CHICAGO SALSA CONGRESS FEB 14-17 2008

WAAAAA HOOOOO! SALSA CONGRESS IS BACK!!! Anyone that is interested in what Salsa culture is all about can NOT miss this event! It's exactly what it sounds like... a Convention for 3.5 days dedicated to the world of Salsa and Mambo. There are dance troupes that travel from as far as South Korea to perform at the shows, Salsa/Mambo instructors that travel in from as far as Puerto Rico just to share their love of the dance.

I went for one day last year with a friend after RT couldn't say enough good things about it... Workshops start as early as 9:30am... and don't stop until about 4:30pm... then you get a break to grab something to eat and change for the evening's show and dancing. All in all the dancing doesn't officially stop each day until 3am! It's FANTASTIC!!! Not to mention the LIVE music... oh, last year's band was so cool I still have the post card from the event... Sammy Garcia & Sabor de Puerto Rico... even when I reached a point when I was really too tired to stand, I stuck around just to watch the band and the other dancers. Yeah, and I can't forget about the more than 20,000 square feet of dance floor!!!!

I do admit I was on a bit of a Salsa/Mambo overload after the one day, for about two weeks...the only Salsa I wanted was the kind that comes with chips... Now, I have such fond memories of that one day... I want to do THE WHOLE weekend this year!!!

Check out the Chicago Salsa Congress website and see if it's something you want to get involved in! I reccomend it for ALL levels of dancers... EVERYONE can take something away from this event!

Happy Holidays and Joyous New Year....

.... To all my family, friends, readers, instructors, and fellow dancers alike.

Two of the THREE hundred photo's...

And the results are in! Well, sort of... Eric Klein, my dear photographer from last Saturday's blast of a photo shoot was an absolute dear and e-mailed me two of the shots.... personally I KNOW these are NOT the one's that will be published, my artists eye is sure of that...but if these two are an example of the work produced during that shoot...then I KNOW there are going to be some GREAT shots in that bunch!

Let me know what you think!

My AMAZING Dance Weekend! - Sunday Competition!

SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY!!! More dance related activities! So, you see why I didn't want the weekend to end. Sunday was a regional competition and Holiday Ball for the Fred Astaire chain. I arrived later in the afternoon and caught some of the Latin heats, I saw some of RT's students burning the floor! Unfortunately I missed Buddy's entries... Next time I'll have to arrive earlier in the day. I caught up with some dance friends and we chatted about this dance and that. There were some kids competing as well... I mean LITTLE kids... maybe 7 years old... and they were Dynamite! It's so much fun to see the wee ones cutting a rug like that. Makes me wish I would have started dancing ages ago too.

The competition portion of the day concluded and we all ran off to change for the formal evening. I had brought a special dress... one that I've only worn once and has pretty special meaning. I decided to wear my prom dress from 10 years ago! Now wait.... before you scoff and think that I'm totally insane just read for a second. My prom dress is NOT your typical fru fru dress. It's an ankle length tank dress with an empire waist that comes with a long sleeve jacket. The color is a deep purple, and when it moves or creases it shines bright green. I paired it with a hand made original crystal necklace and earrings a friend had designed for me a while ago, and some shiny black heels (2" heels thank you very much!) There...see... NOT your usual prom dress, but then I'm not your usual girl so it works out. This dress is 7/8 sizes smaller than I used to wear a year and a half ago, and while it was still a little tight in the bust, (a problem I have no issue with) the rest of it fit a lot better than I remember! I'll hang on to it for a while, a lot of people seemed to like it...and while it may not be totally socially appropriate that I was telling them it was 10 years old, hey... I'm proud that I got to wear it! So look out! If I have any more formal events thru spring... I just may bust it out of the closet again before it is to big to wear!

The evening's performance was put on by Valentin Chmerkovskiy and Valeriya Kozharinova an absolutely AMAZING show! They are both 21, and currently among the best in the world at what they do. I took some pictures of their Bolero, but unfortunately ran out of pics by the time they got to Jive... Their Jive was truly unreal, I wouldn't have believed legs could move so fast if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes! It was a WONDERFUL cap to one of the most fun weekends I've had in a while!

My AMAZING Dance Weekend! - Saturday PHOTO SHOOT!

Saturday was the day I'd been working towards since December 1st. I arrived at the studio about 10min before my actual appointment of 10:30am. To my SHOCK and amazement Tony Dovolani from Dancing with the Stars (and my dance floor's namesake) was in (he'd been in all week with coaching, but to see him there on Saturday was a true delight!) RT showed up as he'd promised, as did my sister and a few of my "dance friends"- they wanted to see what this photo shoot was all about. It was wonderful to see them all there!

The photographer Eric Klein arrived on time with Cindy and Jen, they were so kind and professional. Cindy was in charge of hair and makeup, Jen was tasked with wardrobe. After what felt like ages in the make-up chair, and a brief visit from Tony we went thru the process of trying clothing. We all settled on the dark wash jeans I had brought paired with a lavender blouse and cream shell, accessories included two of my favorite Celtic pieces from my own collection. Once that was settled we began the quick process of hair. Then it was off to the smaller ballroom to begin the photo process! While I didn't know if they were going to want an instructor for the photo shoot, they did in fact pull RT into the make-up chair... so we could provide some variety for the magazine!

We commenced with my simply standing feet in 5th position, hips at a slight angle to the camera, arms at my side...and SMILE! Then I was asked to hook my thumb in my pocket, put my hand on my hip... and so forth...if my clothing moved Jen would run forward to fix it... if a hair fell out of place Cindy would run forward and spray it down. After a while RT was asked to come in and we held a few poses, open break, smooth frame, and Tango Corte...where of course I was holding my left hand wrong on his arm, so some of the pics will look more like I'm hanging on for dear life, rather than gracefully leaning forward (lets face it...if any of those Corte pictures look graceful it's by complete accident, there is NOTHING about my Tango that is graceful yet.) At one point I had the photographer asking me to keep my eyes open while smiling, and RT whispering in my ear about fixing my hand, or pointing my foot more. I was busting up on the inside about it...(had to stay all pretty and serene on the outside) even when standing still RT has to get REALLY TECHNICAL on me. Which completely makes sense, I want these pictures to look as good as humanly possible.... but that doesn't keep it from being down right funny.

3 hours and THREE HUNDRED pictures later it was time to call the photo shoot to a close. To my understanding those three hundred will be whittled down to about 10 or so that the photographer will send to the magazine, then the magazine will select one or two for the article... Well gee... maybe they should have taken more, I hope there's one or two photos that work out of all that.

My AMAZING Dance Weekend! - Friday

Can I just re-live this past weekend over and over again like in the movie "Groundhogs Day"?

Friday brought forth the Holiday party at the studio. I played my usual social butterfly self and had WAY too much fun! The evening began with a showcase of the youth classes... wee ones from age 5 up danced their hearts out... entirely too cute! Then it was time for us grown-up students to get our groove on... One of the instructors asked me to dance a cha cha...and I had enough power going into my spins to attempt a double, but alas... my balance just isn't ready to take me there yet. Buddy and I rocked a Hustle and a Salsa, and I'm pretty sure we trotted like foxes too :) . Then another instructor I only dance with at parties (we joke that it's our "bi-weekly dance") grabbed me for a super fast East Coast Swing. Some of my favorite student leads were there too... SL and I can usually get together for swing and/or hustle, somehow we always exchange amazed glances when we actually get through a dance or step on time.... and Mr. P actually got me through some of my cross over breaks in cha cha! There was something magic in the air for me that night... I did screw up on a couple things I normally have down, but that's ok.

RT and I were talking our way thru a Rumba, when the MC said "Ladies lead!" We switched frame...and my mind went blank... I couldn't remember anything about how to start the Rumba! RT helped me out by nudging us in the right direction... and for the basic... I wasn't having a hard time at all... I could get used to this whole being in control thing... then it was time to try a turn. I never new RT could make such a pretty follow! That was a lot of fun to experience actually leading...it would take some time before I could remember when to begin leading on everything else. All in all fun party! GREAT start to this weekend!

