Babblings from a Battered Brain

By Alan Onickel

Babblings from a Battered Brain contains the thoughts, observations, experiences, ramblings and inspirational thoughts of Alan Onickel as he attempts to rebuild his life and body after a MVA he sustained while working in S. Africa almost ended his ride. Written while recovering from what's now been over 40 surgeries and covering a variety of sub

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Nov 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781953699404

Alan Onickel

Internationally known Performer, Teacher, and choreographer Alan Onickel was enjoying his life when it was suddenly changed one drizzly morning in South Africa. Until then he'd had the extreme fortune to have worked on 6 out of 7 continents on our spinning little mud ball. Known especially for his knowledge and skills of Jazz and Tap dancing, he was traveling to Cape Town to finish a workshop he was teaching with his former student and good friend Yuval Beck when a driver going in the wrong direction almost ended his life. After enduring 4 days in a coma Alan had to spend 3 weeks in the hospital until it was decided he was well enough for his parents to bring him back to the USA. After almost a year of living back with his parents while relearning how to walk, talk, and generally take care of himself, he was finally given the OK to return to NY and attempt to reclaim his former life. You can read a much more detailed version of about his journey in One of Them which he's hoping to finish later this year.

Book preview

1. Thoughts

Since this completely cockamamie or deliriously daft zig-zag began (I knew we shoulda taken that left turn in Albuquerque) Iv’e been asked how I deal with my change of life. To be honest, I really don’t think about it. I’m too busy trying to live it. However, from time to time I have jotted down thoughts as they catch my attention. Many times they’ve been about specific subjects. Those I’ve grouped together in whatever the subject du jour might be. Other random ramblings are listed as thoughts.

BTW, In reading this book, since there’s no particular narrative to follow it’s OK to skip around from chapter to chapter. Enjoy!

October 18, 2011

Just got the call; cutting # 23 or 24 or whatever will be at 8;30 tomorrow. Even though I have to be there at 6:30, I like being first. Everyone is fresh, their caffeine buzz is satisfied, and I don’t have to fast too long. Laundry is done, soups are cooked, veggies and bagels cut, just a few last minute errands and then we chill. Thanks for the thoughts and support!!!!! As Jackie Gleason used to say.... And away we go!!

August 14, 2012

This Man was Eddie Wright Jr. Today would have been his 62nd birthday! (I would have loved to have teased him!) If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am now. Somehow in his short 34 years of life he was able to obtain the wisdom, grace, knowledge, and talent of one well beyond his years. I was lucky to become his student then friend and assistant until he died in 1984 at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. Thankfully I was able to spend 7 years at the start of my adventure with him. Coincidentally, my first trip to France was almost exactly 30 years ago (the first week of August, 1982) to assist him at a workshop in Montpellier. Great memories! Thanks for everything Eddie, I’ll fill you in on the rest when I see you.

PS. You’re still older than me!!

September 18, 2012

Well, Snip snip here, snip snip there, Tra la la la la!. Thank goodness for nerve blocks! Had to stay overnight but I’m home now, home sweet home. Great way to start a sweet New Year. What ever I may have done to deserve it, I humbly offer My thanks for all the overwhelming support I’ve received. I’m a very, very lucky little boy! Again I send wishes for a Happy Healthy, Successful New Year; filled with much joy, rhythm, style, and the perfect double triple, wing, barrel turn time step!

And some yummy Apple Cake wouldn’t hoit neither!!!

October 20, 2012

As a wise man once said: Climb walls, scratch glass, turn blue, and don’t get caught! Well I got caught. It’s now official; I have an infection in my replaced Left Shoulder. The culprit is a nasty very slow growing bacteria called p-acne. When that diabolical little germ gets into a joint where it can stay concealed and multiply, it invades said joint and surrounding muscles without forming much puss and a minimum of swelling but causing oodles and oodles of pain.

