Carolyn Calandro, a force of nature at 71 years old and 86 pounds soaking wet, is calling out the steps and whipping a bunch of neophyte tap dancers into shape for an upcoming performance at the local senior center. The participants are in their 60s to latter 70’s, and all are determined to commit this challenging series of steps to memory before the big day.
Carolyn comes to her most recent gig from a lifetime in show business: classical pianist and music teacher, professional storyteller, musical comedy writer, costume designer, and children’s theater director. She was half of a show biz duo, “Double Whammy” until the death of her performing partner, at which point she needed to reinvent herself to generate income as well as to satisfy her creative needs.
Why does this current work prove so satisfying? Carolyn told of giving private tap lessons to Fin, a 7-year-old boy, coerced into attendance by his grandmother. Upon arrival, he announced, “I don’t want to be here!” Carolyn had the presence of mind to volley back “Neither do I!” – creating an immediate bond. Several weeks later at the dance studio, Fin gave Carolyn a conspiratorial smile, wordlessly conveying, “I’m enjoying this but don’t tell my grandmother.” He then flawlessly presented his tap routine to friends and family.
Back to show business at the senior center: Carolyn noticed that, in performances past, she and her tappers were losing their audience before their routine even began. “The residents quickly wheeled out after dessert,” Carolyn astutely observed. She then instructed the kitchen staff to hold back on all 48 portions of chocolate cake, which they did until the last tap echoed across the dining room.
Sally Haver retired in 2013 after a long career with the The Ayers Group, div. of Kelly Services as a Senior Business Development Executive. Haver is an editor and a frequent contributor to The Connector, covering the emerging new work force of retirees, who are choosing to work for the sheer love of it.
Tapping to Glory
By Sally Haver