One Week + Down... and Look for me in February on your Local Newsstand!

One week down...well more than that... and I have managed to drop 4 lbs, which considering that I'm now fighting a stress induced cold is AMAZING! Still hoping to post big loss numbers for this week... even though I only have three official days until my "big" event.


Speaking of that event, I suppose now would be a good time to fill you all in on what is going on.


This whole thing is, totally and completely mind blowing! You see, back in August a magazine called First for Women found this humble journal simply by searching the web. After reading posts like "Dancing for my Life..." and "Please Allow me to Reflect on My Reflection." they have decided that my humble journey of a better life by ballroom dancing is inspiring enough to be worhty of a feature article in their publication!





The reason why I am so focused on being at my best on December 15th, is because the article will feature one or two photos of me, and that official photo shoot is happening at the dance studio on Saturday!





I'm continually blown away by the inspiring e-mails from my readers, and fellow dance students alike, but now that my little story is going into a national publication WOW... I have major responsibility to maintain my lifestyle and postings now! I've said it before, and I'll say it again... THANK YOU for all your support!





So, keep your eyes peeled! I'm told the article will be in the issue released in late February 2008.

(Photo above is the edition of FIRST for Women that is now on newsstands...)

Lesson's With Buddy, Bringing Smooth Up To Speed

There's no real reason for it, but it has been brought to my attention that during my lapse in filling all my dear readers in on lessons, my lessons with Buddy have not been posted. I believe I've had three lessons that have yet to be explained. While sadly I can't remember the details of all, there is one new development since working with Buddy that I'm quite excited about!

When I started learning from Buddy I had no idea what to expect, as previously mentioned he is very different from any instructor I've ever danced with. It did take a little time to adjust, but now I look forward to lessons with him as much as any I've ever scheduled.

The newest development I've learned with Buddy is in the smooth dances, the two I've been working on the most lately are Foxtrot and Tango. Before, I used to dread smooth dances... I only learned them because they are part of the whole Ballroom experience. Lately I actually really enjoy Foxtrot with Buddy, it actually feels like a dance I can do as opposed to one I can only muddle my way through. I can use my knees appropriately, though the top portion of my frame still needs work. Even when I am terrible, Buddy is rather adept at not mirroring my feelings and instead helps me work at improving by the end of the lesson. My favorite part of Foxtrot so far is the grapevine, and as long as I'm not subconsciously trying to back lead, I almost feel like I have the control required to really do the dance. Gaining control is something I've been working on for a long time now, and I'm so pleased that I'm finally making progress.

Tango, ah the Tango...Buddy is one of my favorite Tango partners as well... I'm very pleased to inform you that I no longer have issue with the frame and lack of space between myself and my lead. I also love the attitude, although still have difficulty maintaining it for the complete dance. The Tango is great for me because it seems that I'm rather incapable of back leading in this dance, and have no choice but to follow, which is a trait I'm learning to bring to my other dances. I can't wait to learn more and really fine tune what I need to so that I become proficient at it. Tango has a culture all it's own and I'd like to look into that once I'm fairly confident with my skill.

So I must now utter a statement that I never ever thought would ever cross my lips. I am learning to really like Foxtrot and Tango...therefore I am really learning to appreciate Smooth Ballroom dances! YEAH!

Learn to Dance and Do Some Good!

Chicagoland Fred Astaire dance studios are having a wonderful promotion. NOW is the time to take that first dance lesson! Why? Because you can get that introductory lesson and help give a gift to a child in need.
All you have to do is contact your nearest Chicagoland Fred Astaire, schedule your lesson on or before December 17th 2007 and bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys For Tots! As if you didn't have enough reason before... now you can learn to dance and do some good all at the same time!

I look forward to seeing you all on the dance floor!

This Week's Lesson... Let's Work it Out...

This week's lesson with RT, was as they usually are, really technical, but per my usual style I refuse to allow my entire lesson spent on fine tuning one little thing when I feel much more comfortable working technique out while actually dancing.

RT and I opened with East Coast Swing, which we haven't done together for a long time now, and it was a blast like always! I don't know why, but RT is one of the few leads I've had for East Coast that isn't afraid to travel across the floor during the basic triple step. I always figure if we've got the space we should use it, and as soon as I feel the push to triple step my way in one direction or another I have to keep myself from squeaking a "WEEEE!!!" out as it always feels like a bit of a ride! We covered not only elements but most of the steps I know, and even worked on the Swing version of the swivels. It was a most excellent way to warm up at the top of a lesson.

We then moved into some Salsa/Mambo which I'm pleased to say I'm progressing at rather nicely. I've even developed what I consider to be a solid double spin, which to this point I can't even attempt in some of the other dances. RT also showed me a pattern/step that involves the lead going around the follow and ending in a nice spin back to basic frame/step. I seemed to pick up on it fairly quickly but, now several days removed from the actual lesson, can't tell you if I'll be able to read the lead appropriately in the future, I'll just have to hope on that one.

After Salsa, we went back to Rumba... it seems that of all the dances one could work on technique in Rumba for a lifetime and never really have it as it should be. We spent a good portion of the lesson moving ribcage, then hip, ribcage, hip...again...and again... My frustration grew, I promised to work on my ribcage to hip relationship at home and told him that Buddy had showed me a spiral at the end of a step a few weeks ago that I wanted to work on instead. So we did... and turns out the spiral turn happens at the end of a Cuban walk step...so we walked, I would try to spiral, and we walked again, and again I would try to spiral... I've got the spiral part, it's the timing that I'm screwing up, and the walking bit always needs help. By the end of this technical bit I was again frustrated, but did feel like I had a better grip on that style of turn, and while I know I have shown promise with my Cuban walks they are still too inconsistent for me to say that I improved those.

RT is very good at reading my frustration levels, as tends to happen when you work with someone for so long, and at some point the weekly question of how many lbs I had lost came up. I told him that it was honestly going well, until the holiday happened then some quality time at the bar happened and now it's not going as well (but that's about to change if you read the post below). So I expressed my minor frustration at not really dancing but working on technique (sometimes with our styles being so different I think it's amazing that we get along at all, much less as well as we do) RT is an amazing dancer and his eye for technique is nearly unparalleled based on observations that I've witnessed...but my brain sometimes just can't process everything he's giving me at once. He asks the magic question "So you want to work it out?" ...to which I could only reply "Yes." We took a break from technique to pick up a Salsa and per usual that made me feel tons better. Then in typical RT style that always just makes me laugh, we picked up the Rumba technique where we left it as if the Salsa break never happened. The lesson ended on technique, which is good because that helps me keep in mind what I will inevitably be working on at home over the next weeks.

Still, learning a lot... every lesson is jammed packed with learning of all kinds. While my learning curve that was reported in the past had slowed, it appears to be picking up again. With that and the events as briefly reported below developing the next few months should be very promising on all fronts!

The Start of Big News, and RT Sets Forth a Challenge...

Hi gang! Big news is just coming up around the bend, but I must keep you, my dear readers, in suspense for a bit longer. In 15 days I will be participating in the first big phase of an extrordinarily exciting event, one that has been in the talking stages since sometime in August, and will conclude, in one aspect and just begin anew in February (no worries, I'll fill you all in before then). This event on December 15th is going to require that I appear at my best from every angle, inside and out. Time for me to call on every ounce of confidence I've developed and drop as much weight as I can between now and then...

RT, Buddy and I are all VERY excited about it.... RT and I talked about it shortly after the plans were set, and as my constant coach and confidant in everything dance and weight loss related for the last year and a half, I always want to know what he thinks about these two subjects in particular. RT tells me "Ok, we've joked about it before, but I'm serious I want 5lbs a week until this happens." To which I had one of my classic "You must be kidding" type responses... the conversation ended with "Ok, it's 9:22pm, it starts now." Well, my goal was to drop what I can...but then I saw him at the studio 24 hours later, and he found out I was going out with the girls for some beer and nachos...The look on his face told it all... dear RT was NOT kidding... and me, with the ridiculous complex of wanting to make him proud to be my instructor, will do what I can to accomplish the task... Hey, I'm always up for a challenge when it comes to this.

