Nineteen-year-old prodigy Mike Faist was no stranger to dancing, especially not tap dancing. He’d been doing it for years by this point, and it had become his favorite style. That’s part of why his smaller role in Newsies had so much appeal to him, aside from being his Broadway debut — he just got to tap dance the whole time.

You were cast as an ensemble member. ‘Cast’ is a gracious word, of course, but seeing as how this was also your Broadway debut, you were happy with anything. The only problem was… you didn’t know how to tap dance. You were only welcomed into the production because your energy and your response to the question — “Not yet” — endeared the casting directors. So… here you were.

Right alongside Mike Faist, who didn’t think he was going to need refreshers on an art he’d been practicing for longer than people seemed to think. The choreographer for the tap sequences insisted on everyone, regardless of skill level, to practice and to get familiar with the basics of tap before moving onto the actual choreo for the show. Mike stayed outwardly humble — a feat that is usually difficult for nineteen-year-old boys — but he still knew he was one of the better dancers of the group.

You soon grew enamored with Mike. He was charming, and funny, and sometimes even bashful, even though you could tell he had the most talent out of the measly little group of kids scrounged up for ensemble. But when it came to the tap lessons, you envied him deeply. You envied everyone, really, because you seemed to be the only person who couldn’t get things right.

Mike felt bad. You were a cute kid with a lot of spunk and passion. You were a truly fantastic singer, and nice to everyone you came across. You just… weren’t a great dancer. And soon the choreographer started to get angry with you, so Mike took it upon himself to help you, and hopefully spare you from anymore public humiliation.

It’s a typical rehearsal day, and the ensemble members who aren’t needed for the running scene are encouraged to go and practice dances, lines, or songs. Particularly dances, since the show is extremely choreo-heavy. Mike is released and immediately seeks you out.

“Hey,” he says with a little smile as soon as he finds you, frustratedly going over the tap movements in your own little secluded corner. He sighs softly at the motions of your feet. Even he can see what you’re doing wrong.

“Do you wanna maybe go over the Seize the Day number you’re working on?” He asks, trying to avoid wording that makes it sound like you’re failing. “I need something good to do.”