Names

I remember when I was handed my first VHS tape of tap dancers. It was a gift from a friend who when they handed it off said, “I think it’s time that you have this."

The label on the spine of the tape was filled with names. Some I’d heard of and some I hadn’t. By the time I finished watching the tape the first time, I had thoughts of quitting tap dancing. The standard was so high. There was so much that had already been done. What could I possibly offer?

Then I looked at the list of names. There were so many. Each name corresponded to a voice, a style, and an approach.

I’ve sometimes felt like there wasn’t enough room for me. Too many people in the space, on the floor, crowding the path, blocking the way. Then I remember the label on the spine of that tape, and how many names were there.

There’s plenty of space.