So, the mission set before me is 10lbs in 15 days... can it be done? I believe it can... The Thanksgiving Holiday started a pattern of laziness so this will help me shake that.... Will it last? Weight loss like what lies ahead never does, so I'm not counting on it. I've been joking that I just won't be eating for the next two weeks, to which RT responds with an equal amount of sarcasm "Ok, just don't die on me."

You may be asking...is not eating actually my plan? HELL NO! One thing I've consistently prided myself on throughout this whole process is that I have always eaten... I have NEVER used supplements or denied myself a meal for the sake of a pound or two... The plan is as follows... one work out a day has just become two... I will become hyper-selective about the foods I eat, all beverages have been limited to tea, water, and V8. Attention to my intake of a daily multi-vitamin and calcium has come under critical focus so I can maintain my health as the stress level will undoubtedly rise. Every dance lesson between now and then (hoping for 4) will come with a demand for my respective instructor to kick my butt up one side of the dance floor and down the other. (Which will make for some entertaining writing)

15 days... 10lbs... exciting events on the horizon...and most important...fun! I'm definitely up for the challenge!

Last Week's Lesson Cha Cha and West Coast...

Hi gang!! I once again must apologize for lagging on my postings, mid-terms will do that to me.
Last week was absolutely one of the best lesson weeks, first my original instructor is back! YEAH!!! And I have decided that his moniker from this point forward shall be RT. SO... away we go.

Tuesday brought on my first lesson with RT since he's been out, and it was so much fun to have him back. Because I've been working with him since the day I walked in, to dance with him again was like putting on my favorite pair of jeans. It just felt right! We opened with a little hustle just to get warmed up, then I asked for some West Coast as I hadn't really done it in his absence. Blissfully the lesson was primarily West Coast and I was extremely surprised that I really hadn't forgotten much of it.

At one point we were fine tuning one of my hips for a type of step called a "whip" and I must have really learned it because when we finished he said "That was good." Now I don't like to be over complimented, I always believe that there is room for improvement, so I come back with "No, that was just better, not good." Normally he lets that be, but this time he corrected me, "No, that was GOOD." YEAH! Something was good!, better yet, something I think I can actually do again was good!

We continued on our West Coast path for a while, and then decided to do a little Cha Cha, which I still need SO much help on... I'll get it one of these centuries I'm sure. At any rate, RT decided to change up a lead and send me into an independent spin, any time a lead is changed up on me my brain instantly freezes and I suddenly have no idea what I'm doing. So I stopped and said "Ok, that was new... what do you want me to do there?" to which I receive the response "just spin"... well ok...just spin independent of any support or guide and try and be back on time to pick up the Cha Cha again.... (I have the hardest time maintaining that rhythm in my head, it's sad really) Anyway RT was relatively impressed with my independent spin, must have been better than he remembered, because it felt the same to me.

All in all another excellent lesson. I'm convinced with each lesson my confidence on the dance floor and in myself increases just a smidge. What ever would I be doing now if I hadn't started??

Ok...well postings are about to pick up speed as I have a lot to write about suddenly. Keep you eyes peeled!

A Milestone Reached... 100lbs Lost!

Wow, my dear readers, I must first apologize for my lack of posting since October 22. I hope you all had a great Halloween. Let the Holiday Season officially begin!

Ok... back to business... In my last post, I acknowledged that I had a bit of a personal celebration. As of that Sunday I had officially hit that magic number on my scale. I've lost 100lbs! I've only recently been able to get excited about it. There isn't anything in this life that has allowed me to have what one might think of as an appropriate reaction. I was shocked and a little numb about it all... it's been a long time in getting here! I am happy though to report that the power grid accross the mid-west is still intact! My world hasn't imploded. In fact it's continued as normal... the people I've told have expressed their support which is appreciated BEYOND measure!

The only major difference I've noticed, and for me it's major... is that I now have to be donned in dresses when I dance at the studio as all the NEW slacks and pants that I have recently purchased tend to slide right on down when dancing! I refuse to run right out and purchase MORE new clothes. Because another 10 lbs or so from now I'll only be running out for more! Yet, the idea of being clad in a dress and hose up to twice a week is a little daunting. (I'm the girl that had worn a dress 3 times since 2005.) I have about 5 relatively casual and mostly dance friendly dresses that are contenders, and thankfully all machine washable. (Hopefully shrinkable too, as even some of these are getting a little loose) that will now be in what I consider to be heavy rotation. Hopefully those I see most often will forgive the repetition in my wardrobe.

The other thing that's rather frustrating for me is that after 100lbs lost, I'm not where I want to be... I look in the mirror and all I see are the things that need to change, too much weight around the middle, double chin smaller but still ever present. Face still impossibly round (which unfortunately may be more genetic than anything I can help) UGH! Mixed in with that desperate want to celebrate is the harsh reality check that I'm not finished yet.

Thank goodness I'm dancing! When dancing it doesn't matter... all I do is focus on my steps and my performance, and making my teacher laugh when I'm too frustrated to continue!

Oh well, if these are the greatest of my weight loss concerns... I'm doing well!

So, yes I am officially 100lbs lighter than I was on June 21, 2006.


Wow...

Sunday Regional Competiton... Dancing the Night Away

Sunday was the Fred Astaire regional competition. The event started with Smooth dances at 9:30 am. I, knowing that just watching the dancing can get a little tiresome and frustrating when you can't just run out there and do it yourself, I didn't arrive until around 4pm when the Rhythm heats were in full swing. I brought snacks because I know these dancing people don't eat all day... Something I would totally do myself, but being that I was just a spectator I wanted to be as much help as I could. I'm very envious of those that can compete (my reasons for not, are way too varied and complicated to post here). I do love to support my friends though and I was very excited to see them out there strutting their best stuff in sparkley dresses, spray on tans and pounds of makeup... all part of the fun!

This, for one of my friends was her last competition, and she did wonderfully! All first and second places... gold and sliver that's what we like to see! She was absolutely rocking this asymmetrical black and blue bedazzled dress that just flattered her figure... she was awesome to see out on the floor with her instructors.

Around 6:30pm after a quick wardrobe change by all, we sat down and enjoyed a lovely dinner followed by some general dancing, which I of course had to be a part of... my two-stepping fellow student picked me up for a Cha Cha, I pulled one of my other favorite student leads out for an East Coast Swing (one of the few dances I'll actually hunt for a partner on instead of waiting to be asked), and the Riddler from the studio party on Friday settled on me as his partner for a rather amusing Mambo (So happy I finally figured out how to go On2!)

I also met a couple of lovely ladies from Latin Rhythms, a studio in the city that focuses on more Latin based "street/club" dancing and performing... I may have to check them out for a party sometime, it will give me a chance to pick up my Bachata and Cumbia again... I'm always on the prowl for fun places to dance. It was great to meet other dance professionals, I loved to hear their opinions on the ballroom scene they were witnessing. I look forward to seeing what their studio is all about.

Later in the evening I found someone I really wanted to dance with... he's a family member to my favorite female instructor at the studio, and he just happened to be in town this weekend with his girlfriend. This instructor and her relative used to compete in ballroom when they were younger and to watch them dance is SO cool... What I forget is that when I'm excited about something I can be a little overwhelming and intimidating especially for folks from other places on the globe. But, I asked anyway... now this gentleman doesn't dance anymore... so he was a little shy...and again... I'm a spazz... I did manage to pull him on the floor for a Waltz and he thought, being a former competitor and all, that I meant Viennese Waltz which I don't even know the basic on, so we fumbled back and forth before we finally, albeit off music, got a few steps of my terrible basic waltz in... hopefully my charming personality and undying laughter made it more bearable for him... but being that he's a former champion, how could I pass up the opportunity? There's the SLIGHTEST chance he and his girlfriend may visiting the studio when I'm in for my lesson with Buddy... hopefully I'll have the chance to redeem myself.

