Becky checks in

Becky Mastin is our guest blogger this week.  Read on for her responses to our crazy-cool tap questionnaire.  Enjoy!

Why tap?

My mom got me into dancing when I was about 4. I started taking ballet and tap classes from a woman who taught out of a firehouse in my hometown. I added styles along the way as I changed studios and teachers, but tap was always a constant, and was always something that I kept coming back to. It’s so different than the other dance forms, and not only is it pleasing to watch, but tap is also its own kind of music. I like thinking of my feet and shoes as instruments.

Where was the weirdest place you’ve ever tapped?

I was in a studio company in high school that danced in some pretty strange places. One that comes to mind is a nursing home that we actually danced in a couple times. That might not sound strange if you’re imagining a nice wooden floor, perhaps on a stage with the audience watching from down below. But our dance space in this nursing home was on carpet (which makes no sense for tapping), in the same room where they had just eaten lunch. I remember trying to shuffle around the peas and carrots. Ew. There was also one time when a group of us from my studio were taking a train to the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, which, from State College, PA is a long train ride. We had a 3 or so hour layover in Pittsburgh, and we started a tap jam in the station. Granted, we were in our sneakers, but it still made the wait go faster. That was a lot of fun.

Who inspired your artistic journey 30 years ago? 20 years ago?  10 years ago?

I feel like when I started taking tap from Sarah Mason, probably about 10 years ago on the nose, is when I started to really understand tap dance as something that’s deeper than just flashy moves and how fast you can paradiddle. She really taught me about rhythm and dancing with the music instead of to the music.

Who is inspiring you right now?

My dad.

What’s your favorite/most expensive pair of tap shoes (and how much were they)?

I’ve been on the same pair of K360s for a few years now and they’ve been everywhere with me. I probably should get some new shoes, seeing as the soles are more or less falling apart, but I just have too many memories with this pair.  I also have a pair of my baby tap shoes (the ones with ribbons!) that are signed by Roxane Butterfly that I like quite a bit. Obviously I haven’t worn them in years, but they’re just so cute!

What’s your “day job?”

I work as a team leader at a drug and alcohol treatment program in Philly. Let’s just say there’s never a dull moment.

What’s your marital status?

I have a wonderful boyfriend who doesn’t let me forget that it’s ok to have fun. I had taken a hiatus from dance for a couple years and when opportunities were showing up for me to get back into it, he might have been more excited than I was. Interestingly enough, he’ll be on the west coast when I’ll be dancing in Too Darn Hot. Go figure.

Who do you think is the hottest tap dancer?

I’m inclined to say Gene Kelly as well, but if we’re really being honest here, I think Roxane Butterfly’s French-ness gives her a bit of an edge.

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