BY TAYLOR MARSH

I spent over twenty years as a performer, still am if you count radio, with most of that time spent perfecting the art of the dance. I was fortunate enough to land on Broadway, my big dream. I was vacationing on the coast in between runs of a road show, when one morning at the wee hours, 5:00 a.m. to be exact, I took a train into New York City for my first big audition. It was for an opening in a Jerry Herman musical, “The Grand Tour,” with Joel Grey. They were looking for replacements, two positions. After it was over I was told over one thousand girls auditioned. Anyone who’s ever performed will understand what I’m about to say now. Some days you’re just on fire. This was one of those days. Jerry Herman was sitting in, because he wanted just a certain type. We connected when I was performing, Mr. Herman sitting right in front. Me working him as I danced my heart out. That wasn’t my only audition that day. I dragged myself back to Belmar at 10:00 p.m. that night. The next morning I got the call. One audition and I’d landed the big one. I was in heaven.

That’s one girl’s tale of dreams come true. I spent my early childhood and teen years in dance, singing and acting studios, getting told no many times. I danced in college, modern, jazz, doing leads in musicals, with trips to New York to learn more, anything I could.

But I never could dance like Cyd Charisse. Nobody could. That’s because there was only one Cyd Charisse. She passed today at the age of 87. I bet you a buck Fred Astaire met her at the Pearly Gates. At least that’s what I like to picture.

Thanks for all the memories, Ms. Charise. You were the dancer’s dancer, the performer’s performer, which is why I had to post two videos. I’m sure glad we’ve got the tape.

Open thread, folks. Politics… movies… music… chat, but try, just try to be kind. It’s late night.