The evening ended with a truly awesome 5 dance performance from Jesse DeSoto and Jackie Josephs (Co-managers to the studio I dance at) I know a few of my friends had to miss it, and if you did too... you can see some video clips on their website here. As anticipated they are consummate performers and the show was fantastic to see live. There was even a really fun group number put on by a lot of the staff members, it's great to see new and different aspects of the dancing profession!

As always the competitions are a blast even if you're just in attendance, my only regret is that every time I see a showcase or exhibition dance (a much more theatrical version of ballroom in this case) my heart just breaks because I know I can DO that... I would love more than anything to get out there and rock the crowd to a choreographed piece even just once... but there are extenuating circumstances that keep me out of that aspect of this hobby, and I again decide to make myself happy with my one lesson a week. It is better learn dancing once a week, and practice on one's own than to not dance at all.

Next week some of the staff will be out for the Fred Astaire National Competition in Florida, so it will be a super busy week at the studio again... Wish I could attend that one too...but that's just a commute I can't make... if any of you out there are going to be at this event, do let me know how it goes!

The evening as a whole was a bit of a personal celebration for me as well, but THAT I'll have to write about in another post... :)

Friday Party The Re-Cap

Wow! Do I have a lot to write about tonight! Lets get started with the Friday Halloween Party!

This party was so much fun! For my costume, I can't pass up a play on the name... I went as a cat (leopard to be exact) I happen to own a leopard print dress and decided to use it as my primary accessory for my costume. Full make-up (photo's to come) and a faux diamond collar to boot... I love when I get to pull out my more theatrical skills!

Upon arrival the general consensus was that attendance may be a little low, perhaps due to the theme or the upcoming competition... We couldn't have been more wrong! Just after the party started and I noticed a general theme of "good guys" for the staff we had Batman, Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Neo from Matrix, Spider-Man, and the like. Suddenly into the studio burst a group of people that were unrecognisable, until further inspection proved them to be the Staff and students from another local Fred Astaire studio. All dressed as villains... this was absolutely a surprise to us. Yeah! Finally enough instructors to go around and make everyone feel like a real dancer (dancing with and instructor/pro dancer for fun is some of the greatest confidence building dancing EVER)

So much fun... lots of lively music everyone in a good mood. I danced a makeshift Fox Trot with Neo and we were so busy talking about this and that, he wasn't paying attention to where we were going and I got backed into a few folks (sorry about that, I told him I couldn't see behind me). Later, Spider-Man took on the brave task of asking me to Tango and it turned into the fastest lesson in a new Tango step... I'm fairly certain I don't remember a thing about it. The Joker from the other studio took me around for a fun East Coast Swing, and the Riddler and I had a very entertaining Cha Cha (I did one of my best round-about crossover aka "spinney move" ever.)

One of the other students was there and at the last three parties we've been working on a two-step that I get a huge kick out of... it can be done during nearly any song that has an East Coast beat, only problem is East Coast is a rather stationary dance, and the two-step requires a line of dance or at least room to travel... on a crowded floor we got some dirty looks, but we didn't run into anyone so I don't see what the looks were for.

OH, and I had my first near wipe out! I feel SO bad!!! Another student asked me to dance and it was a push pull, which generally I'm very good at... this guy is a very good dancer and takes his craft very seriously... I wouldn't be surprised if he goes pro at some point... ANYWAY so we're marching our way thru the push pull and I'm lead into a step that requires two quick spins with both arms way above my head (and given my height, it's tough for most guys to reach up there) well, I'm just getting better at these double spins and I went a little out of control, I think I was a little too close to him, anyway I tripped...then he tripped and there was stumbling and the poor guy was trying to keep me from falling (which I always tell them NOT to do or I will bring them down with me...besides I could really hurt someone!) SOMEHOW we managed not to fall, and I apologized profusely knowing that this student was competing on Sunday, I would just DIE if he had pulled a muscle or something trying to keep me from kissing the floor. As any good lead he was a total gentleman about it... Sadly I don't think he'll be asking me to dance again... but then I don't really blame him.

A couple of songs later... all was forgotten (sometimes I get preoccupied with the possibility of hurting my dance partner because I'm too strong, too klutzy or whatever) and I bopped my way through a few more dances, promptly removed my makeup before exiting and went to meet with friends...

I love to go to the parties because it's a chance to dance with good dancers and some instructors that I normally just see around during my lesson, or in the case of this party some I hadn't seen since the other studio opened.

Thursday Lesson: Cha Cha...and Trotting like a Fox

Hi Gang!
Sorry about being late on this week's lesson post... It's been wicked busy around here!
Ok so here we go....

I had a goal for this week's lesson... Buddy has been extra attentive to making sure that I've got all my elements nailed down in my major dances (the four dances I concentrate on most- Fox Trot, Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing) so this week I wanted to work on what I consider my two weakest dances. Cha Cha and Fox Trot. The Cha Cha is difficult for me to work on getting really good at because where I feel relatively confident with my Cuban motion in Rumba... the Cha Cha demands that I pick up the pace and do all those hip, knee, and eventually shoulder movements SO MUCH FASTER! I'll get it though I have confidence in that.

On to Fox Trot... aka part of my ballroom nemesis SMOOTH... it requires SO much control! We reviewed frame and technique and as my frustration grew, I let my overly dry totally sarcastic humor fly... with pleasing results. I got a "Gee, Kat you're really funny." HA! Buddy has no idea how hysterical I can be!

Around the floor we went, Buddy was really good about keeping the series of elements/steps in the same order so I could work on pinning down my technique which definately helps. I just hope it doesn't ruin my trying to just follow (I have the predictably horrible habit of anticipating what I think my leader is going to do, which often results in dancing disaster) We'll see, I know most of the social dances at this weekend's competition are smooth and if I get asked to dance, it will likely be by someone I don't normally follow so *fingers crossed* I'll be able to glide across the floor.

We ended the lesson with a brief overview of how a gal/follower should actually stand when dancing smooth (balanced primarily over left leg, spine elongated, shoulders straight, head tilted back, face up etc...) This had me feeling a bit like a gumby type statue, but good information for me to have. THAT will definitely have to be reviewed again.

Not the best lesson, but again... when dancing it's always fun, and I'm generally in a good mood. I have 17 lessons left, after that I don't know what I'll do as continuing really isn't in the personal budget, but if I keep telling myself I can be happy with one lesson a week it will give me time to figure out where this ballroom adventure will continue. As always... I'll keep you posted.

Now as seen on...

A special thanks out to one (or possibly more) of my regular readers in Massachusetts. For what appeared in my inbox a few days ago...the newsletter from Fred Astaire Dance Studios (FADS), and to my shock and amazement I received quite the pleasant honorable mention.

"One life at a time Kitty, a student at the Chicago North studio, opens up about her love of ballroom dance and how it’s helped her lose 100 pounds in just over a year. Click here to read more. "

Isn't that neat?

Thanks again! I hope to keep the dancing up and the weight down... Don't forget to comment on the FADS blog (link above.)

Don't forget readers... Party on Friday, Competition on Sunday(see below for details)... oh and I have a Lesson tonight with buddy...so I'll touch base with you all later!

Dance Events Week of 10-14-07: Party and Competition!

Hi all!

This week is a slightly more eventful dance week than most... Come on by and get in on the action!

PARTY FRIDAY 10-19-07 Halloween Costume Party (Prize given for best costume!) 8pm $25 that comes with the opportunity to sign up for a introductory lesson at NO additional cost.

Directions to the Studio

SUNDAY 10-21-07 Regional Dancesport Challenge for Fred Astaire Studios at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare featuring an evening performance by Jesse DeSoto and Jackie Josephs (call 847-634-1100 for details on how you can attend)

(Photo of Jackie and Jesse Courtesy of Fred Astaire Chicago North)

I'm VERY excited... First off, my costume for the party is going to be so much fun! Second, even though I don't compete, I love to go and support my friends... and it's a chance to dress up for the dinner and show too. I'll tell you all about it next week, but I'd rather see you there!

