Friday night dance events are always my favorite. This past Friday I decided to head down to another Fred Astaire in the Chicago Region... the Michigan Avenue studio to be exact. I decided to head down there because I have a friend that is a student there (here fore and forever nicknamed ETP...a nickname he uses for himself quite often :-) ), RTS works and competes out of there, and Bonnie's Belle Gowns was having their trunk show for all the students wishing to compete in the next few months. One reason was enough to go, but three.. that just means I can't stay away!
Getting there is really easy and not very expensive, I just hop on the commuter train from my town to Chicago (about a 30 mile distance) and walk the mile from the train station to the studio. I'd been there before, so that made it easier. They are on the 2nd floor at 200 N. Michigan Avenue if you're standing on the street you can look up and likely see the dancing and fun through their windows.
I had made arrangements to meet Bonnie and Michael for a bit of pre-party fun. My timing couldn't have been better, because as I was approaching the building I saw all the Bonnie's Belle Gowns in the street being wheeled through the door. (I do love it when a plan comes together!) After a bit of chatting as we got the clothing racks we headed out for some dinner and ETP decided to join us. (Yes in this dance world we ALL know each other!) Dinner over we headed back to the studio to watch some lessons and wait for the fun to begin.
Michigan Avenue does what a lot of studios do.. they have a group lesson for about 30 minutes before the party begins. What they do that I find fascinating and VERY useful is that they break apart the groups by skill level. Brand new people in one group, beginners, intermediate and advanced into their own groups. On this night Michael and I joined the advanced group...which was learning SALSA as taught by RTS' partner. I have to say I was really impressed by the organization and obvious thought that went into this little lesson... the instructor and Michael were the only leads... and there were three of us gals to follow... so we did a lot of rotating which was great! The steps being reviewed were things I had absolutely been over before either with RT or with fellow students from my own studio so I already knew how to follow them. All that means is that I can't do them by myself too well. Somehow in all of my dancing I've become a very proficient follower, which is great for the art of ballroom, harder when you want to practice things on your own.
As our instructor of the moment was asking us to follow along with him by ourselves I just kind of stood and watched... for which I was singled out.
"Kat do you know this already?"
"Yeah, I kinda do.. I've been lead through it before, and I can't dance independently of that... I follow..." I sheepishly reply.
"Oh ok then good!"
I also quickly find out that the student next to me who is on about my level dance wise from what I could see.. is the exact opposite and wants to do everything by herself and THEN be lead through it... hmmm... k.. different learning styles for everyone I guess!
Once we were finished with the combo, it was my turn with the instructor... and he's leading slowly... so I make the comment that this is great, if only real salsa music was this slow... Dance instructors are quick, let me tell you. Combine that with the fact that I'm a smart ass on a fairly regular basis, it can get me in a lot of trouble. :-)
"Ok then lets do this faster for Kat." I hear... and he picks up the speed of his counting.
Well it was faster, but still not quite salsa speed so I followed it well.. and not to his specifications either... we were doing a cross body lead into a guy grabs gal's hips and spins her to the left back to basic step... when the guy goes for the gal's hips the gal is supposed to raise both her arms... Well I only like to raise the one all the way, because otherwise my balance is likely to be off for the spin. At least I didn't get corrected.
It was a lot of fun and a nice way to meet a few of the students... once that was over the party began.
The theme I guess... which had anyone told me I would have participated... was a bit of a celebration of their Mini Match team from the previous week. They did come in second after all, less than a full point behind my team, something to absolutely be proud of. Anyway, I danced with Michael a lot as Bonnie was busy with dresses... which is great... he is a lot of fun to dance with! I like dancing with him too because he is comfortable leading much more than just the basic basics that most students stick to at parties. I also danced hustle with RTS' partner, where he singled every one of the turns I'm used to doing as a double... when I questioned it he said "Well then it's no fun for me... I just get to stand there!" Never thought of what the guy does when I'm spinning... I'll keep that in mind. :-)
I got a remarkable two dances in with ETP... Rumba and a Salsa that I nearly wiped out on.... the two is remarkable because usually when he's around I only get one dance. Dang it if these studios weren't so heavy on the girls! Another highlight of the evening was that Michael was very pleased with the steps we learned in our Salsa class... and asked me to demonstrate with him for ETP. I'm learning that Michael may be beginning to learn and appreciate the value of a good Salsa. :-)
The performances for the evening were a real treat! First, they were pointing out the first timers... and a student who would be joining them after her transfer to Chicago was complete. I thought that was nice... then Bonnie pipes up "And Kat's here!" which made me want to crawl back into the office area I was standing in front of...I simply replied "Yes, but I'm not transferring studios." in a there was no reason to call me out...tone of voice. I certainly didn't expect to be called out... when I go to these parties it's for the love of dance... not to draw attention to myself.
It was then mentioned to the entire audience that I was there, and I was also a member of the red team from the Mini Match... to which I received some good natured "boo"ing... I actually thought that was kinda cute.
Then we got down to business with the show... first up was the hands down MOST AMAZING wedding dance I have ever seen... it was a great Ballroom/Argentine Tango that will just blow the reception's socks off! Next up was RTS and her partner with their Fox trot show dance... someone is going to have to explain to me how I just saw that routine a week ago...and it was even BETTER this week!!! Every time I see them they just get better and better....
Then the GRAND finale... and it is grand... the Theatre Arts couple that I've mentioned before currently in their first year of competing and already top 3 or 4 in the country... They did their routine too... one of the hottest things in Theatre Arts I'm telling you! I love that routine!!! Sadly that may be the last time I see it as I know they are in the beginning stages of working on a new one.
After the show I got a few nice dances in with one of the studio's newest students... he said he'd had about 7 lessons... I can already tell he's been bitten by the bug and is in love with dancing for all the right reasons. As I was talking with him about this... ETP approached me to let me know he was leaving for the train station... and since I was informed that having someone to walk with on the way back would be a wise decision, I quickly made my goodbye's to a few key folks and away we went.
I had a lovely time at the Michigan Avenue studio.. and I wouldn't be surprised if they see me pop in again sometime in the future. :-)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Mini Match Update... A Roaring Success!
Well Mini Match has come and gone... and ever since my first dance on the floor I have been trying to capture and hang on to every feeling I had all night so that I could accurately get it up here for you all to read.
So lets start with an overview of my lessons earlier in the day first up Largo at 12:45. I arrive a bit early and get into my Mini Match attire as designed by Bonnie... complete with Bonnie's Belle Gown tags. I had to wear my outfit for that night, I would NEVER EVER do any kind of a performance without some semblance of a dress rehearsal! My first concern moments into my lesson is Mambo... so we work on that, and I'm trying to count along with Largo... but something is messing me up.
"Stop counting!" Largo states, rather frustrated.
"But I thought I'm supposed to count too." I reply kind of confused... I am supposed to count right???
"No, not you... you just follow." Largo tells me.. in that very you're better at following so stop thinking and do it kind of way.
So I did.. and you know what.. it worked!
By the time we got to Rumba I was feeling wobbly, it wasn't right, even Largo was questioning if I'd be ok for Mini Match... I wasn't in pain so much as I think it was pre-performance jitters. I had time to shake them off.
Lesson over.. I have a 40 minute rest period to ice what I needed to ice...
Next up RT... where we also review my dances... Especially Meringue and Tango.... I was such a following mess by the end of my last lesson I was worried... but I took frame up with RT and I once again got that feeling I sometimes get when dancing with him... it's like my dancing has come home. Must be a first instructor kind of thing I don't know, but I like it. We ran through everything, oh and I told RT that our Salsa has to be good, Captain was one of my sponsors and her request was that she sponsor my Salsa... AND she's leaving the very next day to move to Maryland so it REALLY REALLY had to be good! Which means there was one step in particular that I didn't want to do. Which we fought about a little, but it wasn't so bad..
There was one part of the lesson where RT was leading me into something I hadn't done in a long time (He's been my only Salsa dance partner for the last 5 months at least... which means I've been getting 10 minutes of Salsa every month... not NEARLY enough to stay on top of everything!) Anyway... I misread the lead and went in a completely opposite direction... but he was still pulling me in his direction... which caused a big pull and my almost falling and his hanging on to me so tight to try and keep me from falling that I have the fingerprint bruises to prove it... in the end I'm totally fine... and we drop Salsa for a minute to Fox Trot only to have me ask RT if he's ok about 100 times. I was concerned that because I outweigh him by so much that he could have really hurt himself trying to keep my butt off the hardwood. In the end I think (hope) he's ok.
Once we both felt we had reviewed my set for the match RT wanted to Rumba... I agreed because my Rumba with Largo was off...so I was hoping to make myself feel better. It did... it has been so long since RT and I have danced any of the dances we're used to doing... between my Cha Cha routine and then Mini Match we haven't worked on Rumba in a long time! It used to be that I couldn't have a lesson without doing at least one Rumba! So I was very glad to sneak that in.
Lessons over I jump back into my regular clothes to run some errands and get ready for Mini Match! After the lessons I really wasn't nervous for the match... I was feeling pretty good actually. Until I got back to my place in just barely enough time to shower and doll up for this event. I needed to be at the South Barrington Studio as close to 6pm has humanly possible so that I could get my heat sheet, test my shoes on the floor, try and grab some seats for my family, and check on a few of my dance friends who were very nervous to dance in front of everyone. I think helping them out really in the end helped me out.... until I started to wait for my family to arrive. THEN I wanted a drink.
As it got closer and closer to 7pm I was getting more and more anxious. I had my heat sheet highlighted, I finally had found my parents and got them to their seats, asked my dad if he could video for me (and for you all). THEN promptly realized this studio was going to get VERY crowded and VERY hot! By the time we started the room was already hot and sweaty. In my heat sheet or program, there were 81 heats listed... each with at least 4-5 couples on the floor that's a LOT of competitors! At the height of it there were 255 people in that ballroom... all cheering for their own studios....it was the craziest organized chaos I have ever seen.
So here's the deal... each student (or student couple) represents their studio and gets graded on a proficiency scale (like grades in school) then the whole studio's total is averaged together into one "grade" so that studio's like mine with a large number, are on even level with studios like Michigan Avenue who had a smaller number of students on the floor. It's a great way to become familiar with a competition format while also trying to generate a team atmosphere.
And now... for the dancing!
First heat up is Fox Trot... GREAT I had to start the evening off with a smooth dance... well at least it's my strongest smooth dance... I try and weave my way to the floor and as I look up from trying not to step on little fingers and little toes of children surrounding the floor, there is RT's hand ready for mine to take me to our spot on the floor which did make me feel a bit better. What can I tell you about my Fox Trot... well it was the first in a three heat stretch... I remember that it definitely took me the first few measures to feel like I had my feet under me... I think you can see that I smiled about half way through and that was the moment when I knew I could do this and have no problem.
As I came off the floor Bonnie was one of the first people I saw and I was greeted with, "I don't ever want to hear that you can't dance smooth ever again!"
Which I did kind of try to fight her on.. but I was having too much fun. :-)
Next up was Meringue which RT and I had just gone over steps in my lesson that day... sadly my dad didn't get my camera to work for that dance... I don't have any video.. but was Also danced with RT and I think we had some fun with it.
Third in this short stretch was Mambo with Largo. I remember finding him on the floor telling him which dance it was and then saying "Please take care of me during this one!" I was really really worried about being able to stay on the correct beats! Then just as the music started I remembered Largo earlier in the day "No, not you... you just follow." and I did! I was a little tense about it.. but I did it... and at the very end I said to him "I did it and it was on time!!!!" I was quite pleased...
Next was East Coast Swing, I knew they were going to pick a slower song for this.. but when Largo and I heard it we both laughed a bit... Largo has a strong distaste for anything that is remotely related to country music, and I like to tease him about it. So the fact that we were dancing during this song was amusing. Aside from that... it was just a swing... the song was a bit too slow to have fun with our steps. Definitely not my best work.
T-A-N-G-O... uh oh... TANGO is here! Actually just like before I saw RT's hand as my eyes came up from the floor filled with little people... and he says to me "Salsa right?" and he's all excited...
"Uh no.. heat sheet says Tango."
"No, Salsa is now."
"No I'm telling you the heat sheet says Tango!"
(It's always good to start a Tango after having a hushed mini spat right?) :-)
So then we hear Jackie say into the microphone that it is in fact a Tango and RT rushes to get me all set in line of dance and off we go... if it wasn't Tango I would have been laughing the entire time... as it was I had a hard enough time keeping a straight face...
