Steph’s Packed Lunch by Kate Stanforth

An email pinged on my phone with the title ‘Steph’s Packed Lunch Appearance’.  I nearly deleted it thinking it was spam as I couldn’t believe something like that would be for me.  Well…it turns out it was!  On the 22nd of April, I featured on the lunchtime show and had a day I certainly wouldn’t forget.

The Interview

I entered rehearsals in the morning and felt completely exhilarated.  The crew commented that they’re so used to having people arrive on set full of nerves, but I was so ready to show the world what I was passionate about…dance!  I was there to showcase my wheelchair inclusive tap sessions, ‘Beatz’, where I tap using hand-sewn tap gloves on a wooden board across my lap.  The show also featured a lovely interview with my backstory and I was able to get some awareness on TV about both inclusive dance and my health conditions.

Dancing with Celebrities

After my interview, I was resting back at the hotel when I got a call asking if we could stay a little longer to film a TikTok.  Of course, this was something I was excited to do!  One of the guests I got to chat to on Steph’s show was professional dancer and TV personality, Oti Mabuse, and I am a HUGE fan of hers.  The fact I already got to teach her the Beatz technique in the morning was one thing, but now I got to make a TikTok with her too!  Myself, Steph, and Oti filmed an adapted version of American rapper Cardi-B’s song, ‘Up’, using the tap gloves and I think I laughed through every take.  It was a fabulous afternoon.

Adapting for My Chronic Illnesses

I managed through the day so well because I’ve got very good at adapting to my chronic illnesses.  One of the things I ensure when booking a job is that they’re understanding of my health needs and that I have accommodations in place so I can get through the day safely.  For Steph’s Packed Lunch, I had a PA with me and we both got a taxi instead of the train as I am on the extremely vulnerable list.  Once we got there, they kindly booked me a day room at the hotel so I could lie down before and after my appearance.  I also made sure I had plenty of breaks for rest, food and to lie down.  That being said, I was still exhausted when I arrived home, but without putting these adaptations in place I wouldn’t have lasted more than an hour!

Final Thoughts

I watched the show back and I didn’t stop smiling through the whole interview.  I think you can see just how much I love what I do right now and I feel extremely privileged to be in this position.  I hope the appearance encourages other people to dance, and/or, follow doing what they love.