Thursday Lesson: Dancing with my Eyes Wide Shut

I had a second lesson this week, newer instructor again that I have decided to officially make my "buddy teacher." (Since names are always omitted to protect the guilty... he shall be referred to from this point on as "Buddy.") This is good because having more than one instructor makes me a better dancer, it gives me another lead to follow and a fresh perspective on the same steps and techniques that I'm learning.

Buddy opened the lesson with a review of all the basic techniques in East Coast Swing. Now, the basic BASIC techniques and elements were never really taught to me as such, they were just incorporated into whatever I was learning step wise so when I was asked, "Do you know (such an such) element." I had to answer "I don't know, just lead me through it and we'll both find out." Turns out I've got the elements covered, so we did a fairly nice East Coast and incorporated some of the more advanced steps that I have been doing for a while. There was a point where Buddy tried to teach me an alternate version of the basic step...the portion of the step that "rocks" back he was asking me to almost "rock" forward. That I was having trouble with...but then I often have issues if I am asked to change what has, in my mind, always been done a certain way. I actually gave up on the idea of doing the "rock forward" as I just couldn't wrap my head around it. THAT was frustrating because it's really simple, and I just couldn't grasp the concept. I'm sure it will be reviewed in future lessons.

Next dance Buddy wanted to work on was Rumba. The Rumba and I have a love/hate relationship really... I blame the Cuban motion of it all... I love it it's fun and sexy and it's a great opportunity to perform...BUT...I'm a person that can't actually perform a Rumba unless I'm comfortable with my leader. Buddy and I have been working together for a very short time and I don't feel as though I trust him as much as the teacher I've been working with since day one... That means that when he wants a Rumba (as he described to me, "sex on the dance floor") with full blown Cuban motion and sexy eyes the whole nine yards... I immediately disconnect from the dance and from my dance teacher. Had I put two and two together I would have suggested the solution to that, luckily I didn't have to and Buddy suggested the very solution I missed... one of my favorite teaching techniques ever... Dancing with my eyes closed.

I know... dancing with one's eyes closed sounds a little out there... and I don't suggest it for a crowded dance floor, but if you're taking lessons and haven't done it yet, it's a MUST. I've danced with my eyes closed on two previous occasions... and I admit to being a little embarrassed that I like it so much! I can't imagine what dancing with partner that isn't looking back is like, but what happens when I close my eyes is pretty cool. So, I close my eyes and it takes me a second to adjust, immediately all my other senses are trying to make up for the fact that I'm not using my eyes to try and read my partner (I'm EXTREMELY visually oriented in general) I start to listen to the music more, I'm paying more attention to the feel of my dance teacher instead of trying to read his face for my cues... and after a few steps of adjustment and deciding to drop the internal argument that I'm doing this with someone I don't really know... I just try and follow...and after a few more measures...hey what do you know I'm following!

It's very strange because with my eyes closed, and my mind quieted, I almost feel like I'm inside the music... I don't remember the song... doesn't even matter.... and while I normally have visions of what the room I'm in looks like and where we are moving in it in my head...(essentially trying to "see" with my eyes closed...) This time I was able to make it all fade to black much more successfully than previous attempts and there was nothing but me the music and the frame I was dancing in... I did cheat when we opened frame for a cross over break and I had to find his shoulder again..if I hadn't peeked I could have hit him in the chin with my arm or something... With each measure of the music I felt more comfortable throwing whatever it is I've got into the Cuban motion. By the end it sure felt like a Rumba... I wish I could do that with my eyes open... I think I can... I just have to hang on to that feeling...

Then the magic was broken and with confidence in hand Buddy promptly shattered it by going over how to add my rib cage into the Rumba... Hey at least it doesn't matter how good I think I've learned something, because there's always room for improvement or a new element to add.

My usual instructor (pseudonym yet to be determined) will be out on personal business over the next few weeks (bummer!) so Buddy and I will get some quality lesson time in while he's out I'm hoping for some grand improvement in skill and scale numbers!

Tango Lesson and a bit of Reflection...

Well dear readers tonight's lesson taught me a LOT. And to be honest it's a little tough to write about, but as has been my trend for the last several weeks, ya'll get to read about my trials and joys while I'm on this journey... Tonight's lesson falls in the category of "trial".

Working with the usual instructor again we decided to work on the newest addition to my dance resume... Tango! I was nearly immediately struck by how different instructors can be. Tango with my usual instructor feels COMPLETELY different than any other leader I've had for this dance (granted there aren't many, but I've managed the basic around the floor with a few others in my time.)

My instructor asks a lot more of me than others I've worked with, he calls me out on foot placement instantly, and is relentless until I show improvement... we don't get to do the actual dance until some much needed drilling has been accomplished.... then once in frame he doesn't let go until we basic our way around the floor several times... despite my crack ups and horrible mistakes....which make me embarrassed and generally will send me into hysterics because I'm angry at myself for letting him down (laughter often covers frustration during my lessons). I really only want to come up to par, and do him proud... While this lesson was full of that tough brutally honest, yet politically correct, criticism that I've come to appreciate from my instructor... I think I may have done ok...even by my own standards... Someday I'll make him as proud to be my instructor as I am to be his student, and he won't think all this hard work has been for naught... but until then we drill and drill again...

Ok...back to the lesson...Tango is VERY different from all the other smooth dances (ie: Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep etc..) it's much more dramatic and the movements are very staccato, not to forget that I've mentioned the lack of distance between leader and follower in the frame before. (just try walking backwards when someone is walking forwards with one leg between yours it's...interesting) The dance is just overall intense...which I love and hate all at the same time. (I suppose that's a great thing for Tango, maybe I'll channel it when I get more proficient at my steps.) So we worked a lot on the basic and the timing (which I admit isn't that difficult once you get it) I did feel myself slowly improving as the lesson progressed. My promenade still needs a lot of work.... My instructor kept telling me it was better (we have a standing rule that the word "perfect" is not allowed), but I wasn't very accepting of the praise... I KNOW when it feels right, and that was only almost it... I HAVE to work on toe releases and heel leads and keeping my knees bent and trying not to smile (I'm kinda smiley in general) and not turning my whole body out for the change to promenade position...Once again there's a lot more than one realizes to become even kinda good. This lesson was only fun because dancing on any level is fun, but this lesson was a lot of work too.

I have at least one more lesson on Thursday... I think I'm on the verge of something big with my dancing skills...Over the last month or so I really feel that I've hit a turning point... either that or I'm sniffing glue and it's all just a terrible illusion... but seriously... my single turns are getting better and I've even managed a couple of doubles in the faster dances...(on time and everything) and yes...even I have managed to spin or pivot pretty well while heading in an overly left like direction! (Something I've been struggling with since day one.) It seems that I'm picking up on new things a little quicker too... I don't want to loose the momentum...

SO...yeah the usual instructor gets me to think a lot... not only about my dancing, but why I'm dancing... I dance because I love it, I'm losing weight because I dance... I want all you non-dancing people to get out there and dance because you'll love it too...not because it's good for you, not because you're looking for the next big thing out there and want to catch the wave... You'll LOVE it for what it is... it's expression, and performance, and feelings, and music... it's more than words can describe... it's DANCE. All the rest are just perks that come along with it. Your perks may be more energy, maybe meeting all the new people, or getting to let loose on your competitive side and enter a competition, or even just the opportunity to get dressed up once in a while. There are millions of good things that come out of dancing... so much more than I could ever express.

As always... I'm counting the hours until my next time on the floor!

No Time Line Possible for 100lbs

UGH!!! I knew I shouldn't have put a time line on myself! It only creates frustration, and magnifies every little tiny mistake I've made over the last few weeks.... 5 lbs to go... I'm at 95lbs down. Perfectly reasonable, I know that... and one of my primary excuses is that my schedule has become much more hectic in the last few weeks, (I'm only actually home after work MAYBE one day a week now...and generally out of the house for 14-17 hours Monday thru Friday) and it will continue to be that way for the foreseeable future.

So as my two week check in... I'm not there yet... but I will be soon... luckily I've been too busy and a little too stressed to freak out about losing 100lbs. I'm actually quite at peace with it... I just have to DO IT now!