As far as my Tango's go... it wasn't bad... as far as the way I'd like to be able to Tango... needs SERIOUS work... but it didn't help that RT and I kind of fell into our old faithful of talking while dancing... I don't recall all of the mini conversation.. but I remember that I said I couldn't smile in Tango, and made my face serious, he agreed, then said something else, and I told him to stop talking or he'd make me smile. And seriously folks... what you see in that video is ALL I'VE GOT for Tango... :-) Basic, Promenade, Corner Step, Corte (it's there when we're dancing by the post), and that throw out move, that I have no idea what you call it. But yeah.. that's it... and I maybe will start working on it to make it better.
And after waiting around for a while.. it was the dance I most dread... the WALTZ... I had been near my mom before this heat and I told her... this is the Cinderella dance..(she loves Cinderella) watch me screw it up... Now in watching my Waltz... I really don't have much to say about it except that it doesn't look NEARLY as bad as I thought it would... AND by this point my sister had arrived and brought with her cards numbered 0-9 so she could hold up scores for me... she ended up holding up scores like 21, 11, 22, all higher than the assumed "Perfect 10" RT and I enjoyed that a lot! Somewhere towards the middle of this waltz though, my rise and fall got up and left the building... I remember feeling that happening and knowing I couldn't get it back... but aside from that.. for a dance I feel like the biggest elephant clod hopping on the floor while I'm doing it.. it doesn't seem to look that bad. Still... I'm putting it back in the vault where it belongs. :-)
Ok... Smooth is over... next up is CHA CHA with Largo... yeah baby let the fun begin! Largo and I dance a lot of cha cha... and our favorite little move to play with is the hip bump at around 0:30 seconds in... although I have to tell you from getting into that position to waiting to do the bump sure felt a lot longer in the moment... I love that the brain messes completely with the perception of time! This is where I was having some fun! I also saw RT cheering me on from the floor... literally sitting on the floor like right in front of me... funny I never thought of him or Largo ever cheering for me... it's ALWAYS the other way around... so that was kinda trippy. Again... I probably only looked at him for a split second.. but felt like we could have had a conversation in that moment. Then the last step he lead is one we have fun with too.. (right around 1:03 in the video) and I messed it up.. thank goodness they stopped when they did... I said to Largo as he is inexplicably patting my head "I can't believe I messed that up!" Cha Cha was my favorite dance of the evening thus far.
Next up is Rumba, again with Largo... I love this Rumba.. it was a quick one.. so no long drawn out slows... and this Rumba with Largo felt just as solid as far as balance and following that my Rumba with RT felt earlier in the day.. so YAY... I was just having a good time... then I feel Largo's hand go down my head... (check it out at about 0:40 sec right by CWS' head you can see Largo draw his hand down the back of my hair!) There are a few theory's as to why my dance instructor just pet me... one.. he thought I was looking down which I often do during those walks and instead of scruffing my neck like he normally does, he pet me to remind me to look up.. or two.. he was just messing with me as we were in a pretty good mood when we were dancing together. I think it was option one though... because why else would he pet me like that? My hair felt like a helmet it had so much product in it so it wasn't to run his fingers through my soft flowing locks... Anyway.. had a really good time with this one too and really pleased with some of my arms... but unfortunately only some of them.
OMG Ya'll it's the dance I'd been waiting for all night... Captain and her husband were waiting for it too...as it was getting kinda late and they wanted to head out... and BOY was it hot in that studio!!!! Captain requested to sponsor this dance so RT and I were all kinds of ready to rock it out... just for her, hours before she left town.... it's the SALSA!!!! I had periodically been asking my instructors if they could hear the music... and I did the same to RT before we started.. he said that the speaker right by us was broken... which kinda worried me.. but if either one of us could hear the music I knew we'd be ok.. I was feeling pretty good about this one... The song starts.. and it's a song we've danced to several times... I tell RT "Oh, we've got this one..." and off we go! This dance felt exactly the way it's supposed to feel... fun, energy, playful.. and I can't even tell you how impressed I am with the way our arm looping came out and the way we nailed our side by side spin... (wich is unfortunately almost blocked from view by another dancer) for those two elements alone I am glad I have this video... all it does is make me look at it and make a LIST of things I need to fix... well each of these video's does that.. but I know what I want my Salsa to end up looking like... so it's easier to make the list. But Dang that dance felt good. :-) Right after this heat I ran over to hug Captain and her husband farewell... and found out that not only did she like the dance..but it was to one of her favorite songs... :-) I could have ended my evening on that note and been happy for life... but I had one final dance!
Last dance of the evening... Hustle with Largo... I like the Hustle, I always have, it was the first dance where I really figured out how to follow. Largo and I do warm up with a customary Hustle at the start of our lessons... so it's only fitting that I dance it with him... Being that it was the end of my night... and Largo had a lot of students out there...and I was SO pleased with the way everything went... I gave him the option of a nice relaxed three count Push Pull Hustle, or a regular Syncopated Hustle... he wouldn't even entertain the idea of a Push Pull. :-) And so we danced... can't really see too much unfortunately as we were exactly opposite my dad, with a post between us. :-) But it was fun... and that's what counts. As a side note, as I anticipated.. not a single twinge of pain... or ankle rolled... I need to perform more often, it feels better!
The rest of the evening wound up with each student receiving a participation award... and then the pro couples from each studio came out and did a dance in their style... a lot of the students there were SO new they'd never seen these routines before, or in some cases never saw a professional couple dance live and in person... so it was very special for them to see that... no only that but we have a pretty dang high caliber of dancers in this region, in Rhythm, Smooth, AND Theatre Arts... so that was all VERY cool.
In the end TEAM RED CHICAGO NORTH won!!! But not by much let me tell you, those ORANGE Michigan Avenue folks were right on our tails! Congratulations also to The Mean Green Machine of South Barrington for winning the "Most Enthusiastic Studio Award"! Well deserved! Although I've got to tell you, Burr Ridge had my favorite cheer... although don't ask me what it was... cuz now I can't remember... :-) and I love that Tinley Park has their own flag.
The evening as a whole was SOOO much fun for me! I'd do it all again in a second... and there are some moments I'll try to re-live for as long as I can keep the memory fresh.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, to Bonnie's Belle Gowns for my outfit and for the support, to ALL my many many sponsors!!! I truly would have been once again on the sidelines without you... to my instructors RT and Largo, they take such good care of me out on that dance floor! And to all my fellow competitors... GOOD SHOW!
So lets start with an overview of my lessons earlier in the day first up Largo at 12:45. I arrive a bit early and get into my Mini Match attire as designed by Bonnie... complete with Bonnie's Belle Gown tags. I had to wear my outfit for that night, I would NEVER EVER do any kind of a performance without some semblance of a dress rehearsal! My first concern moments into my lesson is Mambo... so we work on that, and I'm trying to count along with Largo... but something is messing me up.
"Stop counting!" Largo states, rather frustrated.
"But I thought I'm supposed to count too." I reply kind of confused... I am supposed to count right???
"No, not you... you just follow." Largo tells me.. in that very you're better at following so stop thinking and do it kind of way.
So I did.. and you know what.. it worked!
By the time we got to Rumba I was feeling wobbly, it wasn't right, even Largo was questioning if I'd be ok for Mini Match... I wasn't in pain so much as I think it was pre-performance jitters. I had time to shake them off.
Lesson over.. I have a 40 minute rest period to ice what I needed to ice...
Next up RT... where we also review my dances... Especially Meringue and Tango.... I was such a following mess by the end of my last lesson I was worried... but I took frame up with RT and I once again got that feeling I sometimes get when dancing with him... it's like my dancing has come home. Must be a first instructor kind of thing I don't know, but I like it. We ran through everything, oh and I told RT that our Salsa has to be good, Captain was one of my sponsors and her request was that she sponsor my Salsa... AND she's leaving the very next day to move to Maryland so it REALLY REALLY had to be good! Which means there was one step in particular that I didn't want to do. Which we fought about a little, but it wasn't so bad..
There was one part of the lesson where RT was leading me into something I hadn't done in a long time (He's been my only Salsa dance partner for the last 5 months at least... which means I've been getting 10 minutes of Salsa every month... not NEARLY enough to stay on top of everything!) Anyway... I misread the lead and went in a completely opposite direction... but he was still pulling me in his direction... which caused a big pull and my almost falling and his hanging on to me so tight to try and keep me from falling that I have the fingerprint bruises to prove it... in the end I'm totally fine... and we drop Salsa for a minute to Fox Trot only to have me ask RT if he's ok about 100 times. I was concerned that because I outweigh him by so much that he could have really hurt himself trying to keep my butt off the hardwood. In the end I think (hope) he's ok.
Once we both felt we had reviewed my set for the match RT wanted to Rumba... I agreed because my Rumba with Largo was off...so I was hoping to make myself feel better. It did... it has been so long since RT and I have danced any of the dances we're used to doing... between my Cha Cha routine and then Mini Match we haven't worked on Rumba in a long time! It used to be that I couldn't have a lesson without doing at least one Rumba! So I was very glad to sneak that in.
Lessons over I jump back into my regular clothes to run some errands and get ready for Mini Match! After the lessons I really wasn't nervous for the match... I was feeling pretty good actually. Until I got back to my place in just barely enough time to shower and doll up for this event. I needed to be at the South Barrington Studio as close to 6pm has humanly possible so that I could get my heat sheet, test my shoes on the floor, try and grab some seats for my family, and check on a few of my dance friends who were very nervous to dance in front of everyone. I think helping them out really in the end helped me out.... until I started to wait for my family to arrive. THEN I wanted a drink.
As it got closer and closer to 7pm I was getting more and more anxious. I had my heat sheet highlighted, I finally had found my parents and got them to their seats, asked my dad if he could video for me (and for you all). THEN promptly realized this studio was going to get VERY crowded and VERY hot! By the time we started the room was already hot and sweaty. In my heat sheet or program, there were 81 heats listed... each with at least 4-5 couples on the floor that's a LOT of competitors! At the height of it there were 255 people in that ballroom... all cheering for their own studios....it was the craziest organized chaos I have ever seen.
So here's the deal... each student (or student couple) represents their studio and gets graded on a proficiency scale (like grades in school) then the whole studio's total is averaged together into one "grade" so that studio's like mine with a large number, are on even level with studios like Michigan Avenue who had a smaller number of students on the floor. It's a great way to become familiar with a competition format while also trying to generate a team atmosphere.
And now... for the dancing!
First heat up is Fox Trot... GREAT I had to start the evening off with a smooth dance... well at least it's my strongest smooth dance... I try and weave my way to the floor and as I look up from trying not to step on little fingers and little toes of children surrounding the floor, there is RT's hand ready for mine to take me to our spot on the floor which did make me feel a bit better. What can I tell you about my Fox Trot... well it was the first in a three heat stretch... I remember that it definitely took me the first few measures to feel like I had my feet under me... I think you can see that I smiled about half way through and that was the moment when I knew I could do this and have no problem.
As I came off the floor Bonnie was one of the first people I saw and I was greeted with, "I don't ever want to hear that you can't dance smooth ever again!"
Which I did kind of try to fight her on.. but I was having too much fun. :-)
Next up was Meringue which RT and I had just gone over steps in my lesson that day... sadly my dad didn't get my camera to work for that dance... I don't have any video.. but was Also danced with RT and I think we had some fun with it.
Third in this short stretch was Mambo with Largo. I remember finding him on the floor telling him which dance it was and then saying "Please take care of me during this one!" I was really really worried about being able to stay on the correct beats! Then just as the music started I remembered Largo earlier in the day "No, not you... you just follow." and I did! I was a little tense about it.. but I did it... and at the very end I said to him "I did it and it was on time!!!!" I was quite pleased...
Next was East Coast Swing, I knew they were going to pick a slower song for this.. but when Largo and I heard it we both laughed a bit... Largo has a strong distaste for anything that is remotely related to country music, and I like to tease him about it. So the fact that we were dancing during this song was amusing. Aside from that... it was just a swing... the song was a bit too slow to have fun with our steps. Definitely not my best work.
T-A-N-G-O... uh oh... TANGO is here! Actually just like before I saw RT's hand as my eyes came up from the floor filled with little people... and he says to me "Salsa right?" and he's all excited...
"Uh no.. heat sheet says Tango."
"No, Salsa is now."
"No I'm telling you the heat sheet says Tango!"
(It's always good to start a Tango after having a hushed mini spat right?) :-)
So then we hear Jackie say into the microphone that it is in fact a Tango and RT rushes to get me all set in line of dance and off we go... if it wasn't Tango I would have been laughing the entire time... as it was I had a hard enough time keeping a straight face...