The fun now is in how this is to be treated. My choices are either: 6 weeks of daily IV antibiotics followed by a year of oral antibiotics. The only problem with this treatment, other than the delightful side effects, is that it doesn’t completely kill the invaders. I might have to be on and off the medicine for the remainder of my ride. The other choice is: removal of the shoulder hardware, temporarily replaced by a medicine filled "spacer, while I undergo the afore mentioned 6 weeks of IV antibiotics followed by another shoulder replacement and the usual 12 weeks of PT. The only problem with this, door # 2, is loss of range of motion (ROM). Because of scar tissue and loss of muscle elasticity from 6 weeks of restraint. Some folks (normal humans) are left with as little as 30% ROM!

As of now we’re going with choice A but I’m still doing research. At least after waiting 2 weeks for the bug to grow out in a petrie dish I’m seeing a possible way out of the limbo I had been stuck in.

Blah blah blah blah, in a more technically coherent assertion, basically......

I’M SCREWED!!!!!!!!!

The adventure continues……

October 21, 2012

Wow!! I’m so absolutely overwhelmed by the support, kindness, and love I’ve received because of this little bother I’m currently confronting. When I see the Doc on Thursday I’m going to tell him that whatever choice is made, I just want to be left with the ability (without too much pain) to still be able to embrace or at least somewhat wrap my arms around some or all of the compassion offered. When this is done I hope I’ll be able to reciprocate and offer my support in any way that might be helpful. Thank you!!

November 4, 2012

I’m thinking of writing a book; Surgery for Dummies. You might think after 25 of these suckers it would get easier. You’d be wrong. It’s maybe even more of a pain (interesting word choice) knowing what’s about to transpire. So far, the most fun has probably been the Spinal Fusion but I’m thinking this one might be almost as amusing. After all, it’s kind of a 2 for one. Tomorrow we remove the hardware only to have it replaced in 6 weeks. In between I get to do a daily antibiotic IV hookup. This will all be followed by a few months of PT hell to try regaining some semblance of motion with my arm.

It’s just become so boring and annoying not having anything else to write about. I’m so looking forward getting past this so I can concentrate on getting my show That Instant going. I guess I’ll just have a few more weeks to woodshed it. As my friend Winnie the Pooh used to say... Oh bother!!

November 8, 2012

The first time she tried to put it in it hurt like hell. She told me she only put it in a little and I needed to relax so it would go in more. Even though it was my first time she said it probably wouldn’t hurt. I told her I was relaxed but she said it still felt tight and she would wait for a minute or two because that sometimes helps. Well of course after relaxing for those few sublime minutes it slipped in so easily I hardly felt anything! Now I just have to learn how to hook up the antibiotics 3 times a day for the next 6 weeks. The party continues!!!!

PS. Sorry to disappoint but the above is about my recent PICC line insertion.

November 10, 2012

I’m finally getting out. On this inauspicious, chilly, puffy clouded morning. I’d be a bit more enthusiastic if I wasn’t leaving this regimented; when was your last bowel movement? regimented detention, for 6 weeks of veritable home confinement. Although I am about to transport my now temporarily lone shouldered self to home sweet (?) home, once there I’m to be tethered to a thrice daily IV, twice oral, antibiotic regiment. Additionally, if I should attempt to veer to the exterior, I’ll have to keep a safe distance from any inadvertent contact with face in iPhone, iPad, iPod, iAnything type humans so I don’t get bumped and have the inserted spacer scrape the exposed bone. Most unpleasant feeling. Especially when my cane accidentally makes contact with the back of said inconsiderate, dumb, day dreaming, self absorbed, stupid human’s head!

I’m sure I’ll find a way to use these upcoming 6 weeks for something more than mind numbing hours of idiocy and at least find time between The View and Jon Stewart to re-read some Dr. Seuss watch some Rocky and Bullwinkle DVDs or listen to some classic Lenny Bruce. Then after my re-education, I get to return here for implantation of shoulder number three!!!