On the extreme upside... I've been feeling exponentially stronger in the last few weeks. I don't know why exactly... I don't have a muscle toning regimen at home... but over the last two weeks or so I just feel like I'm getting so much stronger...especially in the arms and back. Maybe my frame is getting better in my dance lessons too... I'll have to ask. So, there is the slightest possibility that my slowed weight loss is due to some gain in muscle mass... which is ok with me..but I still want to see those numbers on the scale DROP!

I'll definitely let you all know when it happens... right after my world ends as I know it for dropping 100lbs I'll want to scream from the rooftops with glee!

This Week's Lesson X 2- Hustle and It's All About the Box

Have we been over how much I love dancing? Just in case you never got the message... I LOVE DANCING!!! This week brought on a double lesson, which I really wish I could do more, but finances being what they are... I keep myself happy with one lesson at a time.

First lesson up... newer teacher again, where it was work on a Salsa Dancesport step I still don't think I have it down... maybe if I take the time to remember what it's called that would help, but when it's done I'll love having it as part of my Salsa repertoire. Then East Coast Swing...always in love with a swing! Especially this step that starts with my leader and I back to back for a triple step, then pivot forward for some swivels (not a big fan of swivels yet) and then a turn out, only to turn right back in again for a final triple step and rock step to finish the move. I could do that one for days I'm sure of it!

Once done we moved on to Cha Cha.. if there was ONE dance I wish I could do better this would be it... it always looks so cool... and it's loads of fun! We worked on some kind of crazy outside turn that I was having issues with, then once I nearly had it we reviewed the same step for Salsa and Rumba.

(brief pause for instructional information...)
Most of the elements across a style of dance, Latin/Rythm in this case, can be used in all the dances within that style... just change the tempo to suit. It makes learning those elements very useful! That was good... since I generally dance with my heart (I learn by the way things feel, and not how they look or where I should be placing my feet etc) it was good to have this once again pointed out to me so I remember it.
(...and we're back)

So I've got more info on that outside turn stuff... but after my last lesson, and the realization that both this instructor and I are fond of Hustle... off we went working on Hustle! This is the standard or regular Hustle, not the push pull type normally done at this studio...so it was a lot of what I know and understand about Hustle done in some hold patterns I don't normally associate with this dance. We worked on one I think he called it the "Shadow Position" or that's the way the step starts anyway... it was crazy! Open break, turn in and around so that as the follow I feel like I'm about to break his arm...then spin out and around and... *sigh*... yeah I didn't get that one as well as I would have liked... well I got the beginning... and I understood the end... I was getting lost somewhere in the middle... I'll have to pick it up again at some point. Good Lesson!


Next lesson... My usual instructor is back from the beyond... and to celebrate... technique work! (Ugh!) As a person that learns best by the way things feel, I get exceptionally frustrated with technique work... to the point where I'm positive I've pissed him off on more than one occaision... but on we trod... Rumba box again... you'd NEVER believe how much actually has to happen while doing that box... Hips have to rotate back and knees have to come forward..there's settling and toe pointing and not making steps that are too big... and it's not even in that order!

Seriously though... I know and fully understand that technique work is a necessary evil if I ever want to consider myself a good dancer... and I so appreciate that my instructor risks his getting frustrated and my getting angry over the little things... the Rumba box when done right and broken down to it's tiniest elements is actually a fairly decent core toning workout... next time I'll just have to suck it up and focus... I've spent way too much time and energy do get THAT frustrated... I'll let you know how it goes. Because I was so frustrated, we got to finish up with a little West Coast Swing... which I again got frustrated with because I hadn't worked on it in so long.... it will be better next time.

Once again... excellent lessons...loads of learning and I may be one tiny step closer to actually having some respectable Cuban motion...

Dancing the Night Away... PARTY FRIDAY!!!!

Hi again! Since most of you seem to be arriving to my humble journal from links outside the studio I dance at, I’ve decided to let you all know what our social events are as they come up. So, why e-mail me and ask me what my studio is like? Come on out, and I'll show you!

This is a rarity… two parties in a row! This week’s theme...Pumpkin Pie which means on top of dancing and just having a good ‘ol time they’ll have some Pumpkin Pie on hand for us to munch on!

Time 8:00pm… cost $25 that comes with the opportunity to sign up for an introductory lesson FREE!

Get yourself on the dance floor, bring a friend, come alone… seek me out on the dance floor and we’ll get you moving to the beat… find out what we’re all about! C-you there!

DIRECTIONS to the STUDIO

Ballroom Brings More Than Weight Loss

Hi Everyone!

It’s about time I started telling you about some of the other crazy wonderful things that come with having Ballroom as an obsession…ahem…I mean hobby…

I’ve told the tale of what my life was like right around the time I started… frumpy dumpy me… not only was I maxed out at 340lbs but I was invisible to the rest of the world. Yep… it seems the bigger you get the less people see you. Along with all that weight came exceptionally low self esteem, which was only compounded by the fact that the “average” person really didn’t care that I was around.

I went to a very reputable department store to find a gift for a friend once, I was in jeans and a t-shirt, my hair in a pony tail and not a stitch of makeup (my standard “uniform”) to run in and pick up some beauty products from one of those cosmetic counters. I was the only customer there… guess what… it took 15 minutes for the sales lady to approach me… after we made eye contact several times and it was clear that I was standing there waiting (I wasn’t wandering around inspecting her wears, I was standing…hands folded on the counter…waiting…) She FINALLY approached me with a weary look and inquired “Is there something you need?” Not a “can I help you” no… basically a what is it I can do to make you go away. Part of me wanted to say “No, you can’t…but your manager can…where can I find them?” but that’s not what happened…instead I was my usual polite overly apologetic self.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but I need to pick up (insert product name here).”

ACK! What was wrong with me? No self respecting human being should put up with that crap…my dollars are just as green as everyone else’s! I’ve spent most of my working years in one form of customer service or other and I would NEVER treat a potential customer like that! But that’s the thing… I wasn’t self respecting… I first told myself I would never shop there again, then thought well, next time I’ll just look the part…get dressed up a little.

The above story is not the first time something like that had happened… I used to be teased and followed by punk kids at the mall… Adults would brush by me or run into me as if I wasn’t there… I used to be able to move through crowded rooms without a second glance… there wasn’t a chance you’d get eye contact from me if I didn’t already know you… I was so used to being invisible and in my mind being visible was equal to being tortured and taunted…I didn’t want to become visible! I wanted to float through life observing everything, taking it all in…but never being acknowledged. I used to write on journals like this all the time about a ton of different topics… never posting my name or profile, I would turn down nearly any opportunity that would put me in any kind of a spotlight.

It’s so strange to say that after I spent most of my growing up years seeking out an audience and wanting so desperately to entertain, although for as much performing and audience pleasing as I did…there was equal amounts of peer torture for being tall, smart, fat, quiet, loud… As I saw it there was no making my peers happy, I was just the target for all their insecurities.

Since dancing, I started to be forced out of my hardened shell, the first big push was that Rumba my instructor and I did at the first party I attended (new students are often asked after about 10 lessons or so to dance at a party). That performance still haunts me, but it was exactly what I needed at the time… since then it’s been a bit of an uphill push to get my confidence and feeling of self worth up to good levels. My instructor and I have had many conversations, and my face has turned red plenty of times over the things I was asked to do for a dance. Really, all he was asking was for me to be all feminine and girly, you know dance like a woman and all… and I couldn’t do it. Sometimes I still have the little warning bells of old that go off in my head when I’m dancing that warn me about drawing attention to myself or if so and so saw this they’d tease me for sure…but now I know how to shut the warning bells down and enjoy the dance.