As far as my Tango's go... it wasn't bad... as far as the way I'd like to be able to Tango... needs SERIOUS work... but it didn't help that RT and I kind of fell into our old faithful of talking while dancing... I don't recall all of the mini conversation.. but I remember that I said I couldn't smile in Tango, and made my face serious, he agreed, then said something else, and I told him to stop talking or he'd make me smile. And seriously folks... what you see in that video is ALL I'VE GOT for Tango... :-) Basic, Promenade, Corner Step, Corte (it's there when we're dancing by the post), and that throw out move, that I have no idea what you call it. But yeah.. that's it... and I maybe will start working on it to make it better.
And after waiting around for a while.. it was the dance I most dread... the WALTZ... I had been near my mom before this heat and I told her... this is the Cinderella dance..(she loves Cinderella) watch me screw it up... Now in watching my Waltz... I really don't have much to say about it except that it doesn't look NEARLY as bad as I thought it would... AND by this point my sister had arrived and brought with her cards numbered 0-9 so she could hold up scores for me... she ended up holding up scores like 21, 11, 22, all higher than the assumed "Perfect 10" RT and I enjoyed that a lot! Somewhere towards the middle of this waltz though, my rise and fall got up and left the building... I remember feeling that happening and knowing I couldn't get it back... but aside from that.. for a dance I feel like the biggest elephant clod hopping on the floor while I'm doing it.. it doesn't seem to look that bad. Still... I'm putting it back in the vault where it belongs. :-)
Ok... Smooth is over... next up is CHA CHA with Largo... yeah baby let the fun begin! Largo and I dance a lot of cha cha... and our favorite little move to play with is the hip bump at around 0:30 seconds in... although I have to tell you from getting into that position to waiting to do the bump sure felt a lot longer in the moment... I love that the brain messes completely with the perception of time! This is where I was having some fun! I also saw RT cheering me on from the floor... literally sitting on the floor like right in front of me... funny I never thought of him or Largo ever cheering for me... it's ALWAYS the other way around... so that was kinda trippy. Again... I probably only looked at him for a split second.. but felt like we could have had a conversation in that moment. Then the last step he lead is one we have fun with too.. (right around 1:03 in the video) and I messed it up.. thank goodness they stopped when they did... I said to Largo as he is inexplicably patting my head "I can't believe I messed that up!" Cha Cha was my favorite dance of the evening thus far.
Next up is Rumba, again with Largo... I love this Rumba.. it was a quick one.. so no long drawn out slows... and this Rumba with Largo felt just as solid as far as balance and following that my Rumba with RT felt earlier in the day.. so YAY... I was just having a good time... then I feel Largo's hand go down my head... (check it out at about 0:40 sec right by CWS' head you can see Largo draw his hand down the back of my hair!) There are a few theory's as to why my dance instructor just pet me... one.. he thought I was looking down which I often do during those walks and instead of scruffing my neck like he normally does, he pet me to remind me to look up.. or two.. he was just messing with me as we were in a pretty good mood when we were dancing together. I think it was option one though... because why else would he pet me like that? My hair felt like a helmet it had so much product in it so it wasn't to run his fingers through my soft flowing locks... Anyway.. had a really good time with this one too and really pleased with some of my arms... but unfortunately only some of them.
OMG Ya'll it's the dance I'd been waiting for all night... Captain and her husband were waiting for it too...as it was getting kinda late and they wanted to head out... and BOY was it hot in that studio!!!! Captain requested to sponsor this dance so RT and I were all kinds of ready to rock it out... just for her, hours before she left town.... it's the SALSA!!!! I had periodically been asking my instructors if they could hear the music... and I did the same to RT before we started.. he said that the speaker right by us was broken... which kinda worried me.. but if either one of us could hear the music I knew we'd be ok.. I was feeling pretty good about this one... The song starts.. and it's a song we've danced to several times... I tell RT "Oh, we've got this one..." and off we go! This dance felt exactly the way it's supposed to feel... fun, energy, playful.. and I can't even tell you how impressed I am with the way our arm looping came out and the way we nailed our side by side spin... (wich is unfortunately almost blocked from view by another dancer) for those two elements alone I am glad I have this video... all it does is make me look at it and make a LIST of things I need to fix... well each of these video's does that.. but I know what I want my Salsa to end up looking like... so it's easier to make the list. But Dang that dance felt good. :-) Right after this heat I ran over to hug Captain and her husband farewell... and found out that not only did she like the dance..but it was to one of her favorite songs... :-) I could have ended my evening on that note and been happy for life... but I had one final dance!
Last dance of the evening... Hustle with Largo... I like the Hustle, I always have, it was the first dance where I really figured out how to follow. Largo and I do warm up with a customary Hustle at the start of our lessons... so it's only fitting that I dance it with him... Being that it was the end of my night... and Largo had a lot of students out there...and I was SO pleased with the way everything went... I gave him the option of a nice relaxed three count Push Pull Hustle, or a regular Syncopated Hustle... he wouldn't even entertain the idea of a Push Pull. :-) And so we danced... can't really see too much unfortunately as we were exactly opposite my dad, with a post between us. :-) But it was fun... and that's what counts. As a side note, as I anticipated.. not a single twinge of pain... or ankle rolled... I need to perform more often, it feels better!
The rest of the evening wound up with each student receiving a participation award... and then the pro couples from each studio came out and did a dance in their style... a lot of the students there were SO new they'd never seen these routines before, or in some cases never saw a professional couple dance live and in person... so it was very special for them to see that... no only that but we have a pretty dang high caliber of dancers in this region, in Rhythm, Smooth, AND Theatre Arts... so that was all VERY cool.
In the end TEAM RED CHICAGO NORTH won!!! But not by much let me tell you, those ORANGE Michigan Avenue folks were right on our tails! Congratulations also to The Mean Green Machine of South Barrington for winning the "Most Enthusiastic Studio Award"! Well deserved! Although I've got to tell you, Burr Ridge had my favorite cheer... although don't ask me what it was... cuz now I can't remember... :-) and I love that Tinley Park has their own flag.
The evening as a whole was SOOO much fun for me! I'd do it all again in a second... and there are some moments I'll try to re-live for as long as I can keep the memory fresh.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, to Bonnie's Belle Gowns for my outfit and for the support, to ALL my many many sponsors!!! I truly would have been once again on the sidelines without you... to my instructors RT and Largo, they take such good care of me out on that dance floor! And to all my fellow competitors... GOOD SHOW!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Mini Match Update... It's HERE!
Today's the day ya'll! Today is the day that I have got to put my best foot, arm, hand, face, and everything forward to get the best grade I can on EVERY one of these 10 dances!
My shoes are back from the shoemaker and they are PERFECT! YAY!
At 12:45 pm I practice with Largo, then I will be literally on ice for 40 minutes to then Practice at 2:15 with RT. I still have a few things to hammer out before this evening. My goal is to be at the South Barrington Studio before 6:30 (our call is 6:30pm) I have to test my shoes on their floor and get acclimated to all the people that are going to be there! Rumor has it between competitors and supporters just over 200 people are expected to be there! WOW!
I also have my MiniMatch attire! Bonnie's Belle Gowns has been gracious beyond words and created an outfit just for me. This also marks my first set of practice wear EVER! Mini Match is a very casual ballroom event, so it's a black skirt, and a very pretty red top (because I'm on the RED team!). I'll be doing my makeup, and my hair will be in a simple ponytail...
Each competitor will be graded on a proficiency level... (like grades in school 90-100%, 80-90% etc...) Each studio's cumulative points will be collected and averaged... the studio with the highest average score will WIN!! It is because of that average that it is going to be a real competition, and not just a "studio with the most students wins" kind of situation. I AM VERY EXCITED!
I would be remiss if I didn't thank all of my sponsors again... Thank you thank you thank you so very much to each and every one of you for allowing me to participate in this event. It means the WORLD to me!!!
To my fellow competitors on the GREEN, ORANGE, BLUE and YELLOW teams... I wish you the best of luck as well!
Wish me luck... I'll see you there @ 7pm!
My shoes are back from the shoemaker and they are PERFECT! YAY!
At 12:45 pm I practice with Largo, then I will be literally on ice for 40 minutes to then Practice at 2:15 with RT. I still have a few things to hammer out before this evening. My goal is to be at the South Barrington Studio before 6:30 (our call is 6:30pm) I have to test my shoes on their floor and get acclimated to all the people that are going to be there! Rumor has it between competitors and supporters just over 200 people are expected to be there! WOW!
I also have my MiniMatch attire! Bonnie's Belle Gowns has been gracious beyond words and created an outfit just for me. This also marks my first set of practice wear EVER! Mini Match is a very casual ballroom event, so it's a black skirt, and a very pretty red top (because I'm on the RED team!). I'll be doing my makeup, and my hair will be in a simple ponytail...
Each competitor will be graded on a proficiency level... (like grades in school 90-100%, 80-90% etc...) Each studio's cumulative points will be collected and averaged... the studio with the highest average score will WIN!! It is because of that average that it is going to be a real competition, and not just a "studio with the most students wins" kind of situation. I AM VERY EXCITED!
I would be remiss if I didn't thank all of my sponsors again... Thank you thank you thank you so very much to each and every one of you for allowing me to participate in this event. It means the WORLD to me!!!
To my fellow competitors on the GREEN, ORANGE, BLUE and YELLOW teams... I wish you the best of luck as well!
Wish me luck... I'll see you there @ 7pm!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Mini Match Update... SHOE CRISIS
MiniMatch is almost here! It's Friday!!! I've been dealing with the ever present pain in my joints fairly well... and I had just been joking with KIT last week about how whenever we students seem to be working towards something exciting some of the worst things happen. At the time we were talking about my pain... until last night...when one of the worst things aside from pain that could have happened did!
I sometimes have trouble getting my shoes off my feet after lessons... mostly due to impatience... which causes me to almost yank them off, which then causes the metal clasp to stretch out... I had fixed them once before quite successfully using a tool for leverage. I decided last night before RT's Salsa class to fix them once ag
ain for this week so I wouldn't have to think about them for the rest of this week... just take more time taking them off. So I'm standing at the desk talking with KIT about random Mini Match things and fixing one of my shoes when I must have exerted too much pressure on the clasp and *SNAP* it breaks in two!!!!
ain for this week so I wouldn't have to think about them for the rest of this week... just take more time taking them off. So I'm standing at the desk talking with KIT about random Mini Match things and fixing one of my shoes when I must have exerted too much pressure on the clasp and *SNAP* it breaks in two!!!! "OH NO!!!" KIT exclaims amidst laughter, "I told you the worst things happen before events!"
"Crap!" I shout in response as KIT takes my shoe to see if she can jimmy up something to temporarily fix it, "I can't get a new pair here by Friday..." I state as I'm also thinking I can't afford to buy a new pair right now either.
"I know, I know... let me try something." KIT is being very helpful... and at this point we're all giggling at the crazy timing of all this!
Once we realize we can't jimmy up something I wonder if my shoe guy has a clasp... hmmm... I remember taking my shoes into him before...and while he doesn't know it...this guy, well him and his dad, have been fixing my shoes my whole life... I'm just not a regular enough customer that he would know that... so I can't really ask him for any favors...and while he has repaired my ballroom shoes very successfully, he has mentioned that he doesn't see a lot of them...so chances of him having spare parts for these shoes lying around is slim.
Then KIT thinks of something...she runs into the back to see if they have the clasp I need...shortly after disappearing she returns with a clasp from another style of shoe... WHEW.. this clasp is gold, but I don't care I just need my shoes to stay on my feet!!! So I ran out to my car to grab my dance sneakers... it's gonna have to be that and Jazz shoes until I get my ballroom shoes fixed.
FIRST thing this morning I was at my shoe guy... 
"I have a shoe emergency, like I have never had before!" I state upon entering his shop and placing my shoes on his counter.
My shoe guy has no sense of humor... "Ok...do you have a clasp?" Is all he says after he notices what is wrong.
"Yep, right here it's from a completely separate style of shoe, but it should work." I reply turning over the clasp that KIT had given me. (I knew he wasn't going to have one on hand!)
"Well obviously you don't mind that it's gold." he states... (NO sense of humor!)
"Nope... just need them before Friday morning, I have to perform on Friday night." I reply...
"Ok, I can have them done by Thursday, please leave the other shoe so that we make sure the clasps are facing the right way."
"Perfect!" I exclaim...then I remember what my mom always told me about the shoe guy... ALWAYS ask for a price up front. "How much is this repair going to be?"
"Ummm..." (see they always ball park it... never usually have a set price for these things) "....$7.50."
"Great, I'll pay you now," (money changes hands) "so I can just run in and grab them on Thursday... Thank you!" And with that I am on my way.... WHEW....
Now I just hope and pray that this repair holds up... repairs are NEVER as strong as the original... but I have faith... this guy has never let me down before!
Please let nothing else happen this week except good dancing and an excellent MiniMatch!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Mini Match Update....
Can you believe... it's just over ONE week away!!!
So here is the run down of what I'm dancing with whom...