To be continued……

November 14, 2012

Staples in the Left of me, PICC line in the Right, Stuck in the middle, woo hoo!!!

This one isn’t as fun as it looks. So far other than the lovely constant pain, the antibiotic side effects, shall I say, have me running!! Luckily for me it’s not from a toxin that would have caused me to have to take an additional antibiotic. Hopefully today will have been the last day ’cause it’s really kicking the (waste) out of me, so to speak.

I’d like to take a moment to again thank everyone for all the continuing kind words and thoughts. It’s so wonderful to be reminded how lucky I am to have such incredible loving energy in my life.

In particular I want to thank Mary and Ty McCatty who along with the excellent Leslie Riddle Taxi service, gave up part of their Saturday to get me home from HSS. Also thanks to Aya Araki for the yummy chocolate covered fruit, Allan Hamer for setting up a delivered Thai dinner and Lisa Regal for bringing by a delicious chicken, assembling delectable sangwiches, and spending time with and giving assistance to Mr. Gimp (moi)!!

Tomorrow it rolls on…

December 6, 2012

Tis the season... for root canals? Ho ho ho. The first tooth was started yesterday and now every 9 or 10 days I get to have more drilling in my head. Both teeth have to be done before I get the new shoulder. What’s a bit more pain? It only hurts more when I eat. All I have to do is fast for the next 27 days or so. At least I can get the shoulder before the new crowns are made. The craziest thing is finding out how valuable each tooth is. I’m starting to understand what they mean about a million dollar smile! In the mean time I’m very thankful that what’s left of my sanity has been helped by visits from a couple friends and family bearing food, helping me stay presentable (well as much as I can be), and most of all just taking time to talk, laugh, and solve the worlds problems with me.

December 17, 2012

Today the catheter in my arm was removed. I am now PICC less!! No more twice a day IV hook-up. With all the madness we’re in the middle of, I need to make clear that with all the shit I’ve been (and am) going through, and it is absolutely shit, I realize how lucky I am. I’m able, with varying degrees of difficulty, to wake up and get out of bed every morning. Rain or shine. Make no mistake, if I had the choice, I’d certainly prefer this daily ritual without so much pain and with more use of some appendages, but since that’s not the case, it’s forward (hopefully) I go.

January 29, 2013

Alright kidz,

Notebooks under your desks, no talking, pencils ready. It’s pop quiz time (or poop quiz in this case). In 100 words or less write about that fun bacteria: c-difficile.

Yes, just when we were starting the 2 antibiotic cocktail for the possible p-acne bug still in the body, we got a call today that the test came back positive for c-diff (as the cool folks refer to it. So we get to add another antibiotic to the mix!! Hopefully one round will be enough and the original 2 won’t cause too much turmoil in the next few weeks.

I was just speaking to a friend earlier today and I joked about what the next hurdle might be since I thought the powers that be may have run out of obstacles. HA!! I always did have a problem not knowing when to SHUT UP!!

Guess what? I’m running out of tape from wrapping it around my mouth. I keep having to re-wrap after taking my medicine 3x’s/day. Please forgive me if I don’t answer if/when you call. It’s time (maybe overtime) for a vow of silence!

Have a lovely evening…

February 28, 2013

New daily diet: Almost a whole apple, a couple handfuls of cereal, 2...OK, 3 bites of chicken plus a few sips of Gatorade and bit more than 8oz of Ensure to wash it all down!! I’m stuffed!!!! (plus I think I covered all the food groups!)

May 25, 2013

When you live in one of the best cities in the world it’s easy to take things for granted. In the past 2 weeks I’ve seen a Ballet Company, 2 Broadway shows, spent an afternoon in the Planetarium and Museum of Natural History, another morning wandering through the Bronx Botanical Gardens (serene oasis in the middle of the madness), and then last night spent an evening in the Classic Jazz club The Village Vanguard Grooving to the sounds of the fantastic Barry Harris Trio!!!! And I’ve only scratched the surface of the myriad entertainment and artistic events and places this little burg has to offer. Pretty phenominabulous!!

