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