Ben Vereen
1-Feb-2007
Written by: Brenda W. Quinn
Dance class with a star--in Milwaukee, of all places
More than 25 years ago, when I was an aspiring actress, I came to my Midwestern ballet class and a note was taped up: "Ben Vereen Master Class/Inner City Arts Council today at 1 o'clock." Two classmates and I went, and 50 hopeful dancers awaited the Tony-winning star in a shabby dance studio in a rough neighborhood.
Someone had neglected to tell Mr. Vereen about this, however, and he walked into the room with 50 faces looking at him expectantly. Once informed, he was extremely gracious, complaining only that if someone had told him ahead of time, he'd have prepared something special for us.
Mr. Vereen borrowed a set of dance clothes, changed in the hall, and put us through an amazing hour and fifteen minute class, for free. His own ability to dance was magical. Afterward he hugged every one of us. An autograph would have been anticlimactic.
I will never forget the grace, style, and generosity of this man, who gave without a second thought to a bunch of young strangers who wanted to dance.
Rating: 8.00
Votes: 2
Rate It
Pages Updated On: 1-Dec-2008 - 18:00:01
All of the stories are personal opinions and not verified to be fact by TheCelebrityCafe.com
|