June 4, 2013

No matter what you believe happens when this ride is over, take advantage and squeeze out every scintilla of enjoyment that may be possible while you’re here. Unfortunately, a vibrant wonderful young woman I grew up with in the last century was buried this morning. I spoke to my Dad who had just returned from this evening’s shiva and he was saying he saw people he hadn’t seen in years. He said that some of the other people I grew up with were talking about arranging a reunion of those of us from the old neighborhood still here.

Instead of just seeing each old friends at Weddings, B’nay- Mitzvahs, Bris’, and, unfortunately, Funerals, why don’t we take the little bit of time to call, write, (or these days) text, to plan that reunion.

Are we so busy doing nothing, being hypnotized by Friend’s re-runs or the past week’s DVR’ed shows that we miss just saying Hello, or I Love You. or Remember when...?

For whatever reason, I got lucky. I was allowed back into the park. I probably won’t be able to choose when my dance is done. So I’m going to do my damnedest to appreciate my lush gorgeous sound track, to revel in the intricate amazing choreography that surrounds me, to relish everyone and everything that has allowed me to have the itty bit of success I’ve been able to eek out, and of course express my gratitude to all who have allowed me to share, and be a speck in the fabric of their existence.

Now excuse me, Big Bang re-runs start in a minute!

Sending Love…

July 22, 2013

It’s so nice hearing good news for a change. One of the things I’ve learned from all these years in this crazy business called Show is that there’s no Queen like a happy Queen. Three Cheers…!!!

October 11, 2013

In case i was getting bored, the next episode of Cutting with Alan has been scheduled. (It’s actually Cutting OF Alan) Whatever it iz, it’s November 4th. Oh boy!!! I’m pretty sure this is gonna kwalify me for a free bed pan or whatever this month’s freakwint flaying award might be. Hell, by now I should have my own OR. Thankfully this one won’t be as bad as the last 2. We’re only re-attaching the Subscapularis. A few daze in Le Hopital and 4 weeks in a sling is the plan as of now. (or is it OWWWW?) I’m kinda looking forward to some of that great cuisine. Nothing beats that 5am oatmeal!! Stay tuned……

November 3, 2013

So.... dontcha hate it when ya seem t’be rightin’ the same story over n’ over. ya rilly wanna be rightin’ bout how yer show got picked up n’ ya have lots n’ lots of auditions coning up n’yer so bizzy thatcha gotta stop answering the fone so ya dont hafta tern down any more offers??!! Me too. Therefore, or five, I apologize because as boring as it is, and Shirley it iz (sorry but I couldn’t rezist) (and I promise, I’ll stop calling you Shirley) I have to write about the fact that tomorrow we’re going in for # 28. Oh boy!! I’m guessing by now I should at least be getting a toaster or maybe a piece of luggage. Hell by now I should have my own durned operating room. I mean (actually many say I am mean, but thatza horsuva nother kuler) I think (which some say that ain’t true neither) when I start knowing all the nurses and assistant docs by first name, it’s time to pick up a new hobby!! This one shouldn’t be too bad (that’s what they always say) because we’re only re-attaching a muscle that’s torn off. Actually it’s not we, I’ll probably take a nap or something during the whole procedure. The bitch is that it can’t be done just with the scope, they have to open it up again (Hell, by now I should just have a zipper for easy access!) and I’ll hafta spend another 2 or 3 daze in the hospital. If I remember, the Tuesday dinner special is pretty good. So again I apologize, but that’s the deal for now. I’m not promising, but sometime in the (hopefully near) future I’ll be writing sum good stuff. Have a good nite and as always, I send lotsa luv!!!!

