At age 70, B. Rene Norman discovers the power of movement, faith, and saying yes through senior tap dancing. A heartfelt story of healing, light, wellness, and renewed purpose that proves it’s never too late to shine. 

God’s Light, Movement, and the Power of Yes: A Senior Tap Dancer’s Journey at 70 

In the beginning, God created light—and I am so glad He did.   I have never been comfortable with chaos or darkness.   As far back as I can remember, light has guided my life. 

One of the first songs I learned as a child was “This Little Light of Mine.”   I didn’t know it then, but that song planted a seed.   It taught me that every person carries light—and when we choose to let it shine, whether alone or together, it has the power to push back darkness.   Unknowingly, it became my life’s motto. 

When I reflect on my childhood, one memory shines particularly bright.   Around the age of six, I was in church when I noticed that when some of the mothers caught the Holy Spirit that bibles, hats, and purses would fly.   Anyone—or anything—in their path, including babies, might get knocked over.   Without hesitation, I began rescuing toddlers one by one, quietly escorting them to the supervised daycare room where we could play safely. 

Finding Light Through Life’s Challenges 

Even then, my instinct was clear: protect, bring calm, and be the light in the middle of chaos and noise.   As I grew older, that instinct stayed with me.   I became the one who looked for the bright side, who believed choosing positive thoughts and actions could shift a moment—or even a room.   I often found myself stepping in as the go-between when family or friends argued.   That belief didn’t always work in my favor. 

Once, my two sisters got into a fight.   Young and gullible, I tried to stop it and ended up with a swollen eye.   Ten minutes later, they were best friends again.   Still, even then, my heart—and my light—were in the right place. 

This is not to say my light was always bright.   There were seasons when it felt as dark as night.   As an adult, one point in my life, that darkness was identified as depression—morbid depression, I was told.   I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.   But I believed it was still there.   Today, I can say with confidence: my light is shining again—bright as the North Star. 

A New Light – A Senior Tap-Dancing Journey: Starting at 70 

I am B. Rene Norman, and I am 70 years old. 

As a young girl, I admired the Nicholas Brothers, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and Shirley Temple.   I loved tap from afar.   But admiration is different from participation.    

Until recently, tap dancing lived only in my imagination—and in my daughter’s feet.    

That changed with a simple invitation—and a willingness to say yes. 

My daughter, Porsché Norman-Rudison, has been tap dancing professionally for 35 years.   Never—not once— did I imagine I would be wearing tap shoes, let alone performing alongside other senior citizens. 

How I Became a Beginner Tap Dancer at 70 

It began when Myra Renee, 64-year-old and mother of my daughter’s business partner, Donielle Hall, began taking tap lessons with Porsché.   Tired of being corrected by children in class, she asked Porsché if her mother would join the class.   Porsché suggested something better: “I teach a senior-only tap class at the WLCAC Southwestern Senior Center in Los Angeles.   You both can come there.”   That same day Porsché asked me if I would be interested and amazingly, I said, “Why not!   It’s time to do something new!” 

On October 29, 2025, I put on tap shoes for the very, first time and stepped onto the dance floor. 

After just three lessons—and a lot of practice—on November 22, Myra Renee and I performed a not–so-perfect tap duet at my 70th birthday celebration.    

From that moment on, we became known as “The Renees.” 

Today, we, “The Renees” are part of High Expectation Academy of Performing Arts and proud members of the Sophisticated Seniors at WLCAC.   Alongside eight other senior dancers—and growing—we represent resilience, joy, and possibility through senior dance performances. 

Intergenerational Dance: Light in Motion  

The Sophisticated Seniors were asked to perform with H.E.A.P at the academy’s 1st Annual Holiday Showcase on December, 21, 2025.   The number opens with a tap solo by Porsché, our 38-year-old instructor—young, fearless, and just bold enough to remind us all that tap is meant to be felt.   Her feet speak first, setting the rhythm, the mood, and a little bit of attitude. 

Then, right on cue, seven senior tap dancers join her—following her lead, we tried to match her energy, and prove that rhythm has no age requirement.   What follows is not a hand-off, but a joyful takeover. 

The dance becomes a lively conversation across generations: youthful fire meeting seasoned grace, quick feet meeting deep roots.   Porsché doesn’t just lead—she invites, encourages, and clears the path so we seniors can shine. What you see is more than choreography.   It’s laughter in motion.   A reminder that movement keeps us young—and joy keeps us moving.   This performance isn’t about age.   It’s about timing—and knowing when it’s your turn to dance with passion. 

Healing Through Movement After Injury 

If you had asked me a year ago if I would ever tap dance, my answer would have been heck no! 

First, I was never a dancer.   Second, I suffered a fractured ankle on April 1, 2023, and wore a medical boot for a year and a half. 

And yet—here I am. Ahh… but wait there’s more! 

Each month, my ankle aches have grown less and less. I’ve regained energy, endurance, and strength I wasn’t sure would return. Movement truly is a healing medicine — especially for active aging and senior wellness. 

Light and Wellness: Supporting My Active Lifestyle 

I credit much of my renewed vitality to phototherapy technology. I truly believe this technology is one reason I can perform with renewed energy and passion—along with my inner light. If you would like more information this awesome technology, click:     The Light Corner. 

The Power of Saying Yes 

My journey proves something important: 

You are never too old to begin. 

You are never too broken to heal. 

You are never too late to let your light shine. 

Sometimes with a little faith, all it takes is one word: Yes.