(no subject)

[oakenguy]

I've signed up for tap dance classes, as part of my ongoing plan for Total Global Domination. The class description says "Requires tap shoes". No problem. I hiked over to the local dance shoe supply store (Danny's in Central Square, for you locals), found a pair that were modestly priced, tried them on, liked them, took them up to the register, all no problem.

Then this happened:

The Clerk: (taking my card and swiping it) Where are you taking lessons?

Me: Oh, through Boston Adult Ed. I'm just getting started.

The Clerk: Huh. They probably won't let you wear them, you know.

Me: What?! Why not??

Clerk: Cheap ones like these, they don't make enough noise. Sure you want them?

Me: .......yes.

Clerk: Okay. They'll be good for practicing in at home, anyways. Sign here.


I've never left a shoestore with a visceral sense of dismay before! Was this just a salesman trying to upsell? Or am I really going to get sent home from my first-ever class because my shoes aren't cool enough?

Comments

[spookyhandle.livejournal.com]

I'm not a dancer, but if the shoes have taps on them (little metal plates on the heal and ball/toe), then they're tap shoes. If your beginners class wanted some sort of extra special expensive super taps, then they should have said it. I'm sure it'll be fine.

Also, the moderately priced tap shoes I wore as Columbia for RHPS were loud as all hell, even when I was trying to walk softly. I'll be shocked if this is actually an issue.

Upsold!

[blacktigr.livejournal.com]

Considering I walked in there looking for pumps, and walked out with $120 shoes (of my dreams, but still), I think he was trying to upsell you. Luckily for both of us, he has a good return policy. If you find you need better shoes, buy them. No one can fault you for going to the class with the shoes you have. As long as you don't wear them outside, he should take them back.

Given that I had to ride the bus to return my shoes, I am betting that this method tends to work for him.

Of course, I am thinking of going back there to get shoes for my upcoming Vegas trip. The Shoes are there.

[perrin-o-ravnos.livejournal.com]

You there! Those shoes are inadequate! Exit my classroom posthaste!

[retention.livejournal.com]

...and hilarity ensues. :)

[bluestocking.livejournal.com]

"I've signed up for tap dance classes, as part of my ongoing plan for Total Global Domination"

Now *this* is a plan I want to hear. Sounds awesome.

[katestine.livejournal.com]

Wait, did they have the taps already attached?

[oakenguy.livejournal.com]

I keep thinking this is a trick question! Yep, the taps were attached, and they were in the section clearly marked 'Tap Shoes'.

[lizaah.livejournal.com]

Hmmm....sounds like some sort of tap dance shoe racism to me.....

[gilana]

Some taps do make more noise than others, and as a beginner it is actually helpful to be able to hear the noise you're making, to tell if you're doing it right. But I can't imagine that for a beginner class your teacher would say that you absolutely can't use a certain pair.

If you want to check out alternatives, I recommend Boston Dancewear on Mass Ave near the Hynes Convention Center. They seem to run a little cheaper.

*sputters*

[kali921.livejournal.com]

*sputter sputter in hysterical laughter*

I've signed up for tap dance classes, as part of my ongoing plan for Total Global Domination.

That just made me spit tamale all over my desk. I'd like to hear more about your plant for Total Global Domination, please. Post haste.

Re: *sputters*

[oakenguy.livejournal.com]

Oh, bad enough I have the cape...now you're encouraging me to monologue, too?

No no no, you'll find out when the rest of the world does, on the morning when I unleash the ducks.

[lilacsinmarch.livejournal.com]

When you tap dance your way to global domination don't forget your humble readers (I want to be queen).
I guess that if your shoes don't make enough noise on their own you can shout at the top of your voice while dancing, it will also make a great first impression :D.

[oakenguy.livejournal.com]

Oooo, that might actually be FUN. "TAPPA-TA-TA-TAPPATA-TA!"

[heavenscalyx.livejournal.com]

I always thought the Way to Global Domination was soft-shoe...

[oakenguy.livejournal.com]

Well sure, if you want to do it the easy way...

[temperlj.livejournal.com]

This will add a new dimension to you being bored anywhere near a flat, hard surface...

[rantarn.livejournal.com]

Hey maybe you'll luck out and the shoes will be possessed by Sammy Davis, Jr. or something.