My first year out of college, I took a job as a legal secretary in a downtown firm and hated every minute of it. The work was tedious, the partners sneered at my clothes, a client disappeared to Mexico, and I hit a tailspin that ended at the bottom of a bottle of Bombay Sapphire and a bag of honeydew melon popsicles. Something had to be done. I took a deep breath and a long shower and went out to purchase my first pair of tap shoes. At lunch the next day, an internet search for lessons in the area turned up Cameo/Carrabba Dance, a studio founded by the classically trained Louise Fellows. With three levels of instruction from beginner to advanced, they are prepared for all types of adult latecomers to the world of the kick ball-change. The instructors were patient with our learning curve but avoided coddling. Over the weeks, my calves began to show a little definition and I shed a few of the gin and popsicle pounds. By the end, tapping through a short routine with confidence and poise, I had a second epiphany and quit my job. Never felt better. (Tap classes Thursdays at 7 p.m.; see Web site for other classes and times.)

Thursdays. Starts: Jan. 3. Continues through Jan. 31, 2008