I've been practicing.... I've had my lessons... I know what I'm dancing with whom. BOY I hope this goes ok!
My last few lessons have been a blast, I'm not going to lie.. it is a lot of fun to have something to prepare for! Largo has been very diligent in helping me with my Mambo..which is my weakest dance with him. RT has also been very helpful in working on ALL the dances with me but especially being patient as we figure out my American Smooth. Oy! I really wish I could come in more than once a week to prepare... but I did make sure that I'm practicing with both my instructors on the day of Mini Match so that I hit the dance floor fresh... I was not about to walk in on this event with SOOO many people counting on my putting my best out there without having just danced with both pros... especially as each one has to work with me on some of my weakest dances.
A new development too... last week in workout class my left knee kind of popped out of socket on me... something it does fairly regularly...when I'm on the floor stretching... not something it normally does while I'm STILL STANDING... it didn't hurt but for several days after it felt as though my knee cap wasn't really attached to anything... and then my right knee started aching... perhaps because of the moisture in the air.. perhaps because I was working out a ton the last two weeks. Who knows... but to add more fun my right ankle (the one I've most recently recovered from) has started up again... but I think I'm at least bringing that under control. SO... I'm practicing and resting all at the same time... I think I'll just need high doses of pain killers and I'll be fine.. I KNOW that just like with my Cha Cha routine, when my ankle was still finishing up mending, that the performance side of me will take over...and there is blissfully no pain in the performance side of me.
So here is the run down of what I'm dancing with whom...RT has the honor and the privilege of leading me through:
Waltz
Tango
Foxtrot
Salsa
Meringue
He's actually been pretty impressed with my Meringue action...which has me so pleased I can't even begin to tell you... and we've decided on which steps are my best in Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot... now I just have to suck it up..hope he remembers (with all the other students he's dancing with I can't fault him for forgetting...I just hope if he does I can follow!)... and have fun.
Largo has the joyful task of leading me through:
Rumba
Cha Cha
Mambo
East Coast Swing
Hustle
I've got to tell you.. I'm really pleased with the way my Mambo is shaping up... it's not super consistent.. but if they play a song that's got that strong 2nd beat.. I think I'll actually be ok... my other concern at the moment is East Coast Swing... it's pretty rough on the joints... at least it is the way I do it. :-)
Both of them... honestly... couldn't do it without them!
Ok so here's the deal... if you're coming out to cheer... you HAVE to be on the list! They need to know numbers to get snacks ready, and make sure the space doesn't run out of capacity! So call your local Chicagoland FADS and tell them you're coming!
WHEN: Friday August 14th
TIME: 7pm - They are anticipating that it's going to be about three hours
WHAT: A Regional Team Match where each studio will be competing against the others for bragging rights! Also included is an audience "most enthusiastic studio" award and show by our pros!
COST: $5
If you're supporting my team and I from Buffalo Grove don't forget to wear RED!
Hope to see you there!
Photos of Largo and I during a lesson courtesy of KIT and FADS Buffalo Grove
Thank you to my readers in Israel
I would be completely remiss if I didn't thank my new readers in Israel! It seems this humble blog and all it's rants has been made part of a top ten list of websites about dancing on an Israeli news site... Check it out! "Ballroom Dancing: Changing My Life...." is #9! which has generated a significant amount of readers to come from that region of the world.
So I thank whomever it was that did this... I am Honored and it is GREATLY appreciated! I am so happy that even in parts of the world where there is so much turmoil, people are still finding joy in dancing!
So I thank whomever it was that did this... I am Honored and it is GREATLY appreciated! I am so happy that even in parts of the world where there is so much turmoil, people are still finding joy in dancing!
"9. הבלוג של קיטי
קיטי, ג'ינג'ית בת 30 משיקגו, קיבלה ב-2006 מתנה מחברים: שובר לחמישה שיעורי ריקודים סלוניים. בבלוג שלה היא מספרת על איך התחביב החדש הוסיף גוון שונה לשגרה שלה, שינה לה את החיים וסייע לה לאבד כחצי (!) ממשקלה. הבלוג המרגש ומעורר האמפתיה מתעד תחרויות שהיא השתתפה בהן, מזמין את הגולשים להציע על תלבושות להופעות ועוד."
קיטי, ג'ינג'ית בת 30 משיקגו, קיבלה ב-2006 מתנה מחברים: שובר לחמישה שיעורי ריקודים סלוניים. בבלוג שלה היא מספרת על איך התחביב החדש הוסיף גוון שונה לשגרה שלה, שינה לה את החיים וסייע לה לאבד כחצי (!) ממשקלה. הבלוג המרגש ומעורר האמפתיה מתעד תחרויות שהיא השתתפה בהן, מזמין את הגולשים להציע על תלבושות להופעות ועוד."
(I don't read Hebrew...but I hope that I copied that right!)
Thanks again! Happy Dancing!
AAC Update
Hey kids... I am SOOO sorry I've let this go for so long! I can't tell you the number of times I have been inspired to write for you and not been near my computer, or been too tired once I was, to actually put in a post! So... here we go..
AAC was one of the best competitions I have ever been to! The energy in the air that night was positively electric! I was so riveted on the dance floor that I didn't actually take ONE photograph!!! (All photographs are courtesy of a friend of the Chicago FADS Region)
I have NEVER seen Largo and TNT dance better... and that's saying something! They didn't end up winning one of their categories by ONE JUDGE!
RT and his "new" partner... sadly no photographs...but WOW... RT told me he felt like he performed better with her than partners in the past and I tell you what it SHOWS! I am SOOOOO PROUD of my pros!!!
TSD and FAF won one of their categories in American Smooth... Congratulations to them!
RTS and her partner 
both out of the Michigan Avenue Studio got their first win! YAY!!!!
both out of the Michigan Avenue Studio got their first win! YAY!!!! CWS and DWH and STP with HFC were all AMAZING too... enough just can't be said about this comp!
A highlight of the evening was the Theatre Arts division...(again...no photographs that I could post) we were all very anxious to see how our local favorites from Michigan Avenue that just blasted out of the gate with their number would hold up against a couple that is considered to be 2nd best in our country.... the answer is... they held their own BEAUTIFULLY... their routine is one of the hottest things going I'm telling you! They came in 2nd to that top couple... but I honestly believe that it was much more due to the technical complexity of the two routines... because on performance level... Michigan Avenue had it ALL!
It just makes me so proud and happy to be a part of the dance family I am a part of when our pros put forth such spectacular performances!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Astaire Awards Championships (AAC) in Chicago One Last Time!
This weekend is a big comp for the Fred Astaire studio chain. Only three times a year does the chain gather for a national competition, this is special for me as a "professional spectator" because I get to see ALL my favorite professional dancers all at once doing their thing on the same night AND if I'm lucky...I'll get to see some of my fellow students burn the floor too! Yes, I get to see that for a regional competition, but to be honest the results of those are somewhat predictable. Not only that but this is the LAST year they're holding a national competition in Chicago!
RT is competing with his new partner, something I haven't seen yet, and I'm SOOOO excited! I just love to be able to walk around all proud.....yeah baby that's MY pro! :-) Of course I am always excited to see Largo and TNT... every time I see them I just know they are on the cusp of something AMAZING! Not only that...but on the same floor in the same style I also have STP and HFC AND CWS with DWS! (I loose my mind trying to cheer for them all!)
Smooth is somewhat easier as I really have two couples I love there... TSD with FAF from my home studio and RTS and her partner out of the Michigan Avenue studio. I tell you it has been wonderful to see the progress RTS and partner have made this year... and I just love to watch TSD and FAF dance anytime.
Lastly, I have a new couple in a newer to me category. There is a couple from Michigan Avenue that has entered the Theatre Arts/Cabaret division this year with a BANG! I saw their debut at St. Louis where they placed 2nd! Then they were off to Emerald Star Ball (a big independent competition out in Los Angeles) where they took their first title and it's been so exciting to follow them this year! They also just took another title at a competition out east too. I can not wait to see how they do on Friday night!!!
I'll of course let you all know what happened.. but I have to tell you, I am not the one to look to for quick posting results, (I don't have a fancy phone that has web access!) Fred Astaire Corporate doesn't have a system set up for it either... but if you go to Dance Forums I KNOW there will be at least one person in the ballroom sending out updates in a relatively timely manner. (Just hit "Today's Posts" at the top of the screen and you'll find it!)
It's going to be a blast!!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Two Practices Down... Major Worries Down from 4 to 3!
I still can't believe I'm doing this! ME! I'm preparing for a competition style event! ACK! In an effort to do everyone proud in EVERY dance I had 4 very MAJOR concerns... ok first let me tell you the line-up there are 10 dances chosen, have to do each once... five with each instructor and they are as follows.
Waltz
Tango
Foxtrot
Rumba
Cha Cha
Salsa
Mambo
East Coast Swing
Push Pull (Hustle)
Merengue
So care to guess where my concerns lie? :-) Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot of course, and believe it or not MAMBO. First... we all know I don't work on the first three at ALL... I can sorta maybe follow a basic Waltz, I know next to nothing about Tango, and I can follow a Foxtrot. However, I have no smooth technique I haven't done more than the odd smooth dance at a party in well over a year!
So first lesson up with RT he starts right off the bat...
"We're going to work on Smooth today ok??" He looks at me for assurance.
"Yeah we better." I respond.
So after our customary warm up with Salsa, we start in on my all time unfavorite dance...Waltz. We work and work and Waltz still feels just as off to me as it ever has. We're really working on my footwork when RT says very matter of factly...
"I don't care what anyone tells you, every judge looks at your feet, it doesn't matter what you do with the rest of your body your footwork has to be good."
My quick response is "Well then I am well and truly screwed!!!"
Which RT seems to find amusing. I don't know why, whether it's something in the way I said that or if I'm right in knowing my footwork is NOT the best part of my dancing by a long shot! So we continue to work on keeping my feet together and what I call "nesting" my foot that is behind into the curve of my leading foot... ugh! At one point RT is showing me how to do this correctly for a "back to back" kind of step...something very basic in Waltz... and I watch and I can't help it... I get really sad... Waltz makes me very sad, and it was written all over my face. We worked more on it, I was pleased that I was remembering heel leads. Still though Waltz is the embodiment of EVERY SINGLE THING THAT I'M NOT. I don't float, I'm not graceful, and the exact science behind rise and fall escapes me. I did show some improvement though and it started to feel a little less strange. So we moved on to my strongest smooth dance Foxtrot.
Well it WAS my strongest smooth dance... until we realized once again that I can't walk backwards in a straight line... so to help with this we circled the floor several times out of frame with RT's left and clamped on my right shoulder so I go straight and not veer out of my side... in Foxtrot the follow stays to the left side of center just slightly. I know this.. I can't tell you how many times I've had a chant in my head of "stay left, stay left, stay left!" While in the middle of a Foxtrot. It was a very frustrating lesson, and we didn't even TOUCH on Tango! I only have a few lessons between now and this Mini Match... so practice it is! I can practice technique, but the partnership part of it....oh thank goodness I can follow! I also discussed with RT about who I'd be doing what dance with... I told him, because I can follow him so much better, simply because I've worked with him for so long... I'd like to dance all the smooth with him...he agreed. WHEW!
This week I had a lesson with Largo... where I wanted to tackle my next big hurdle Mambo. I have never been able to hear the music so that I can skip the first beat and move on the second (called On1 vs On2). Every time I've tried it's ended in disaster! So I told Largo all of this... he chuckled.
"Listen, I need you to show me Mambo ok? I want to dance Mambo with you during Mini Match."
"Why?" Largo seems confused.
"Because I dance Salsa with RT all the time... and Mambo in my head is so similar that I want to keep it totally separate and I've never danced a successful Mambo." Which Largo finds very amusing.
So we started with how the Mambo movements are a little different. That was really helpful actually. Then Largo put some music on and counted for me.. and I was pretty able to stay on the proper beat. Oh thank goodness! I think a lot of it has to do with my following... a year or two ago when RT and I would try... it was nothing but disaster! I'd constantly flip back to On1 which is just not right!
Then I realized something, my brain does a funny thing when I'm dancing Mambo. First I trust my lead to get us started, and I completely ignore (or try) the first beat in every measure... then after a measure or two of us dancing I use the steps I'm being lead in to find where in the music we're dancing. This works until I'm sent into a spin or something on my own, and then I'm automatically back On1. So that is going to take some work, but it was COMPLETELY more successful than my adventure in smooth. Largo even told me if I can follow we should be ok. WHEW!!!
So I feel a TON better about Mambo! I don't think I can dance it with a non professional yet... because I really rely on that lead...but perhaps I'll become proficient at dancing both Salsa and Mambo... never thought I'd say that!
