Playing Tourist
Posted by Rachel S on Thursday, October 7, 2010
Under: Life
Last night, I ventured to my favorite dance studio for a much-needed dance class. Unfortunately, the studio is near Times Square-- which always seems to be infested with thousands of annoying tourists. Even though I was early for my class, I felt like I had to plow quickly through the streets to get away from the herd of fanny-packers who take up the entire sidewalk buying fake Justin Beiber photos and 'I heart NY' t-shirts from sidewalk vendors.
When I reached my destination, I learned that the hip-hop class I wanted to take was being substituted by another instructor. When I saw who the guest teacher was, I grabbed my bag and discretely walked out. I'd taken her class before, and didn't like it. She's a specialist in "whining", which is basically hip roll isolations and pelvic thrusts-- which I like to call "air fucking". Unless there's a happy ending, I don't see the point of gyrating for 90 minutes.
Instead, I decided to take a contemporary jazz class that didn't start for another hour. So, I headed where most of the free world goes to kill time: Starbucks. I ordered a green tea and took a seat at the bar, facing the window. As I stared at the passersby, I found serenity in the chaos of Times Square. I zoned-out to my i-pod and observed the people dashing by. I wondered what brought them to Times Square: Work? Vacation? Broadway show? Strip club? Before I knew it, it was time for dance class! Although I was far from the best dancer, I enjoyed myself as always.
I always leave the studio with a sense of euphoria. Before I head back home, I like to sight-see. Sometimes, I stop for gelato. Other times, I check out who's on display at Madame Toussaud's wax museum. Since the dance studio is located in the theatre district, I often just walk around to see which musicals are showing, and make a mental list of the ones that I want to see. And, I always pass by the enormous 25-screen movie theater to see what's playing. Many times I stay and watch a late movie by myself, or call a friend to meet me. By the time I get home, I'm exhausted and ready for bed.
I suppose those nights allow me to forget about the stresses of life. My entire evening passes without having to worry about work, bills, or dealing with crazy roommates. So at least once a week, I play tourist in Times Square.
When I reached my destination, I learned that the hip-hop class I wanted to take was being substituted by another instructor. When I saw who the guest teacher was, I grabbed my bag and discretely walked out. I'd taken her class before, and didn't like it. She's a specialist in "whining", which is basically hip roll isolations and pelvic thrusts-- which I like to call "air fucking". Unless there's a happy ending, I don't see the point of gyrating for 90 minutes.
Instead, I decided to take a contemporary jazz class that didn't start for another hour. So, I headed where most of the free world goes to kill time: Starbucks. I ordered a green tea and took a seat at the bar, facing the window. As I stared at the passersby, I found serenity in the chaos of Times Square. I zoned-out to my i-pod and observed the people dashing by. I wondered what brought them to Times Square: Work? Vacation? Broadway show? Strip club? Before I knew it, it was time for dance class! Although I was far from the best dancer, I enjoyed myself as always.
I always leave the studio with a sense of euphoria. Before I head back home, I like to sight-see. Sometimes, I stop for gelato. Other times, I check out who's on display at Madame Toussaud's wax museum. Since the dance studio is located in the theatre district, I often just walk around to see which musicals are showing, and make a mental list of the ones that I want to see. And, I always pass by the enormous 25-screen movie theater to see what's playing. Many times I stay and watch a late movie by myself, or call a friend to meet me. By the time I get home, I'm exhausted and ready for bed.
I suppose those nights allow me to forget about the stresses of life. My entire evening passes without having to worry about work, bills, or dealing with crazy roommates. So at least once a week, I play tourist in Times Square.
In : Life