2. Getting Here in the First Place (Where’s My Trophy?)

Not that it was a race but if I would’ve remained in Michigan, I imagine that I’d probably be writing about quite a lot of different deeds than the ones I’m in the midst of listing. For example, each year I wouldn’t have written these; which tell of my move from Michigan that day waaaaay back in October of ’77:

October 16, 2012

Sometimes it seems like yesterday (other times like another life!) but 35 years ago today I woke up for the first time in New York. Just another of the the hundreds of thousands who come here to begin the magical journey. And what a ride it’s been!!! It would take hours to even begin to tell of the extraordinary, outlandish characters I’ve been so extraordinarily lucky thus far to have had the pleasure (and sometimes woe) of encountering along my personal yellow brick road. So many people’s assistance has allowed me to to still be existing here, or anywhere for that matter. If I could, I’d build the most gargantuan monument of thanks but all I can do Is offer my eternal gratefulness and love. I’ve only tickled the edge of the madness and so I look forward, with open arms and eyes, to the next 35!!!!

October 16, 2013

What would be your answer if you were asked What were you doing on this day 36 years ago? I’d say I was getting on an Eastern Airline (remember that one?) flight to LaGuardia to start the Great Adventure"! Of course I was only 2 and a 1/2 (I wish) when I came to NY (a much different NY) with my good friend Susie, who in addition to being beautiful had been dancing her whole life. I followed her into the madness. I blinked and suddenly 36 years have passed!!!! What a ride it’s been (thankfully I even remember bits of it!). I got real lucky to come across and learn from the best of the best. In no particular order, Ned Williams to Margaret Craske, Diana Byer, Eddie Wright, Phil Black, Ed Dixon, Mike Biondi, Peter Thompson, Frank Hatchett, Chuck Kelly are some of the Sho-Biz Masters who shared their knowledge with me. I couldn’t begin to name all the incredible, beautiful, crazy, brilliant, fun, amazing people, here and all over the globe, I’ve been able to share slices of the journey with. I’ll just say THANK YOU (and in some cases, I’m sorry) to everyone. I’ve unfastened my seat belt and look out, I’m still here, well most of me anyway, and looking forward to the next 36!!!!!!!!!!!

October 16, 2014

It’s hard to believe but on this day 37 years ago (I was about 2) this innocent, excited, energetic, crazed, young kid arrived here to the big city to begin a UNBFL (unbef*%kingleivable) journey that, so far, has taken him all over this flying spinning mud ball. Arriving in the midst of glitter disco mania, life lessons came fast and fierce. I’m so glad I got here to experience the pre AIDS, crack, and 9/11 energy, as well as the pre-obliteration of much of the character and edginess of the city, that was a dazzling breathtaking era never to be seen again. The untold exhilarating hours I spent in sweaty studios at the feet of masters Phil Black, Eddie Wright, Dennis Dennehy, Chuck Kelly, Frank Hatchett, Henry LeTang, Margaret Craske, and Diana Byer gave me the tools that have allowed me to be a part of this glorious, joyous, loving, community of Show Business. Thankfully, between photos and friends I still have memories of the adventures that I didn’t even dream were possible when I stepped off the Eastern Airlines flight to LaGuardia way back then. Sometimes it seems like yesterday and other times a different life but either way, because of the countless wonderful, sharing, caring, loving, laughing, dynamic, knowledgable, and incredibly talented people I’ve had the fortune to share bits of my continuing escapade with, I’ve been able to have a life that many only dream of. And to the all those afore mentioned people, both living and gone, I wish I had more to offer than just my sincerest eternal love and gratitude. To all those just beginning their journey I often say to enjoy the countless seemingly insignificant day to day moments as you pursue your goals because "Time flies, whether you’re having fun or not….