Now it's all about the smooth... gotta work on Waltz Foxtrot and Tango... well I have to learn more than one tango step outside basic and I'll feel better about it... I think Tango footwork for me is easier than Waltz and Foxtrot... but I'm still majorly concerned about all three. Still... what was 4 dances of major concern is now 3...and I hope that we can whittle those down as we get closer to Mini Match. Away we go!
Waltz
Tango
Foxtrot
Rumba
Cha Cha
Salsa
Mambo
East Coast Swing
Push Pull (Hustle)
Merengue
So care to guess where my concerns lie? :-) Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot of course, and believe it or not MAMBO. First... we all know I don't work on the first three at ALL... I can sorta maybe follow a basic Waltz, I know next to nothing about Tango, and I can follow a Foxtrot. However, I have no smooth technique I haven't done more than the odd smooth dance at a party in well over a year!
So first lesson up with RT he starts right off the bat...
"We're going to work on Smooth today ok??" He looks at me for assurance.
"Yeah we better." I respond.
So after our customary warm up with Salsa, we start in on my all time unfavorite dance...Waltz. We work and work and Waltz still feels just as off to me as it ever has. We're really working on my footwork when RT says very matter of factly...
"I don't care what anyone tells you, every judge looks at your feet, it doesn't matter what you do with the rest of your body your footwork has to be good."
My quick response is "Well then I am well and truly screwed!!!"
Which RT seems to find amusing. I don't know why, whether it's something in the way I said that or if I'm right in knowing my footwork is NOT the best part of my dancing by a long shot! So we continue to work on keeping my feet together and what I call "nesting" my foot that is behind into the curve of my leading foot... ugh! At one point RT is showing me how to do this correctly for a "back to back" kind of step...something very basic in Waltz... and I watch and I can't help it... I get really sad... Waltz makes me very sad, and it was written all over my face. We worked more on it, I was pleased that I was remembering heel leads. Still though Waltz is the embodiment of EVERY SINGLE THING THAT I'M NOT. I don't float, I'm not graceful, and the exact science behind rise and fall escapes me. I did show some improvement though and it started to feel a little less strange. So we moved on to my strongest smooth dance Foxtrot.
Well it WAS my strongest smooth dance... until we realized once again that I can't walk backwards in a straight line... so to help with this we circled the floor several times out of frame with RT's left and clamped on my right shoulder so I go straight and not veer out of my side... in Foxtrot the follow stays to the left side of center just slightly. I know this.. I can't tell you how many times I've had a chant in my head of "stay left, stay left, stay left!" While in the middle of a Foxtrot. It was a very frustrating lesson, and we didn't even TOUCH on Tango! I only have a few lessons between now and this Mini Match... so practice it is! I can practice technique, but the partnership part of it....oh thank goodness I can follow! I also discussed with RT about who I'd be doing what dance with... I told him, because I can follow him so much better, simply because I've worked with him for so long... I'd like to dance all the smooth with him...he agreed. WHEW!
This week I had a lesson with Largo... where I wanted to tackle my next big hurdle Mambo. I have never been able to hear the music so that I can skip the first beat and move on the second (called On1 vs On2). Every time I've tried it's ended in disaster! So I told Largo all of this... he chuckled.
"Listen, I need you to show me Mambo ok? I want to dance Mambo with you during Mini Match."
"Why?" Largo seems confused.
"Because I dance Salsa with RT all the time... and Mambo in my head is so similar that I want to keep it totally separate and I've never danced a successful Mambo." Which Largo finds very amusing.
So we started with how the Mambo movements are a little different. That was really helpful actually. Then Largo put some music on and counted for me.. and I was pretty able to stay on the proper beat. Oh thank goodness! I think a lot of it has to do with my following... a year or two ago when RT and I would try... it was nothing but disaster! I'd constantly flip back to On1 which is just not right!
Then I realized something, my brain does a funny thing when I'm dancing Mambo. First I trust my lead to get us started, and I completely ignore (or try) the first beat in every measure... then after a measure or two of us dancing I use the steps I'm being lead in to find where in the music we're dancing. This works until I'm sent into a spin or something on my own, and then I'm automatically back On1. So that is going to take some work, but it was COMPLETELY more successful than my adventure in smooth. Largo even told me if I can follow we should be ok. WHEW!!!
So I feel a TON better about Mambo! I don't think I can dance it with a non professional yet... because I really rely on that lead...but perhaps I'll become proficient at dancing both Salsa and Mambo... never thought I'd say that!
Now it's all about the smooth... gotta work on Waltz Foxtrot and Tango... well I have to learn more than one tango step outside basic and I'll feel better about it... I think Tango footwork for me is easier than Waltz and Foxtrot... but I'm still majorly concerned about all three. Still... what was 4 dances of major concern is now 3...and I hope that we can whittle those down as we get closer to Mini Match. Away we go!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Mini Match Update....
Ok...ya'll there just aren't words... there aren't... not in any language I have ever spoken are there words for the sheer level of overwhelming GRATITUDE that I have for what has transpired over these last two days!
I had written just two days ago about how honored I was (and am) to have enough entries to get me into this First Annual Mini Match. NOW I can tell you that I am speechless about how you all have come out of nowhere to help me... I have ALL TEN entries sponsored for Mini Match!!!!
NOT ONLY THAT... but I guess I'm officially a sponsored dancer too! (I don't even know.. can a student dancer be sponsored???) Bonnie's Belle Gowns has graciously, on top of all the other wonderful things they have done for me, and allowed me to do for them, offered to sponsor my Mini Match Attire!!! I tell you I cried...actual tears...not a sobbing mess...but I'm not a crier...I don't typically get that worked up over much of anything... I guess it just dawned on me how much this all means for me, my instructors, my writing, and my dancing.
I do have to say that while I am touched and can't possibly thank you all enough in ten lifetimes... there have been a few moments of clarity where two other things have been rolling around in this crazy head of mine. First, is that after not even allowing myself to entertain the thought that I may ever become a competitive dancer for three years... my head has finally given permission for my heart to want this... and my heart is pouring three years of secretly wanting to experience this type of event into this little team match. I will do you all proud I SWEAR IT!
Second is that I really need this push... I need it to bring my dancing up another notch, even though this is classified as a Newcomer event, and I already know (I think) the basics of what I need to do... I need this push to get better, and to work on all the weight loss and other life improvements that I have been working on all along, but my motivation has been a little stagnant.
So for all the reasons that I dance, and that I love it... from the deepest fathoms of my heart. I thank you! I do hope EVERYONE will come out to cheer Team Buffalo Grove on! I'll let you know more about how as we get closer!
I had written just two days ago about how honored I was (and am) to have enough entries to get me into this First Annual Mini Match. NOW I can tell you that I am speechless about how you all have come out of nowhere to help me... I have ALL TEN entries sponsored for Mini Match!!!!
NOT ONLY THAT... but I guess I'm officially a sponsored dancer too! (I don't even know.. can a student dancer be sponsored???) Bonnie's Belle Gowns has graciously, on top of all the other wonderful things they have done for me, and allowed me to do for them, offered to sponsor my Mini Match Attire!!! I tell you I cried...actual tears...not a sobbing mess...but I'm not a crier...I don't typically get that worked up over much of anything... I guess it just dawned on me how much this all means for me, my instructors, my writing, and my dancing.
I do have to say that while I am touched and can't possibly thank you all enough in ten lifetimes... there have been a few moments of clarity where two other things have been rolling around in this crazy head of mine. First, is that after not even allowing myself to entertain the thought that I may ever become a competitive dancer for three years... my head has finally given permission for my heart to want this... and my heart is pouring three years of secretly wanting to experience this type of event into this little team match. I will do you all proud I SWEAR IT!
Second is that I really need this push... I need it to bring my dancing up another notch, even though this is classified as a Newcomer event, and I already know (I think) the basics of what I need to do... I need this push to get better, and to work on all the weight loss and other life improvements that I have been working on all along, but my motivation has been a little stagnant.
So for all the reasons that I dance, and that I love it... from the deepest fathoms of my heart. I thank you! I do hope EVERYONE will come out to cheer Team Buffalo Grove on! I'll let you know more about how as we get closer!
Monday, June 29, 2009
A New Dancing Adventure Begins... Mini Match!
Hi gang! Wow.. I'm still overwhelmed with all the outpouring of support for me and my routine... THANK YOU again! Words cannot describe what that meant to me! Just as that adventure comes to a close a new one is on the horizon!
The Chicago Region of Fred Astaire is having their first annual Mini Match! Let me explain what I know about it and then I'll tell you how I got involved. This Mini Match is a Team Match amongst all the Fred Astaire Studio's in the Region, it is only open to Newcomers and people who have never really competed before (like me). In this Team Match each student dances with their instructors or an amateur couple that doesn't compete together can dance too. These dances are graded on a proficiency scale (just like testing). Each student or couple's scores are not for themselves but to be entered in for the studio as a TEAM. The team with the highest scores wins. So it's like a competition, in fact I know of some very large independent competitions that have Team Matches as part of their event schedule, but it's not every couple for themselves it's every studio working together for the best result.
Now, I am still unemployed (I don't want to talk about it) so of course I figured this would just be another one of those things I'd turn down under the ever present "I don't compete" or "I don't have the finances" reasons. Then one day about two weeks ago I received an e-mail from a reader that stated simply that it would be really good if I'd be able to compete in this Mini Match. This reader was SOOO emphatic about my being able to do it that they, while asking to remain anonymous, would be willing to pay for one of my entries. (at a cost of $39, this was nothing short of AMAZING!) I quickly but politely declined the offer, knowing that I couldn't put up the rest of the money needed to be a part of this event (4 entries are required, with a maximum of 10 allowed).
However, you know this set my brain into overdrive trying to crunch numbers and figure out how I could maybe do it. If I were employed...I'd be in.. done deal. I'm sick and tired of having to turn everything that's not a lesson down, but I also know that I can't possibly put the money out for this, and the deadline for payment of July 15th was too close even if I were to get hired someplace tomorrow. So even as I was talking myself into and out of wanting to do this Mini Match about every five minutes, it just wasn't a possibility so it didn't matter. I was however so INCREDIBLY touched by the idea that I have a fan that was so wanting me to further my dancing that, still honoring their anonymity I shared this tale with my friends last Friday, including but not limited to, Captain and Jem.
Here's where I get overwhelmed and touched again, I am telling you I have the most WONDERFUL support system in my life! Just as soon as I'm telling of this anonymous donor and how I had turned down their kind offer... Captain pipes up "I'll sponsor you for an entry!" and then next to her Jem chimes in "I'll do one too!" Oh my goodness I was virtually speechless! The mere thought that they would help me on this was unreal! I politely declined, because I am not the type to take offers of this nature. Yet, the thoughts of a possible chance at this seemed within my grasp, ran circles in my head.
I thought on all of this for nearly a week, (in fact one of my friends gets a big thank you for listening to me rant back and forth for and against this all day every day...so THANK YOU). Then last Thursday I was at lunch with my dance friend Ellen, where as we were catching up, I was telling her about how amazing people are being about this Mini Match thing, and how everyone is coming out of the woodwork in wanting me to do it, but that I couldn't and wouldn't take them up on it because it's not that important. Before I could even fully understand what was going on... I had a check in my hand, and a fourth sponsor! I was AGAIN touched and overwhelmed by the kindness...if I was the type of girl to cry I would have busted out in tears all over the table.
So now, by the grace and generosity of my wonderful friends and fans I am going to be participating in the First Annual Mini Match! I have to tell you, I was able to tell RT and he's a bit floored by it all, because last we spoke about it I was completely shooting him down and giving him no chance at getting me to sign up! I cannot wait to see Largo's reaction! In fact..there are a lot of people that are probably going to have some kind of reaction about it! I don't even know what to expect yet... not really. I do know that it's very casual, no ballroom dresses or anything of that nature, which means the dancing is going to be that much more important! Still, I'm not doing this for me... I have sponsors I have to do proud! I may end up working harder for this, than I did that routine!
Mark your calendars kids! Mini-Match is on August 14th and will be held at the South Barrington Studio!
I will of course let you know all about it and what's going on in my head throughout it all... for right now though I'm still in shock!
Monday, June 22, 2009
My Routine...
What a whirlwind this week was! Two really good practices... I FINALLY got my act together on the routine on Wednesday. Better late than never right? As soon as that happened I officially knew the choreography... the rest of the time was just making sure I could just DANCE the thing!
Friday June 19th... the weather was HORRID! Terrible thunderstorms plagued the area all day, the humidity was messing with my traction on the dance floor all during our early rehearsal...but still I challenged the rain and made it to the studio for a group class that was being held before the party. Shortly after my arrival RT came up to me and asked why I was so early...
