Gregory Butler

Tap was never my ministry. 😂

When choreographer Michael Shawn hired me for a Buick industrial (remember those?), I was on the ‘struggle bus’ through the big tap number. I went to him for advice. He said, “Smile big and the audience won’t notice your feet.”

Then he put me DOWNSTAGE for a section of the number!

I KILLED IT. Because I had to. 😂

Look, I could tap, but the style never quite sat right in my body or my soul. Michael saw that. He also believed in me enough to put me where everyone could see me. He challenged me to work hard, then work harder at finessing what I could do.

Now, as a choreographer, I know how much trust goes into placing dancers in formations. Throughout my career, I’ve tried to give other dancers the opportunity Michael gave me, the opportunity to rise up!

For the lineage of dancers that stretches from you, through me, and beyond…

Thank you, Michael. 🕺🏾❤️💃🏾

#michaelshawn #choreographer #grateful #tbt #passingiton