All of this brings me to my most recent mall experience… I FINALLY decided to get rid of the majority of my old clothes. Yes even after losing 93lbs I was wearing some of the same pants and blouses. The only reason I purchased any clothes in the last year was so I could be reasonably presentable at the dance studio or at other dance related events. I wasn’t even particularly dressed nicely that day… but when I went into my usual clothing store (one I’d nearly grown out of a year ago as my pant/dress size was pushing 30/32…when you’re that big…it’s pretty much catalog only shopping) I ran around pulling clothing in the size I had purchased the last time I bought “dance” outfits. Then thought about it again…and grabbed the next size down too, just hoping maybe I could at least be almost in that size. HA…not only was I not in the smaller size I selected… but I was TWO sizes smaller in the pants… you’ve never seen anyone happier in a dressing room in your LIFE. It was all I could do to not blow my entire paycheck!

I wore these clothes to work earlier this week... and while a few more observant co-workers noticed that I looked much “thinner” than normal… it was the people I don’t normally talk to that took notice. Men type people to be more precise… I received smiles and winks from a few guys… when I was running errands some nice gentleman went out of their way to hold doors for me and the sales people at every retail establishment were more than gracious. On campus (in my spare time I play a college student trying to earn her degree) I was getting smiles and nods from boys 5-10 years my junior… Nothing like my previous experiences at these same locations… all because I’ve learned confidence and self worth while learning how to dance.

We can’t forget that I just figured out it’s ok to dance Tango even though it’s a really physically close dance, who knows…maybe I can talk my hips into being confident enough to learn Samba! (I won't put the cart before the horse though... I'm still ironing out the insecurities that come with T-A-N-G-O.)

Fall Colors Dance Party FRIDAY!

Ok gang… here’s a real opportunity to come in and check out what dancing at a studio is all about. Friday September 28th at 8pm is a social party (This week’s theme: Fall Colors). Students and guests come in and just have a plain old good time dancing everything from Waltz to Mambo. Then we all sit back and watch a few performance pieces… if you think watching Ballroom and Latin dancing is fun on TV…just WAIT ‘til you see it in person! I’m ALWAYS at these parties… ya’ll know who I am… come on in and introduce yourself… I’d LOVE to see you there! Cost is $25 and that comes with the opportunity to sign up for an introductory lesson at no additional cost.

I always describe these parties as “G-Rated but fun!” It’s the best no pressure dancing environment around… and an EXCELLENT way to find out what happens at a dance studio, you can also get the best feel for the variety of people that call Ballroom their hobby. If you have someone to dance with bring them… if not that’s ok (I don’t have that “built in partner” either) we have more than enough people you can dance with…

I understand, this is late notice… but if you can’t make this one… check out their schedule to find a party that you can attend.

I look forward to meeting you!

Lesson This Week: Tango, Hustle and Salsa...6lbs to go!

Yet another good lesson tonight, and as a side note... 6lbs until I hit 100! I dropped another lb.!.... Ok...back to business, gotta stay focused... I danced with the newer instructor again tonight. We worked on Cha Cha a little... I still don't know which dance picks up the heart rate more... Cha Cha or East Coast Swing which we got to do as well.... they both provide an excellent way to warm up... and just plain fun! For Cha Cha I really like the step referred to as the Manhattan Roll Out, and the Sweetheart Breaks are great for a change in perspective. I then asked if we could work on Tango....

Tango and I have always had problems, I love the way the dance looks, and the dramatic nature of it is something I think I could really do well, but the frame in Tango has my partner and I pretty much connected from shoulder to hip... I was never confident enough to feel comfortable being THAT close to another human being before.... I guess that's something else I can say about learning to dance, because I didn't feel uncomfortable at all when I tried it last week... and this week it felt even better. YAY! Consider the confidence level increased even more than before! (Now I just hope I can remember enough of it for my next lesson with my usual teacher, he'd be really surprised if I asked HIM to Tango!)

The newer instructor and I went over a few steps for Tango, I actually received a compliment on my learning agility... WOW... no one has ever said that I am a quick study before! On the learning curve of dancing, I consider myself average at best when learning new steps and for some of it I'm completely below average, but at least I try right?.... I also made us drill some of the steps just to make sure I had the feel of it down....to which I was told "That was good, you're just too hard on yourself." Guilty as charged, but it will make a better dancer out of me and I'll be pleased when I'm comfortable enough to add Tango to my list of known dances.

This is the best part... I was asked if I knew how to Hustle... to which I replied
"Yeah I think I've got it covered."
(I LOVE a nice fast Hustle!) His reaction indicated it's one of his favorites too... so we worked on Hustle... this one was a little different, we started in a frame, and I'm used to the "push/pull method...then my instructor said "Ok the steps are going to be syncopated."
"Uh huh...I prefer them that way... Hustle is one of the dances I actually understand."
So I got a Hustle in... even worked on some multiple spins, which I'll likely be working on for a while... I didn't get them in on time and I was probably to high on the balls of my feet, I'll have to figure out a way to practice those at home... Hustle is not one of the primary dances I'm studying so I don't get to do it a whole heck of a lot. I'm happy when I can get it in. While we were getting our Hustle on and it was fun.... Salsa came on over the speakers and my ears perked up.... "Care to Salsa?" I asked... and right there we changed to my favorite Latin dance...(Well it's tied with Rumba...can't beat a good Rumba either) YAY again!

This lesson was filling up with my favorites, and I was learning some new stuff too! I even learned a Salsa Dancesport step at the end... no idea what it's called...but it's Salsa...and it involves a couple of pivots so that makes me happy... spins and leverage... what more could a girl want?

Oh and major realization here... Dare I say it.... no.... it couldn't be... could I also be developing a healthy respect for smooth dances ( ie Foxtrot, Tango) ? I won't go so far as to say they're my preferred dances...but I think I may actually be getting more comfortable with them.

I really enjoyed my lessons the past two weeks with the newer instructor... a fresh perspective opens the mind to new possibilities and these lessons will undoubtedly help me build on what I'm working on in my regularly scheduled sessions....ya'll should come on in and take him for a spin! In fact click here to see all the instructors you could work with... and I can honestly say they are some of the kindest instructors you'll find anywhere around here... and that's speaking from personal experience.

DWTS... Can You Belive I Missed It?!?!

Oh, My, G-D! So I come in from my lesson and my DVR has totally crapped out on me! AAAHHH!!! I missed all the guys! I'll have to catch up by web at some point...

By popular request my critique of DWTS will be discontinued.... but keep watching folks!

Keep your eye here for more realizations, lessons, and inspirations...

Don't forget to dance!

As Promised... Before and Current Pics!

As promised... a side by side comparison.. left pic was taken on 10-07-06 I was only about 20lbs down at that point, it was right before my big push to really make life changes... pic on the right was just snapped on 09-23-07 93lbs lighter than the day I started dancing. Gotta say... I still see a LOT of things that need to improve, but I'm pretty happy with the progress.....There isn't much more physical proof than this that dancing has and is continuing to improve my life. So... why haven't you tried dancing yet?
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If you're in the Chicago area... give it a try... heck if you're in after work you may just bump into me on the floor! An introductory lesson is the best way to really find out if dancing is for you... Listen if you're shy, or don't have a friend to bring, when you call to schedule your lesson ask them to schedule you on the same night I'm in that week... the studio will let me know and I'd be more than happy to show you around!

On the Brink of Losing 100lbs...

This… This very post is the hardest one I’ve ever written. I sat down to my trusty computer knowing that I wanted to attempt to express how I feel about being this close to dropping 100lbs… wow… every time I think about it… words fail me… (Which I’m sure you’ve noticed isn’t the norm for me!) So I sit… I stare at the blinking curser taunting me to spill my thoughts onto digital paper… How can I describe what being on the brink of 100lbs lost in a mere 15 months is like? All that comes flooding to mind are adjectives... no words to flesh out the emotional core so I can explain it to others… my inner monologue just keeps repeating the same things over again…

Oh my g-d 100lbs, that’s insane… I can be 100lbs down within the next two weeks... Is it real? Maybe I should weigh myself again just to be sure. 100lbs…holy crap that’s two bags of 50lb cat litter I used to haul around at one of my old jobs… wow… how did I even function carrying that much extra weight? And if I let it go too long the monologue gets a little darker, becoming angry with the fact that after SO MUCH I still have to drop 60 more at least, BUT I DON’T dwell on that… I dwell on the 93lbs down and the next 7 before I hit that triple digit number…

It’s SCARY! Whenever anything good happens I’m always the one that waits for that other something that must be following it up to take it all away… I honestly feel like the moment the scale hits that new magic number my whole world will implode… power grids will go dark across the Midwest and my life will end as I know it… I don’t know if I’ll laugh, dance, cry or what… probably a little of all three… and the anticipation is killing me… I go through moments of wanting work out for hours to get to 100lbs down NOW and have it over with… then I want to sit on my couch and make sure I don’t burn TOO many calories for fear I’ll have lost 100lbs before I’m ready!