"Well I was finished getting ready...[STP] is having his rhythm class so I thought I'd come to that, it's better than my sitting around waiting for the party to start."
"Do you want to practice a little? Are you nervous???" RT asked, seeming very concerned.
"No, we don't need to practice... I don't think... I'm pretty sure I'm doing ok thanks." I responded.
I joined the Rhythm class already in progress and turns out STP had us working on lock steps...which was good because my routine has them... but I had to duck out early because my ankle was beginning to hurt, and I was beginning to get nervous. Once in the main ballroom I found my pain medication and took it... there was nothing that was going to keep me from trying my best. I then joined some fellow students on the couch to chat and try and shake my nerves... for some reason they were really starting to build.
As the party started I got a quick Hustle in with Largo and was asked to dance by a few students and while the crowd was smaller than normal because of the weather, I became overly concerned with being stepped on... the last few times I'd been on a remotely crowded floor I got stepped on pretty badly, one I received three weeks ago still hurts. Again, NOTHING was going to keep me from trying my best! HFC came over and gave me a quick re-assurance that she was nervous too (She and STP were dancing the professional number) which I thought was very sweet of her. I danced with TSD who offered me some advice on my Rumba... I wasn't following too well... my nerves were creeping up on me again. As the clock ticked along, I became very anxious in waiting for my family and friends to show up... While I waited I visited with Bonnie and Michael who generally sit away from the crowds. Between songs RT came up and looked concerned...
"Why are you over here? Are you over here so you don't get asked to dance? Are you ok?"
"No, [RT] I'm fine, I'm visiting with Bonnie for a second... I'll dance... and I told you I don't want to wear myself out too much before we dance." I responded... this must have been the 4th or 5th time he'd checked on me... I was getting concerned that he was so concerned...but decided to not worry about it... he's the pro.. he's got nothing to be worried about... this routine is a walk in the park compared to what he can do.
Then I noticed that my parents had arrived...so I ran over to say hi and make some introductions... RT joined me to say hello then went back to dancing... I chatted with my folks for a bit and then found my "proper" place on the side of the dance floor so RT would quit worrying. I don't know why he was worried... I didn't get asked to dance... :-)
Shortly thereafter two of my neighbors showed up... they are commonly referred to as my "neighbor moms" A girl couldn't ask for better neighbors! Before I could even get over to say hi... RT was there graciously introducing himself... let me tell you, he left quite the impression on them. :-) Then KIT (who was hosting this evening) announced for the studio's favorite line dance the "Cupid Shuffle." So RT and I joined the floor (and one of my neighbors did too!) for that... after being there for three years it's very hard to get out of doing any group participation stuff... even though I do try to get out of it...every time. Oh ya'll ELLEN came! My dance friend Ellen who let me write about her first competition...She has since taken a break from lessons, but she came out to see me dance!
The next thing I knew... I was chatting with my guests, another friend arrived, and the announcement was made for all those performing tonight to get ready. Ok... here we go! I excused myself and went to the back to change... Nerves running at full steam! I couldn't even get undressed I was shaking so bad! This was not a good sign! Somehow I did manage to get myself changed... I tried to touch up my makeup...but my hand was shaking so bad I didn't want to even attempt it. I started my "Ok... I could die now...that would be fine." mantra... because at this point dying was the ONLY thing that was going to get me out of this performance! Then HFC needed help with the closures on her dress... that actually helped me, helping someone else helped me focus.
As everyone performing that evening was getting ready... it seemed as though we had a lot of time... this was because KIT was running a group participation event out in the studio... I was beginning to feel sick... and I couldn't find RT... where the heck did my partner go? I couldn't find RT.. but Captain was there to help me pin my dress and to make sure I was still surviving... I snacked on one of my ever present fruit snacks to try and offset whatever my nerves might want to do to my blood sugar...and then FINALLY found RT, he was changed and all ready to go... my stomach settled and while everything was going on out front I watched HFC and STP practice a bit of their Bolero routine... RT was treating his shoes with some water, I decided that was a good plan and took advantage of his offer to help... the floor was kinda slick out there and water, while it's not a great idea, will help you gain traction for a short time when applied to the soles of your dance shoes. Then RT asked me (for the 10th or 15th time) if I wanted to practice small steps right there in the back... I quickly agreed.
There we were in front of the refrigerator and sink in the dark walking through the routine in tiny steps, for the first time I was actually counting along with RT... who knew?... I guess I did pick up a few of the counts along the way... we got through the entire thing...no hesitation... I think we both felt better... well I know I did. I then looked out into the ballroom and saw my sister had arrived... our mom then made her wave to me... that felt a bit like grade school... :-) RT and I peeked out to watch the other couples dance (there were two dances before ours, and then the pro routine after)... RT making sure he had me by the hand the whole time. I in all honesty didn't want to see anyone else dancing, I just wanted to quietly wait for my cue. I did have to let go of RT for a second because I remembered that my own camera needed someone to film...so I quickly asked CWS if he would be so kind as to man the lens and he agreed...then it was right back to RT.... So that meant that between my camera, the studio camera... Michael (of Bonnie's Belle Gowns) and my folks... we had FOUR video cameras trained on us... no pressure.
Here's where my memory gets a little sketchy... I remember RT leading me to our starting position and KIT talking a bit...some applause... I remember the word "love" was used a lot...and I remember that she sounded a bit emotional....but all curiosity into that zipped away when I heard the music... of actually dancing... I remember we stared a measure later than usual...because I had a false start... which is fine we weren't actually choreographed to the song...we just had a song I had picked to use. Ummmm... I remember right at the time I put my leg on RT's hip... it was going well... but it wasn't quite as energetic as we had practiced...Then I remember yelling at myself in my head because I wasn't even trying to stop my spins... they were finishing messy... which was promptly followed by the voice in my head screaming Drop it...don't think about it...DANCE...and then I remember looking directly at two of the four video cameras... which caused some reaction from the pros... wish you could see it better... OH! I remember mouthing the words to the song, and then stopping myself because a friend said that didn't look right... And I remember my biggest problem with this routine came out and bit me.. the stop right before the cha cha box... it looks like I'm about to fall over... because I couldn't control my stops... and the shoulder on the dress fell again...but it was pinned to my bra strap so at least that wasn't showing... Then I remember what has always been my favorite part of the routine... when RT and I are facing the same way... hard to point out..but in my head that means "home stretch baby!" and I only have a few more measures before we're done. Once finished and we started our bows... (mine look ridiculous..but I was just lucky I was still standing to be honest) all I could think...and I mean ALL I could think was "Ok, turn... bow curtsy something... walk to RT..he's going to turn me... and I'm turning.... I'm going to FACE THE OTHER WALL... FACE THE OTHER WALL... Good! Facing the other wall! Ok...bow, curtsy, something... ok.. go to RT...Why is RT hugging me out here???... GET ME OUTTA HERE!" That is seriously the exact monologue that was in my head... I didn't hear applause... I didn't hear my name... Nothing... As we approached the place we started where all the pros were standing I remember a lot of hugging...but don't remember anything that was said... my next thought was "That must have gone ok...because I don't want to throw up right this second."
RT and I watched HFC and STP's Bolero...it was wonderful as usual... and I asked RT not to change so we could get pictures afterwards... Once the performances were finished there was a bit of dancing and I grabbed STP for a little waltz...chatted with my guests... my neighbor moms' left... and the lights came up for the end of the party... RT and I chatted with my sister and her boyfriend...then with my parents... for a bit there we were inseparable.... then with Bonnie...and then it was a blur again... I thanked everyone I saw for coming... then remembered that I had to change clothes... I couldn't go out in my cha cha dress! After changing I chatted with RT for a minute I had some things I wanted to clear up real quick.
On my way out I stopped by the front desk where KIT was back and doing some kind of paperwork... I thanked her for the introduction, and she said that RT and I had received a standing ovation...
"We did?? I didn't see any of that..." I responded, surprised!
"Yes, you did... I have never seen the studio give a student a standing ovation like that before." She stated.
I was shocked..."Really? I missed all of that! Wow....Thank you again... this was really special for me... have a good weekend!" And I walked out of the studio...
I didn't want to see the video... I knew hardly any of it would make me happy... but while out with my friends I did watch it on my camera... I was quiet through the whole thing... disappointed in what I was seeing... which has nothing to do with anything and I may or may not address it later...but then the end came and the audience did stand up! I got surprised like I was just shocked with static... "Oh! We DID get a standing ovation! Thanks guys!"
My greatest memory for this evening... is the overwhelming sense of feeling honored. I feel honored to be able to call RT my instructor... that felt like dancing with a friend I've spent years with... oh wait... I have! :-) I feel honored to have such a great dance family. I don't know what I did to deserve you all.. but I'm gonna do my damnedest to make sure I don't lose you!
Friday June 19th... the weather was HORRID! Terrible thunderstorms plagued the area all day, the humidity was messing with my traction on the dance floor all during our early rehearsal...but still I challenged the rain and made it to the studio for a group class that was being held before the party. Shortly after my arrival RT came up to me and asked why I was so early...
"Well I was finished getting ready...[STP] is having his rhythm class so I thought I'd come to that, it's better than my sitting around waiting for the party to start."
"Do you want to practice a little? Are you nervous???" RT asked, seeming very concerned.
"No, we don't need to practice... I don't think... I'm pretty sure I'm doing ok thanks." I responded.
I joined the Rhythm class already in progress and turns out STP had us working on lock steps...which was good because my routine has them... but I had to duck out early because my ankle was beginning to hurt, and I was beginning to get nervous. Once in the main ballroom I found my pain medication and took it... there was nothing that was going to keep me from trying my best. I then joined some fellow students on the couch to chat and try and shake my nerves... for some reason they were really starting to build.
As the party started I got a quick Hustle in with Largo and was asked to dance by a few students and while the crowd was smaller than normal because of the weather, I became overly concerned with being stepped on... the last few times I'd been on a remotely crowded floor I got stepped on pretty badly, one I received three weeks ago still hurts. Again, NOTHING was going to keep me from trying my best! HFC came over and gave me a quick re-assurance that she was nervous too (She and STP were dancing the professional number) which I thought was very sweet of her. I danced with TSD who offered me some advice on my Rumba... I wasn't following too well... my nerves were creeping up on me again. As the clock ticked along, I became very anxious in waiting for my family and friends to show up... While I waited I visited with Bonnie and Michael who generally sit away from the crowds. Between songs RT came up and looked concerned...
"Why are you over here? Are you over here so you don't get asked to dance? Are you ok?"
"No, [RT] I'm fine, I'm visiting with Bonnie for a second... I'll dance... and I told you I don't want to wear myself out too much before we dance." I responded... this must have been the 4th or 5th time he'd checked on me... I was getting concerned that he was so concerned...but decided to not worry about it... he's the pro.. he's got nothing to be worried about... this routine is a walk in the park compared to what he can do.
Then I noticed that my parents had arrived...so I ran over to say hi and make some introductions... RT joined me to say hello then went back to dancing... I chatted with my folks for a bit and then found my "proper" place on the side of the dance floor so RT would quit worrying. I don't know why he was worried... I didn't get asked to dance... :-)
Shortly thereafter two of my neighbors showed up... they are commonly referred to as my "neighbor moms" A girl couldn't ask for better neighbors! Before I could even get over to say hi... RT was there graciously introducing himself... let me tell you, he left quite the impression on them. :-) Then KIT (who was hosting this evening) announced for the studio's favorite line dance the "Cupid Shuffle." So RT and I joined the floor (and one of my neighbors did too!) for that... after being there for three years it's very hard to get out of doing any group participation stuff... even though I do try to get out of it...every time. Oh ya'll ELLEN came! My dance friend Ellen who let me write about her first competition...She has since taken a break from lessons, but she came out to see me dance!
The next thing I knew... I was chatting with my guests, another friend arrived, and the announcement was made for all those performing tonight to get ready. Ok... here we go! I excused myself and went to the back to change... Nerves running at full steam! I couldn't even get undressed I was shaking so bad! This was not a good sign! Somehow I did manage to get myself changed... I tried to touch up my makeup...but my hand was shaking so bad I didn't want to even attempt it. I started my "Ok... I could die now...that would be fine." mantra... because at this point dying was the ONLY thing that was going to get me out of this performance! Then HFC needed help with the closures on her dress... that actually helped me, helping someone else helped me focus.
