat way more than people think--they can put it away, people!) Once that question comes up I don't even want to look at the plate in front of me. Not really fair when a person eats their rabbit food all week long so they can enjoy that juicy, greasy burger in front of them and WHAM! The joy is sucked out, the guilt is set in, and you might end up with a human flinging themselves at you from over the table. No, not really--that's just the mental image I saw right then.

On THAT note. I will continue my recipe surfing for the day, trying my darnedest to avoid the dessert area (which coincidentally spelled "STRESSED" backwards. Stress and dessert.It just goes hand in hand, doesn't it?). I will wear a brave face and not concentrate too much on that number on a scale--It's just a number. And then I'll celebrate with a delicious Chick-fil-a Salad for dinner--I might crazy and make it a FRIED chicken salad. Ooooh.

I know, nerd to the core and devout Chik-fil-a fan. Next time I try my hand at a new recipe, I'll tell you how ends. Happy National Peanut Butter Lover's Day!

Burton Ballet

There's something about Tim Burton--his movies always peak my interest and I can't help but appreciate his dark, artistic nature. "Nightmare Before Christmas" is one of my childhood favorites and I loved every Batman movie he made ("Batman Returns" and "Batman Forever"). I'm so excited to see his adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland" in the next year--another quirky story that grabbed hold of my creative interest as a kid. 

One of my favorite stories he created was "Edward Scissorhands." To me there is something so beautiful about the story--and yes, I realize the man has scissors for hands, but it's his innocent nature, the love he has for Kim and how he creates snow for her that gets to me. That and the haunting music by Danny Elfman, who has done many other scores for Burton. 

*Sidenote: Almost all of Tim Burton's movies have snow in them, one of his trademarks. There's always a scarecrow used somewhere along with some sort of Halloween or Christmas scene that he ties into his Gothic themes. Always thought it was neat how incorporated them into this movies. 

The misunderstood character of Edward Scissorhands is yet another way to tell the same old story of the poor outsider falling for the beautiful maiden, battling against the small minded town and eventually offering the greatest sacrifice for the protection of his love. How many ways can you tell the same story? Or rather, what other way can you re-tell THIS story?

How about a ballet? That's right, there's a ballet version! Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands is found in the UK as a recreation of the movie. This magical story couldn't have been better expressed than on the stage with the use of dancers retelling every special scene. Watch some clips to see how creative the Topiary Dance is and the gorgeous Ice Dance will give you chills! Would love to see this ballet in person someday. 

For your Halloween enjoyment, flip through some clips and see for yourself what a neat piece this truly is :) 

Rocking It With the Rockettes

Graduation has come and gone--I stand before you now a proud college graduate! Yahoo! Now I start my masters this coming Monday and I'm pretty excited to begin this next chapter in my life. There hasn't been much down time since the big walk across the stage but I can't say that bothers me much as that's just how I'd rather be; busy rather than bored.

Much to my family's delight I was able to cram myself into the rented van and drive the three *cough cough four cough* hours back to my home sweet home before rousing myself the next morning, staggering sleepily onto a plane and heading for California! What exactly was in California? The Radio City Rockette audition, that's what! For many dancers this elite line of ladies is a dream job full of prestige and wonder. To link up in a Rockette line, proudly demonstrating perfectly in sync eye-high kicks might be possibly the coolest job I could ever have.

Gracing the stage in 1925 as the Missouri Rockets, these ladies set the precedence for the famed long-legged beauties we know and love today. They first debuted their Christmas show on December 27th, 1932 at Radio City featuring 17 different acts, one including infamous modern dancer, Martha Graham. The original "Roxyettes" as they were called, started with 16 members and now holds 36 woman on the line.

What's incredibly neat about the Rockettes is their dedication to precision and cleanliness in their dancing. Flawless numbers are executed perfectly in line with one another giving the illusion of one single dancer. No one is different, no one sticks out and there is nothing like watching 36 very individual women turn into a line of identical bodies. Not all ladies are able to grace the stage as a Rockette as they must be between 5'6" and 5'10 1/2". Don't lose heart, shorties, as they have ensemble members who are in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular as well.

Did you know the Christmas Spectacular has only been around since 1993? If you haven't watched their infamous "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" number, you should. OCU does their own version however its hard to compete with Radio City. Did you know they've performed for "The Daytime Emmy Awards" and even the premiere of "Miracle on 34th Street?" How awesome!

Well, I proudly sent my dancer self all the way to Burbank, CA for the LA audition for the Rockettes. I was prepared in every sense, however, I had not really mentally prepared myself. Just the Wednesday before my trip I took on full out freak-out mode because I was so worried about my physical condition. Did I look good in a leo, tights and heels? Was my hair going to be right? Was I sharp enough? Precise enough? And dang it, tell me some of these ladies have curves, too! After calming myself down and convincing myself I would make it a fun experience, I did just that. And then I got cut...

Let me just say that one mistake can cost you the whole audition. They expect exactly what they want which is completely understandable because, hello! A Rockette would not be a Rockette if she stuck out in a crowd. I knew the combination, had it down and while stupidly watching the group in front of me I witnessed a mishap for the center girl. My audition point. What to know where I messed up? You guessed it, same spot I witnessed just moments prior to my turn.

Was I disappointed? Sure, but did I have fun? Absolutely! I loved every minute I was in there and I fell in love with this job only four eight counts into the combo. A good majority my serious dancer career I've tried to reject the drill team gene I carry deep in my heart but once I slipped those heels on I couldn't fight it any more. I wanted that job.

So I messed up, chalk it up to good experience and call it a day. If anything I'm not more determined to go back and try again, year after year until I nail it. One gal at the audition was there for the EIGHTH time. Eight times. Eight years she has been trying. I hope I might make it in under three, and that may not happen, but if eight is what it takes, you can bet you'll see me there.

Good luck to everyone in Chicago and I hope everyone waiting on a phone call in June the very best. For now I'll continue with grad school :) Someday you'll see me high kicking it with these legendary ladies!

History courtesy of www.danceadts.com and www.nationaldanceweek.org.