Two weeks… two short weeks… that’s the goal I’ve got… ready or not…here I go!

From the Bottom of my Heart... I Thank You

Please allow me to interrupt your regularly scheduled posting for an important message....

Wow, my dear, dear readers... THANK YOU! People have been coming out of the wood work and popping up in my e-mail, at the studio, in comments, and even at my place of employment, expressing how much they really enjoy this little journal.

This was created primarily so that I could help get the word out about how fantastic Ballroom/Latin dancing is from an average person's perspective, and as a way for me to hopefully keep dancing. It has grown so far beyond my wildest expectations... and I had to take a moment to publicly thank everyone for your outpouring of support. Keep the e-mails and comments coming! I want to hear from you!

Better yet... get to dancing already!

If you live around Chicago, come on over and meet some of the people that inspire me to keep dancing, and tell them I sent you!

If you don't live near me... get your butt to a dance floor near you and meet the inspiring people in your part of the world!

Above all... THANK YOU again... your kind words and comments mean more than you'll ever know.

This Week's Lesson: Picking up Tango, and Dropping More Weight

Whew! Check out that counter below! I STILL haven't lit up... and I feel GREAT! I had another lesson tonight... new instructor for me, the usual instructor is out sick, a while I usually would wait for him to return... but I HAD to dance this week!


This lesson, have to say...wasn't bad, this was my first time meeting this particular instructor and his teaching style was different than I'm used to...but we live and adapt right? I cruised over what I had been working on... we opened with a nice Salsa.... conversing while we adjust to each other's lead/follow... and senses of humor... Salsa done...we reviewed a new "sportier" step in my Rumba... I was shocked that I had remembered any of it from the last lesson... but It didn't go so badly...and more Cuban motion technique work...which I'm forever working on... (EXCELLENT work out for the upper/lower abs and lats by the way.) I think I finally figured out how to do it while going backwards... which is tricky!


Then on to smooth (my absolute nemesis on the dance floor is smooth, it requires so much control I often feel like I'm about to fall over) Foxtrot was surprisingly easy... but he kept the steps rather simple...I wasn't having much trouble with the following bit... I even received some compliments on details I still believe I have to work on…but it was nice to hear anyway... he even slipped in a little Waltz...which is a dance I NEVER got the hang of... then surprise of all surprises… he asked me if I could Tango...which in comparison to all my other dances... I can't...
I'm lucky I can spell it... but, feeling rather open minded...I agreed to give it a try... and for the first time I actually felt like I could follow it... I'll have to remember that for my next lesson.
We got to finish up with some East Coast Swing... YEA!! This is a dance I can pretty much lead myself through and a true favorite... technically I’m not great... but I surprised the new instructor… which I LOVE... and on to West Coast...which was harder as the only lead I've ever really had is my usual instructor but still I tried not to become frustrated and learned quite a bit...

All in all good lesson...worth my time... absolutely... and being that I've FINALLY dropped the weight I added back on during my bout of bad moods I'm at 93 lbs down at this moment... I can't even begin to tell you what it feels like to be this close to losing 100lbs... It’s unreal... I'll have to think of a way to put it into words for you... look out for that next post!

Stopping the Smoke Signals...

QuitMeter Counter courtesy of www.quitmeter.com.



I've done it again, some people weren't really sure if I had picked it up again...but I had.. I was smoking... back to 15 cigarettes a day (that's only 5 short of a whole pack for all who don't know) I'm officially 24 hours into being a non-smoker again... and this time feels different than all the other times I had tried to quit. I didn't spend the whole day thinking about smoking...I'm sure visions of cigarettes dancing around like sugar plumb fairies is about to start...but the prevailing thought is the one I had last week during my lesson... the one where I was kicking myself for ever having smoked my first cig. There are others too... like the shocked look I often used to get when new acquaintances would find out that I too was a member of the nicotine buying public.


Bottom line is I was getting deceitful, I would not smoke on days that I dance so that I wouldn't have to hear about it from my instructor. If I was meeting up with family I'd strategically plan times so I could make sure I got a shower and fresh clothes on before we'd meet up. And my car... my poor nice car... ashes all over the sides of it from flicking out the window... blue haze over the windshield from all the smoke, that's just gross. I figure if you can't be proud of what you're doing and you have to hide it from people then you shouldn't be doing it. So I'm not going to do it... anymore...

Statistically, quitting smoking is harder than quitting cocaine, crack, speed, or nearly any other major illegal narcotic out there... but I'm determined to beat this... and I'm not going to put weight back on while I'm doing it either. I've got my chewing gum and my carrot sticks at the ready... so yeah cold turkey it is... I've tried the patch...it itches something terrible... the nicotine gum is gross... the last time I quit successfully (for about a year until I turned 21 and hit the bar scene) I did it with gum and carrots... so gum and carrots it is... and since you can't smoke in nearly any bar anymore I'm feeling pretty safe there... I'm holding myself accountable and that handy dandy little counter up there is going to help me stay motivated... I promise on my favorite pair of dance shoes that I'll re-set it if I lapse...

Wish me luck!

Once again... Dancing for my Life!

Whew! It’s been a rough night… I know the last time I posted I was just coming off a major cycle of downer emotions. Per usual, my dance lesson helped me to see the light and turn around. Boy am I glad I did, my lesson tonight was brought to a whole new level. I THOUGHT my instructor had worked me over before… not every lesson, but every once in a while I just walk out of the studio feeling worn out but happy. I’ve talked about working out, I’ve told you what I do, I’m here to tell you I’m not nearly pushing myself as hard as I could, which is going to have to change.

Tonight’s lesson, wow… only one way to describe it… I got my butt handed to me on a silver platter. We opened with a hustle, and that really warmed me up and wore me out a little… and just after my proclamation of “Ok…tired now!” my instructor was not having any of it we rolled right into East Coast Swing, followed by Salsa, then Cha Cha, back to EC Swing, and right when I asked for West Coast Swing… thinking that could slow us down a bit so I could start breathing normally again… we did WC Swing at double time! Past research has told me that if you keep up a Rhythm/Latin style dancing for 40 min you can burn just over 500 calories, which is unreal for most workouts. We did slow a bit for Rumba, but then Salsa came on and another Cha Cha… CRAZINESS… It didn’t feel like long before I was keeping up by shear will with VERY loud thoughts CURSING the day I lit up my first cigarette... I was getting sloppy and I don’t even want to think about my footwork…. my poor instructor perspiring in his nice work clothes (always a shirt and tie for the gents), and this lesson was by no means at the end of his day…but he was insistent on putting me thru my paces. I was tired, my legs were feeling a bit like Jell-O, at the bitter end I wasn’t spotting my turns very well and dizziness was setting in, but I figured only a few more minutes right? I re-committed and FINALLY got my last Salsa pivots to stay in their slot… I think.

After, I was out of breath, but not the worst I’d ever been in, my face was completely flush. I have never danced like THIS for a full lesson before! I was tired for the whole drive home; thinking that turning in early for the evening was a good plan. Well, I sat on the couch for about 20 min, ate my traditional salad for dinner, and I was ready to go again! SERIOUSLY… if someone would have called me and wanted to head out to the Salsa clubs I would have run out the door! The endorphin rush from that lesson was great! I’m now brainstorming ways to push myself harder, my instructor can’t be the one that can get me to push like that, I have to do it myself. Besides, if that’s what lessons are going to be like now, I HAVE TO KEEP UP. I can’t wait to do that again… only better next time!