October 16, 2015

So let’s throw back, way back. Exactly 38 years ago today this innocent kid (that wouldn’t last too long in NYC 1977) got on an Eastern Airlines flight from Detroit to New York. Thus began (can anyone say pretentious?) Alan’s incredible adventure, a journey that thankfully, continues to this very day. Since that fine autumn afternoon the people and places experienced were unimaginable to this fresh inexperienced kid. As a friend once said you’ll see ’em come and you’ll see ’em go. Just keep you eyes and your mind open and your mouth shut (always had trouble with that one) and enjoy the ride And what a ride it’s been!! Stay tuned, the adventure continues......

PS. Photo by Susie Kaufman Seigle, before the Seigle.

October 16, 2016

WOW!! As of today I’ve been here for 39 years. How different my journey would’ve been if I’d have stayed at MSU. But I didn’t!! On a whim I made a decision and on this day all those daze ago.....WHAM!!! The adventure began. I wish I could remember my feelings as I opened the door to the apartment on 84th street in Jackson Heights (we couldn’t afford Manhattan yet). Luckily Susie Kaufman Seigle (before the Seigle) had been dancing her whole life so I had someone to follow. After a few days acclimating to the atmosphere here we were finally ready (is anyone ever ready (other than those batteries)). We figured out where to go (though folks have been telling me where to go for years!) and headed out onto those wonderfully decorated subway trains of 1977 into the magic and madness of The City.

And so it began. For the longest time, whenever I spoke to certain friends back home they would ask How long are you gonna give that dancing? Well, I’d reply, I’ll see what’s happening in a couple years or Until I’m not enjoying it. Of course a horse is a horse so as the years went on and I was absorbing more of the magic and getting deeper into the madness of this life I’d invariably be asked the same question (can questions be asked outvariably?). Eventually, after years of giving the same reply, the question finally terminated when my response became; "What do you you mean, How long am I gonna give it? Let me ask you, how long are you gonna give that (insurance selling, teaching, banking, doctoring, etc.). This is what I do. When I’m no longer enjoying it or I decide I wanna do something else I’ll start (insurance selling, real estate-ing, lawyering, doctoring, etc.) or whatever.

So here we are (British for I am), 39 trips around that nearby ball of burning gas later and I’m still enjoying it.

I had no idea how lucky I’d be. That I’d end up working on 6 out of 7 continents. That I’d arrive at the end of an incredible era and find main teachers who have helped me in life and professionally. Teachers like Phil Black, Eddie Wright Jr., Margaret Craske, Diana Byer, Ed Dixon, as well as Frank Hatchett, (Chuck) Charles M Kelley, Chaka Zulu. That I’d meet and work with so many unbelievably wonderful, fun, wacky, intelligent, beautiful, talented, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean......... oops, that’s the Boy Scout oath. Sorry. What I meant is I’ve had contact with some gosh darn decent folk!

As the next 39 begin, I wish there was a way I could thank all the incredible humans who have influenced and aided me as I’ve continued along this sometimes bumpy path. I only hope that I’ve been able to give back or pass on as much as I’ve been given. Even if it was a smile, a gesture, a word, or a moment just listening. To anyone who caught me on that (one) day I was in a hurry, in pain, distracted, unhappy, or in pain, I apologize. I ask for another chance.

So, allow me to fasten my seat belt and let the odyssey continue!!!!

October 15, 2017

Greetings fellow travelers, Please forgive me for interrupting your day of rest but it’s quiz time. If you get this right you’re welcome to a plethora of fine gifts. Ready?

OK, here we go:

What would be your answer if you were asked What were you doing on this very day 40 years ago?

BEEEEEP!!!! sorry, times up. Thanks for playing and I hope you enjoy our fine consolation prizes!

Now if I would’ve been queried like that, I’d have swiftly responded (well b4 the buzzer) thusly:

I was getting on an Eastern Airline (remember that one?) flight in Detroit that was heading to NYC’s LaGuardia airport to facilitate the start of what’s now being referred to as: Alan’s Great Adventure"!

