When Riordan wanted to learn to dance at age 4, her mother bartered with the teacher because the family couldn't afford to pay for lessons.

Arlene teaches them while also teaching the master tap classes at Debbie Allen’s Dance academy. Years back, Debbie had taken her young daughter to Arlene for her early tap lessons.

We wondered where moms like us could take beginner tap. Another mom overheard our conversation and told us how SHE was a teacher at North Carolina Dance Institute that offered lessons for adults.