I was traveling to New York City this past Friday, and after waking up and wiping the drool off of my chin, I looked out the window to the nighttime skyline of Manhattan. We were on the “Night Owl” train from Boston and were heading to the City for some fun and relaxation. My thoughts wandered for a few moments and I began to think about one of my former students.. I don’t know why but he came to mind then and there.
It doesn’t take a lot to influence another person. And, it is uncanny how one decision can change not only your own life, but the life of another. I had a remarkable student about 7 years ago. He came to me a boy of 12 and couldn’t touch his toes. He graduated from NYU’s Tisch School this past May, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Arts. Ted wanted to Tap dance and I taught him that, but Ted wanted to be a dancer and I helped him become that – for life.
Ted was absolutely one of the most wonderful students I ever had. He was full of joy when he danced, and was always willing to do that little extra something to make himself a better dancer. He studied it at school, with me and on his own. My thoughts drifted to him on my trip into the City because it seemed like just yesterday that my friend and colleague, Kiara Bennett, and I were taking him to his first Dance audition for Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival at the Mark Morris Studios in Brooklyn. It was 6 years ago! He didn’t make it into the festival, but that night he bought me and Kiara dinner, grew up a little, and was on his way to becoming the man he is today.
Ted is now in love with Yoga. I know that because we are friends and friends on Facebook, the wonderous social connector of our time. He LOVES Yoga. He teaches yoga, he lives a peaceful life. Would his life be this way if it weren’t for his journey through my dance studio? Maybe, maybe not… but my thoughts on that train ride into the City where I have shared much with so many people, students and friends drifted to him and his dancing and his life now… I think my influence has helped him to be happy, and I think in even some small way that I have helped Ted and other students to grow into the young adults they are today.
We don’t think about this when we are in the “NOW” moment of teaching, but we need to reflect on this.
The next time you are considering a choice that might affect someone else in a good way, remember Ted.. his journey stared with just one Tap step, one word of praise, and one round of applause.
me and Kiara in the City last weekend - we did talk about Ted.. we just loved Ted.