Thankfully I was wise beyond my barely out of my first year of studies at MSU (Go Spartans!) years when I first turned up (and began turning out) here in NY (though a slightly different NY as anyone who was here in last centuries fine bicentennial plus one year of ’77 would honestly attest to) with my lovely friend Susie Kaufman Seigle, who in addition to being beautiful was already quite a dancer, being that she had spent much of youth at her Mom’s dance studio. Being barely past my first dance belt I, blissfully (despite my ignorance) followed her into the excitement and insanity of NYC’s delightful wide world of Dance.

Somehow I seem to have blinked and suddenly, 40 years have suddenly passed!!!! And what a ride it’s turned out (in spite of my narrow pelvis) to be!!

Thankfully I even remember bits and pieces of the wild ride that it’s been!

Luckily I got here at the end of an era when some of the Masters were around and still passing on the tricks of the trade that made them the giants they were. Anyone, willing to spend years sweating and continuously challenging their bodies and brains to grow and be molded into magnificent machines, was welcome. The same ethic was required from all those wanting to be successful in any and all performing disciplines. Somehow, as I said, I got real lucky and came across and learned from the best of the best. In no particular order, Ned Williams, Margaret Craske, Diana Byer, Eddie Wright, Phil Black, Dennis Dennehy, Ed Dixon, Peter Thompson, Frank Hatchett, and (Chuck) Charles M Kelley were some of the Masters who shared their knowledge with me. Though I’d like nothing better, it wouldn’t be possible to name all the incredible, beautiful, kind, crazy, brilliant, fun, amazingly talented people, here and all over the globe who I’ve been able to share slices of the journey with. I’ll just say THANK YOU (and in some cases, I’m sorry) to everyone. To those like Mike Biondi, Karen Fraction, Joycean Masters, Eddie Campbell, Greg Burge, and all the others who’ve taken an early exit, rest well; we have much to catch up on! So, I’m still here (well most of me anyway), I’ve fastened my seat belt, I’m ready, set, and looking forward to the next 40................... Now GO!!!!!!!!!!!

October 16, 2018

Here I iz 41 years later and stoned again (in a kidney kinda way). Honestly it’s difficult to believe that I’ve been anywhere for 41 years! I still remember Labor Day weekend of ’77 when Susie and I came to NY for the weekend to find an apartment. We ended up choosing a furnished 2 BR apartment in Jackson Heights and decided we’d move 2 days after her birthday. A few days after we unpacked it was time to venture into the big city. So after finding out which trains to take, we payed our 25 cents for a token(!!!!) and jumped onto the wildly hand decorated late 70’s trains and adventured in to The City in order to take a class at Luigi’s! Of course I was completely lost but having a great time. A bit after that we found ourselves (I didn’t even know we’d been lost) at Ned Williams school on 14th st. and 6th ave and the race had begun!! Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Primitive (Dunham Technique) 7 daze a week!!! Within 2 years I was at Phil Black’s for Jazz and Tap and with Margaret Craske and Diana Byer for Ballet. From then on all I had to do was take class for 4-6 hours a day. 6-7 days a week. Robert Ossorio helped with my tuition at Manhattan School of Dance (ballet) and being on scholarship at Phil’s, which was cleaning the studio and dressing rooms (the women’s was always a MESS) helped me afford that. Otherwise affording all those classes (including voice and acting classes etc.) would’ve been impossible. Of course being that I arrived during the pre-AIDS era of Studio 54, Paradise Garage, The Saint, and later The Limelight etc. there was much partying to do. And party we did!!! Not realizing that a plague was unfortunately infiltrating the scene and too many of the people I was partying with would soon be cut down in their prime, just as they were about to hit their peak kinda brought that to an end. Luckily, as that was halting my career began to take off in ways I didn’t even know were possible. My magical journey allowed me to perform, teach and choreograph around the globe before it all unceremoniously came to a crashing stop one morning in S. Africa at the same time the century was coming to an end.

It certainly hasn’t been