As everyone performing that evening was getting ready... it seemed as though we had a lot of time... this was because KIT was running a group participation event out in the studio... I was beginning to feel sick... and I couldn't find RT... where the heck did my partner go? I couldn't find RT.. but Captain was there to help me pin my dress and to make sure I was still surviving... I snacked on one of my ever present fruit snacks to try and offset whatever my nerves might want to do to my blood sugar...and then FINALLY found RT, he was changed and all ready to go... my stomach settled and while everything was going on out front I watched HFC and STP practice a bit of their Bolero routine... RT was treating his shoes with some water, I decided that was a good plan and took advantage of his offer to help... the floor was kinda slick out there and water, while it's not a great idea, will help you gain traction for a short time when applied to the soles of your dance shoes. Then RT asked me (for the 10th or 15th time) if I wanted to practice small steps right there in the back... I quickly agreed.
There we were in front of the refrigerator and sink in the dark walking through the routine in tiny steps, for the first time I was actually counting along with RT... who knew?... I guess I did pick up a few of the counts along the way... we got through the entire thing...no hesitation... I think we both felt better... well I know I did. I then looked out into the ballroom and saw my sister had arrived... our mom then made her wave to me... that felt a bit like grade school... :-) RT and I peeked out to watch the other couples dance (there were two dances before ours, and then the pro routine after)... RT making sure he had me by the hand the whole time. I in all honesty didn't want to see anyone else dancing, I just wanted to quietly wait for my cue. I did have to let go of RT for a second because I remembered that my own camera needed someone to film...so I quickly asked CWS if he would be so kind as to man the lens and he agreed...then it was right back to RT.... So that meant that between my camera, the studio camera... Michael (of Bonnie's Belle Gowns) and my folks... we had FOUR video cameras trained on us... no pressure.
Here's where my memory gets a little sketchy... I remember RT leading me to our starting position and KIT talking a bit...some applause... I remember the word "love" was used a lot...and I remember that she sounded a bit emotional....but all curiosity into that zipped away when I heard the music... of actually dancing... I remember we stared a measure later than usual...because I had a false start... which is fine we weren't actually choreographed to the song...we just had a song I had picked to use. Ummmm... I remember right at the time I put my leg on RT's hip... it was going well... but it wasn't quite as energetic as we had practiced...Then I remember yelling at myself in my head because I wasn't even trying to stop my spins... they were finishing messy... which was promptly followed by the voice in my head screaming Drop it...don't think about it...DANCE...and then I remember looking directly at two of the four video cameras... which caused some reaction from the pros... wish you could see it better... OH! I remember mouthing the words to the song, and then stopping myself because a friend said that didn't look right... And I remember my biggest problem with this routine came out and bit me.. the stop right before the cha cha box... it looks like I'm about to fall over... because I couldn't control my stops... and the shoulder on the dress fell again...but it was pinned to my bra strap so at least that wasn't showing... Then I remember what has always been my favorite part of the routine... when RT and I are facing the same way... hard to point out..but in my head that means "home stretch baby!" and I only have a few more measures before we're done. Once finished and we started our bows... (mine look ridiculous..but I was just lucky I was still standing to be honest) all I could think...and I mean ALL I could think was "Ok, turn... bow curtsy something... walk to RT..he's going to turn me... and I'm turning.... I'm going to FACE THE OTHER WALL... FACE THE OTHER WALL... Good! Facing the other wall! Ok...bow, curtsy, something... ok.. go to RT...Why is RT hugging me out here???... GET ME OUTTA HERE!" That is seriously the exact monologue that was in my head... I didn't hear applause... I didn't hear my name... Nothing... As we approached the place we started where all the pros were standing I remember a lot of hugging...but don't remember anything that was said... my next thought was "That must have gone ok...because I don't want to throw up right this second."
RT and I watched HFC and STP's Bolero...it was wonderful as usual... and I asked RT not to change so we could get pictures afterwards... Once the performances were finished there was a bit of dancing and I grabbed STP for a little waltz...chatted with my guests... my neighbor moms' left... and the lights came up for the end of the party... RT and I chatted with my sister and her boyfriend...then with my parents... for a bit there we were inseparable.... then with Bonnie...and then it was a blur again... I thanked everyone I saw for coming... then remembered that I had to change clothes... I couldn't go out in my cha cha dress! After changing I chatted with RT for a minute I had some things I wanted to clear up real quick.
On my way out I stopped by the front desk where KIT was back and doing some kind of paperwork... I thanked her for the introduction, and she said that RT and I had received a standing ovation...
"We did?? I didn't see any of that..." I responded, surprised!
"Yes, you did... I have never seen the studio give a student a standing ovation like that before." She stated.
I was shocked..."Really? I missed all of that! Wow....Thank you again... this was really special for me... have a good weekend!" And I walked out of the studio...
I didn't want to see the video... I knew hardly any of it would make me happy... but while out with my friends I did watch it on my camera... I was quiet through the whole thing... disappointed in what I was seeing... which has nothing to do with anything and I may or may not address it later...but then the end came and the audience did stand up! I got surprised like I was just shocked with static... "Oh! We DID get a standing ovation! Thanks guys!"
My greatest memory for this evening... is the overwhelming sense of feeling honored. I feel honored to be able to call RT my instructor... that felt like dancing with a friend I've spent years with... oh wait... I have! :-) I feel honored to have such a great dance family. I don't know what I did to deserve you all.. but I'm gonna do my damnedest to make sure I don't lose you!
THANK YOU!
Monday, June 15, 2009
My Routine... Ready or not... Here we Go! Performing and Celebrating 3 Years Dancing!
After several weeks of trials tribulations... a little arguing... a little of my personal life butting in... and all that... We are now... finally at the week of performance! This Friday at some point between 9-9:30 PM CST please think good thoughts for me if you can't be there!
We've made changes, most of which were done to "dumb it down" for me... seriously! There were two spots in particular... I thought I could have done it.. but no...just TOO fast! RT has also suggested some changes that would make me more comfortable... and I decided not to do those changes... no point in having a routine if at least part of it isn't going to scare you right?
As of this moment I'm feeling pretty good about the performance, but I have to tell you it goes back and forth... has been for a few weeks now. Actually the last few weeks have been pretty dark with confidence and body image... something I'm constantly battling, sometimes publicly...and sometimes it gets too dark for even ME to share with others. But I look forward to the rest of the week feeling like today... reasonably optimistic, with a non-stop soundtrack of my chosen song and a few segments of my routine being drilled over and over. None of which will actually be discussed here as I don't want anyone in attendance to do anything but take my performance as a whole, and not inspect it for what I see as flaws. Trust me... I'm sure I'll have a blow by blow with video for you all afterwards.
Some pre performance preparation that doesn't actually pertain to the dance steps is going on too... I've freshened up my red hair with my new favorite more copper like tone. I've started the self tanner and actual tanning although the sun hasn't been out much here in Chicago...so I'm getting what I can...shoulders got a bit burned today! (YAY no Garbage bags for my back this time!) I have the daily reminder of how high maintenance it is to perform... I enjoy the whole preparedness of tanning, doing my nails, hair, makeup, sparkly jewelry, fun smelly lotions and all that... but at my core I'm really pretty down to earth and enjoy not having ALL of that as my daily routine.
More importantly almost is that I'm celebrating three years of dancing at the same time... I'm celebrating the third anniversary of the day I made steps unwittingly to change EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of my life for the absolute better... and have stayed on this path.. for better and for worse... for THREE YEARS... that's huge! Especially considering that I don't have a history of committing to anything that is this hard. My life is far from perfect...and I'm in a pretty rocky part of it at the moment...but three years ago... a rough patch like this would have sent me on a downward spiral that I don't know I could have recovered from. It's all because of dancing and the wonderful professionals that I get to dance with.
So, wish me luck, come and see and celebrate!
I look forward to seeing you there!
We've made changes, most of which were done to "dumb it down" for me... seriously! There were two spots in particular... I thought I could have done it.. but no...just TOO fast! RT has also suggested some changes that would make me more comfortable... and I decided not to do those changes... no point in having a routine if at least part of it isn't going to scare you right?
As of this moment I'm feeling pretty good about the performance, but I have to tell you it goes back and forth... has been for a few weeks now. Actually the last few weeks have been pretty dark with confidence and body image... something I'm constantly battling, sometimes publicly...and sometimes it gets too dark for even ME to share with others. But I look forward to the rest of the week feeling like today... reasonably optimistic, with a non-stop soundtrack of my chosen song and a few segments of my routine being drilled over and over. None of which will actually be discussed here as I don't want anyone in attendance to do anything but take my performance as a whole, and not inspect it for what I see as flaws. Trust me... I'm sure I'll have a blow by blow with video for you all afterwards.
Some pre performance preparation that doesn't actually pertain to the dance steps is going on too... I've freshened up my red hair with my new favorite more copper like tone. I've started the self tanner and actual tanning although the sun hasn't been out much here in Chicago...so I'm getting what I can...shoulders got a bit burned today! (YAY no Garbage bags for my back this time!) I have the daily reminder of how high maintenance it is to perform... I enjoy the whole preparedness of tanning, doing my nails, hair, makeup, sparkly jewelry, fun smelly lotions and all that... but at my core I'm really pretty down to earth and enjoy not having ALL of that as my daily routine.
More importantly almost is that I'm celebrating three years of dancing at the same time... I'm celebrating the third anniversary of the day I made steps unwittingly to change EVERY SINGLE ASPECT of my life for the absolute better... and have stayed on this path.. for better and for worse... for THREE YEARS... that's huge! Especially considering that I don't have a history of committing to anything that is this hard. My life is far from perfect...and I'm in a pretty rocky part of it at the moment...but three years ago... a rough patch like this would have sent me on a downward spiral that I don't know I could have recovered from. It's all because of dancing and the wonderful professionals that I get to dance with.
So, wish me luck, come and see and celebrate!
I look forward to seeing you there!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Bonnie's Belle Gowns Debut's a New Line...(and a New Model)
Straight from Bonnie's Belle Gowns Headquarters' I bring you the latest and greatest in plus size ballroom gowns. If you have been to their website... you may have seen these dresses however, to appreciate the dresses they needed to be modeled by a real person. So I was all too quick to volunteer to jump in these creations to try do them some justice! So I present to you...me...in the new Double XL line!
Multi-Color Fantasie Smooth Dress - The material alone on this gown almost makes you feel like you could float across the floor without your partner!
Sparkly Silver and Black Smooth Dress - Brings a feeling of complete elegance, this dress was created for the dancer of a more petite stature than myself, anyone that wears this on the floor is one lucky lady! LOVE the details on the bust line and back!!!
As a side note... I can't tell you how long I stared at these pictures! This is not the girl I see in the Mirror! (In a good way) A very special thanks to Bonnie and Michael for letting me flex my modeling muscles a little!
Green/Blue Rhythm Dress or as I affectionately call it "My Cha Cha Dress", it's bright, fun and flirty and the streamer detail down the front is going to really play up the movement of the dance! Not to mention COMFORTABLE!!! (Those wrist bands now mean I have to figure out arm styling in a big way!)
Red Sparkle Rhythm Dress - I love this one too! Equally as comfortable as the green, this dress has a decidedly more sexy feel too it. (Which I love) Someday I'll wear it maybe for a saucy Rumba :-)
Multi-Color Fantasie Smooth Dress - The material alone on this gown almost makes you feel like you could float across the floor without your partner!
Sparkly Silver and Black Smooth Dress - Brings a feeling of complete elegance, this dress was created for the dancer of a more petite stature than myself, anyone that wears this on the floor is one lucky lady! LOVE the details on the bust line and back!!!
As a side note... I can't tell you how long I stared at these pictures! This is not the girl I see in the Mirror! (In a good way) A very special thanks to Bonnie and Michael for letting me flex my modeling muscles a little!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Reading Recommendation: A Year of Dancing Dangerously
Ya'll know me... I have an opinion on everything... I do not however try to push anything on anyone... your choice is yours, mine is mine and that is that. Every so often something comes along that I really would like to share and when THAT happens... I pretty much won't shut up about it. :-)
A while ago I was approached to read and write a review on a book that was written by a ballroom student. I thought sure...send me the book... we'll see... No strings attached. A few days later a small almost coffee table style hardcover book was at my door. I've read the book and been carrying it around forever thinking just on how I would write about it. I decided, that a critique or a review isn't really what I want to do... I will simply recommend the book, and tell you why I think it's worth the time to check out. So here we go... The first ever "Ballroom Dancing: Changing My Life..." reading recommendation:
Lydia has put together a memoirs of sorts from her first year of Ballroom Dancing.. from a brief snapshot of what her life was like before dancing... Married, middle aged, longing to dance again after 20 or so years... to that first tango lesson she took, and the subsequent copious amounts of lessons she signed up for right after. All the way through the many MANY competitions she entered (and did VERY well at) with her professional instructor all over the US.
