My Morning on “Good Morning America”

Last week, just before the 4th of July, I had the thrilling experience of being part of the audience on Good Morning America (GMA), a renowned iconic live television show broadcasted from New York City. Millions of Americans wake up to its breaking news, hard-hitting interviews, exclusive investigations and financial reporting 5 days a week. ?Although I wasn’t featured, being in the crowd was an exhilarating experience that I won’t forget anytime soon.

The Call to Join the Good Morning America show

The adventure began with an unusual email from TC Swing, a dance group that holds events at the Ukrainian Cultural Center (UCC) in St. Anthony, Minnesota. Many years ago, I discovered my love for dancing through Cindy and Terry Gartner’s TC Swing. Their infectious passion for dance and welcoming community atmosphere drew me in, and I’ve been on their mailing list ever since. They host monthly dances at the UCC, located at 301 Main Street.

This past week, I received an unexpected email from TC Swing inviting us to join them on Good Morning America. The email said, “Come out and join us on Good Morning America.” Intrigued and excited, I promptly replied to the email. Little did I know that I would soon find myself part of a live broadcast.

Early Morning Excitement

On Tuesday morning, at the break of dawn, I was ready for the exciting experience. It was 5:40 AM, and the city was already buzzing with energy. Along with other members of TC Swing, I gathered, eager to be part of the live audience.

Our group was invited to participate in a feature highlighting the vibrant Northeast Minneapolis, affectionately known as "St Anthony Main." The segment focused on three main iconic spots: the Main Cinema, The Astor Café’s jazz brunch, and, of course, TC Swing. Also highlighted were Minneapolis Water Taxi and Human on a Stick Segway tours. The reporters were Alex Perez ABC news correspondent and Hannah Conway of Channel 5 Hometown KSTP.

Behind the Scenes

The experience of being part of a live television broadcast was fascinating. The GMA team was bustling around, preparing for the show. Producers were coordinating the segments, cameramen were setting up their equipment, and the hosts were getting ready to go live. The energy was palpable and swing music was playing.

As part of the audience, my job was to cheer, show excitement, and wave a sign. We were handed signs to hold up during the broadcast, adding to the lively atmosphere. The camaraderie among the crowd was contagious. Everyone was excited to be there--the enthusiasm was infectious.

The Broadcast

When the cameras started rolling, the excitement reached a fever pitch. The hosts introduced the segment on Northeast Minneapolis, and we could feel the pride swelling in our hearts. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the charm and character of our community on national television.

The Main Cinema, a beloved local theater known for its eclectic film selection, was the first highlight (where I'd seen Perfect Day this Spring). The Astor Café’s jazz brunch, a popular weekend destination for live jazz and delicious food, was next which is now on my list. Finally, TC Swing took the spotlight. The segment featured a brief history of TC Swing and its contribution to the local dance scene. Cindy and Terry Gartner’s dedication to fostering a love for swing dance in the community was celebrated.

As the camera panned over the crowd, we cheered and waved our signs enthusiastically. It was a surreal moment, knowing that people all across the United States were watching on their screens. The GMA hosts interacted with the crowd, asking questions and sharing anecdotes, making us feel like an integral part of the show.

Reflecting on the Experience

Being part of Good Morning America was an incredible experience. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the hard work and coordination that goes into producing a live television show. The opportunity to represent Northeast Minneapolis and TC Swing on a national platform was a true honor.

This experience also reinforced my love for the TC Swing community. Over the years, TC Swing has provided a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and share their love for dance. The Ukrainian Cultural Center at 301 Main Street has become a second home for many of us, a place where we can express ourselves through the joy of dance.

Marriage, Divorce, and Swing Dancing

Reflecting on my experiences with TC Swing, I realized that marriage and divorce can be likened to the rhythms of swing dancing. In both marriage and swing dance, partners need to move in harmony, anticipate each other’s moves in order to navigate the dance floor in grace and respect. Just like in dance, where missteps and challenges occur (and people step on other's feed), marriages also face difficulties that require patience and understanding and sometimes they don't work out.

When a marriage ends, it can feel like stepping off the dance floor. However, just as on the dance floor, dancers find new partners and continue to dance, individuals can find new paths and relationships after divorce on their healing journey. Swing dancing teaches resilience, adaptability, and the joy of movement—lessons that are equally valuable in the journey of life and love.

Conclusion

In the end, my appearance on Good Morning America was more than just being part of a television broadcast. It was a celebration of community, culture, and the shared experiences that bring us together. It reminded me of the importance of cherishing the moments and connections we share with others and the impact that our communities have on our lives. Just as in dancing, when relationships change due to marriage or divorce, we must adapt our steps and find new rhythms. Sometimes, that might look like co-parenting after a divorce rather than being in the same home together. The dance of life continues, and with it, we find new partners and new ways to keep moving forward together and apart.

If you missed the live broadcast, you can watch the segment HERE. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an exciting experience and look forward to many more adventures with TC Swing and the vibrant Northeast Minneapolis community. If you need some help finding your next step in the divorce dance-i.e. facing a divorce or struggling with coparenting afterward—well, that’s what I help families with.? To change the tune and find a new way to dance the dance of life.