She has included a wealth of information on each style of dance she competes in (American Smooth, Rhythm, International Latin and Standard) and compelling photographs as well. All of which are perfect for those readers who may be non-dancers. What I really enjoyed was the passion with which she writes about her first year of dancing... As people Lydia and I have very little in common, we are from different generations, we weren't drawn to dance for the same reasons, we don't even approach our lessons the same way. However as dancers we have the SAME passion and that resonates off the page as you read. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone interested in Ballroom Dancing, especially anyone that does or wishes to compete.
A while ago I was approached to read and write a review on a book that was written by a ballroom student. I thought sure...send me the book... we'll see... No strings attached. A few days later a small almost coffee table style hardcover book was at my door. I've read the book and been carrying it around forever thinking just on how I would write about it. I decided, that a critique or a review isn't really what I want to do... I will simply recommend the book, and tell you why I think it's worth the time to check out. So here we go... The first ever "Ballroom Dancing: Changing My Life..." reading recommendation:
Lydia has put together a memoirs of sorts from her first year of Ballroom Dancing.. from a brief snapshot of what her life was like before dancing... Married, middle aged, longing to dance again after 20 or so years... to that first tango lesson she took, and the subsequent copious amounts of lessons she signed up for right after. All the way through the many MANY competitions she entered (and did VERY well at) with her professional instructor all over the US.
She has included a wealth of information on each style of dance she competes in (American Smooth, Rhythm, International Latin and Standard) and compelling photographs as well. All of which are perfect for those readers who may be non-dancers. What I really enjoyed was the passion with which she writes about her first year of dancing... As people Lydia and I have very little in common, we are from different generations, we weren't drawn to dance for the same reasons, we don't even approach our lessons the same way. However as dancers we have the SAME passion and that resonates off the page as you read. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone interested in Ballroom Dancing, especially anyone that does or wishes to compete.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Testing 1..2..3...Is This Thing On??
Testing was tonight... I hate testing... I really do... I'm overall a social dancer and I don't really see the need in knowing EXACTLY how good or bad I am at anything. Not to mention the fact that every time I have tested has been the worst feeling on the dance floor...
I had been working primarily with Largo on new steps. Over the last week I made sure I had done all of them with each instructor because you never really know who you'll be dancing what with. In my mind I was working better on the Syllabus stuff with Largo, and so I wanted, in the perfect world that doesn't exist, to dance my majors as follows...
Cha-Cha= Largo
East Coast Swing = RT
Rumba = Largo
Salsa = RT
No.. I don't have a single smooth dance as my major... I like to dance them.. but do not have any desire to spend most of my time on any one of them. I'm quite happy with my majors thank you.
So testing goes like this... A large number of students all converge on the studio at once. We have a special guest "Judge" who is there to score us. New students going through their first test dance two of their majors, the rest of us dance all four. We're called out, we grab one of our instructors or are sometimes told which of our instructors to dance with... we're told the dance, and the music commences... everyone dances until our Judge has had time to critique us all. I'm going to tell you how this went... and then tell you what my scores were.
Cha-Cha... Largo wasn't paying attention to anything... so I ended up dragging him to the floor rather gruffly. (Sorry about that) We stand a bit apart, I get the once over from him...one of his eyebrows goes up and he states rather disgustedly "You have cat hair..."
"I know.. I must have missed the ONE on my black top I'm sorry!" (I have two cats... Largo is highly allergic...) I quietly but sharply whisper back...
Until that moment I was totally chilled out... not nervous at all.. and then... one of the worst cases of nerves I've ever had pops out of nowhere! Let's see what do I remember about the Cha Cha... I failed at the first attempt of one of the leads he was putting me through... I messed up every SINGLE open break... at one point I completely forgot to Cha... and Largo ran me into three different people. At the same time my blood sugar soared out of whack because of my nerves and lack of dinner. I came off the floor from that Cha Cha mumbled an "I'm Sorry" to Largo and quickly found one of my fruit snacks that I always keep around. Once I had eaten something I was a little better...
Rumba= Largo is already on the floor with a student, so I go for RT once they've called my name... RT seems kind of surprised to see me heading for him...then it dawns on him and he says "I was wondering who Pat was..."
"Uh huh... Funny.. happens all the time... just dance." I dryly reply really hoping this Rumba is going to go better... I mumbled some of what I did during Cha to RT... just to let him know... it's not a good night on the floor.
So we dance Rumba... it was rough... I didn't spiral where I was supposed to in at least three different spots... I was told at one point to stop making faces.... but then at JUST THE RIGHT SECOND.... as I'm facing the Judge... I go from coyly (ok...so it wasn't coy at all... I was looking at the floor) but I drew up my eyes and got him with Rumba eyes and a smile.... YES!!! Spun back around to RT... he whispers that I can calm down now I've been judged... I just wanted to giggle that I totally got the Judge with my Rumba eyes! Ok... so maybe tonight wasn't going to be so bad.
East Coast Swing... Largo's turn!!! Actually the swing wasn't anything spectacular.... it was just kind of a swing... but I was happy that I was following at least. We covered the steps I needed... a couple of times over... Largo finally started smiling... I whispered "Thank you" to him after that one... Meh.. not good... not bad... one more and I'm finished!
So I'm waiting for the group to be called up for Mambo... then RT goes and tells them I do Salsa... and we get to dance... at least that's the way it's supposed to go.
Well instead... I get called... Just my name.... for a Solo... apparently all the others that have Mambo as a major didn't have to dance it.... or I'm the only one with anything Salsa/Mambo related for a Major anymore... Jackie calls my name... asks me if I want Salsa or Mambo as I meet RT on the dance floor... I told her she can ask me to dance on the 2... but it's not going to be pretty. So Salsa it is. Jesse was manning the music.. he puts on a song... it was very Mambo like...but I'd heard it a million times before.... and because it was JUST me and RT on the floor... ACK!!! I decide to mess everything up!
We start out basic enough... single turn... then RT starts the Miami Special and all I can think is that we haven't done this in FOREVER... I ALWAYS screw it up... then... on top of it all.. I forget to listen to the music... and completely screw EVERYTHING UP.... *sigh*... then... I hear RT... "Quick quick slow...quick quick slow." I wanted so badly to yell... NOT HELPING... but can't... I'm being tested.... Then... RT did the one thing that always helps... a little basic... a little cross body lead.. and then MY SPIN!!! YAY MY SPIN!!!.... I call it my spin cuz I've never done it with anyone else... and it's the one spin that completely clears my head and for whatever reason.... I can find the beat when I come back.... turns out I took my spin a little fast... no, it was like WAY too fast and I think I had at least a full beat... maybe a beat and a half to wait before the top of the next measure... but here's the magic about that... I KNEW that and froze with RT until it was time to go again... Some call that not being in control... maybe not of the spin...but I think that's CRAZY control to be able to wait before moving after whipping around like that. I heard some comments from the crowd on my spin as we did another basic and they called for the song to end. (Too bad... another measure or two of being back on track and I could have gotten a better score).
Ok... so the LAST time I tested my highest score was a 93 - and that's fair... I suppose... I really wasn't expecting to get any better... and that really would have irritated me. But given the way I felt on the floor through all those dances.... yeah I think 93 would have been appropriate (and a 92 for that stink'n Cha Cha)
But... here's what I got...
Cha Cha = 94
Rumba = 94
East Coast Swing = 94
Salsa = 95 + a lot of people saying that I was fun to watch... better than any score!
So I hereby from this day forward... will no longer tell you that I suck at dancing...
... I'll tell you that I'm an OK dancer. :-)
I had been working primarily with Largo on new steps. Over the last week I made sure I had done all of them with each instructor because you never really know who you'll be dancing what with. In my mind I was working better on the Syllabus stuff with Largo, and so I wanted, in the perfect world that doesn't exist, to dance my majors as follows...
Cha-Cha= Largo
East Coast Swing = RT
Rumba = Largo
Salsa = RT
No.. I don't have a single smooth dance as my major... I like to dance them.. but do not have any desire to spend most of my time on any one of them. I'm quite happy with my majors thank you.
So testing goes like this... A large number of students all converge on the studio at once. We have a special guest "Judge" who is there to score us. New students going through their first test dance two of their majors, the rest of us dance all four. We're called out, we grab one of our instructors or are sometimes told which of our instructors to dance with... we're told the dance, and the music commences... everyone dances until our Judge has had time to critique us all. I'm going to tell you how this went... and then tell you what my scores were.
Cha-Cha... Largo wasn't paying attention to anything... so I ended up dragging him to the floor rather gruffly. (Sorry about that) We stand a bit apart, I get the once over from him...one of his eyebrows goes up and he states rather disgustedly "You have cat hair..."
"I know.. I must have missed the ONE on my black top I'm sorry!" (I have two cats... Largo is highly allergic...) I quietly but sharply whisper back...
Until that moment I was totally chilled out... not nervous at all.. and then... one of the worst cases of nerves I've ever had pops out of nowhere! Let's see what do I remember about the Cha Cha... I failed at the first attempt of one of the leads he was putting me through... I messed up every SINGLE open break... at one point I completely forgot to Cha... and Largo ran me into three different people. At the same time my blood sugar soared out of whack because of my nerves and lack of dinner. I came off the floor from that Cha Cha mumbled an "I'm Sorry" to Largo and quickly found one of my fruit snacks that I always keep around. Once I had eaten something I was a little better...
Rumba= Largo is already on the floor with a student, so I go for RT once they've called my name... RT seems kind of surprised to see me heading for him...then it dawns on him and he says "I was wondering who Pat was..."
"Uh huh... Funny.. happens all the time... just dance." I dryly reply really hoping this Rumba is going to go better... I mumbled some of what I did during Cha to RT... just to let him know... it's not a good night on the floor.
So we dance Rumba... it was rough... I didn't spiral where I was supposed to in at least three different spots... I was told at one point to stop making faces.... but then at JUST THE RIGHT SECOND.... as I'm facing the Judge... I go from coyly (ok...so it wasn't coy at all... I was looking at the floor) but I drew up my eyes and got him with Rumba eyes and a smile.... YES!!! Spun back around to RT... he whispers that I can calm down now I've been judged... I just wanted to giggle that I totally got the Judge with my Rumba eyes! Ok... so maybe tonight wasn't going to be so bad.
East Coast Swing... Largo's turn!!! Actually the swing wasn't anything spectacular.... it was just kind of a swing... but I was happy that I was following at least. We covered the steps I needed... a couple of times over... Largo finally started smiling... I whispered "Thank you" to him after that one... Meh.. not good... not bad... one more and I'm finished!
So I'm waiting for the group to be called up for Mambo... then RT goes and tells them I do Salsa... and we get to dance... at least that's the way it's supposed to go.
Well instead... I get called... Just my name.... for a Solo... apparently all the others that have Mambo as a major didn't have to dance it.... or I'm the only one with anything Salsa/Mambo related for a Major anymore... Jackie calls my name... asks me if I want Salsa or Mambo as I meet RT on the dance floor... I told her she can ask me to dance on the 2... but it's not going to be pretty. So Salsa it is. Jesse was manning the music.. he puts on a song... it was very Mambo like...but I'd heard it a million times before.... and because it was JUST me and RT on the floor... ACK!!! I decide to mess everything up!
We start out basic enough... single turn... then RT starts the Miami Special and all I can think is that we haven't done this in FOREVER... I ALWAYS screw it up... then... on top of it all.. I forget to listen to the music... and completely screw EVERYTHING UP.... *sigh*... then... I hear RT... "Quick quick slow...quick quick slow." I wanted so badly to yell... NOT HELPING... but can't... I'm being tested.... Then... RT did the one thing that always helps... a little basic... a little cross body lead.. and then MY SPIN!!! YAY MY SPIN!!!.... I call it my spin cuz I've never done it with anyone else... and it's the one spin that completely clears my head and for whatever reason.... I can find the beat when I come back.... turns out I took my spin a little fast... no, it was like WAY too fast and I think I had at least a full beat... maybe a beat and a half to wait before the top of the next measure... but here's the magic about that... I KNEW that and froze with RT until it was time to go again... Some call that not being in control... maybe not of the spin...but I think that's CRAZY control to be able to wait before moving after whipping around like that. I heard some comments from the crowd on my spin as we did another basic and they called for the song to end. (Too bad... another measure or two of being back on track and I could have gotten a better score).
Ok... so the LAST time I tested my highest score was a 93 - and that's fair... I suppose... I really wasn't expecting to get any better... and that really would have irritated me. But given the way I felt on the floor through all those dances.... yeah I think 93 would have been appropriate (and a 92 for that stink'n Cha Cha)
But... here's what I got...
Cha Cha = 94
Rumba = 94
East Coast Swing = 94
Salsa = 95 + a lot of people saying that I was fun to watch... better than any score!
So I hereby from this day forward... will no longer tell you that I suck at dancing...
... I'll tell you that I'm an OK dancer. :-)
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