First Spectating of 2011... Indiana Challenge!

Image Courtesy of Indiana Challenge

Well it's about time I got my competition cheer on! I seriously go on Ballroom Competition withdrawal. I suppose it would be the same for anyone who has a particular sporting event that they just love, mine just happens to be Ballroom Dancing.

Last weekend a group of friends and I journeyed down to Merrillville Indiana to catch the professional competition known as Indiana Challenge. I had attended this competition with a few of the same folks last year as well, and I do always like to make a repeat appearance if a comp is good. I like this one because it's not too far, it's smaller compared to some of the others, I know or have seen most of the competitors before, and possibly get a glimpse at what professionals are new to the circuit.  As a side bonus I usually get to catch up in person with TNG, who is now teaching out of a studio in that area.

Our merry band of fans headed towards the boarder early enough so that we could eat at the pub in the hotel, last year we ended up with a big group and it was a lot of fun, this time it was a little more subdue but still nice. While puttering around I ran into TNG, seeing him always makes me squeak with glee (I'm really not much of a squeaker in general) I'm just proud to see someone I've known since the day they graced the dance floor doing so well. Before long it was time to find our way towards the ballroom. 

STP and HFC from Emerald Star Ball 2010

Heading down I knew that TSD and FAF were going to be competing and I had heard around that STP might be making an appearance but that was by no means confirmed. Sometime between dinner and comp time I ran into STP in the hallway and low and behold....

"Hey [STP]...you're carrying....dance stuff!" I stated with glee!
"Uh..yeah well...you know..." he kind of mumbled.
"Yay! Who are you dancing with?" I inquire as I follow his gaze to.... HFC! "Ah, you must be dancing with this lovely partner right here!" I exclaim as I give HFC a hug hello. (She was very obviously dancing as she had the pretty hair piece already in place).

Yipee! Getting to see STP and HFC hit the floor again! I was so pleased! They had retired last year as an American Rhythm and 9 Dance competitive couple, and I knew seeing this competition tonight did not mean they were coming back, they were there to have a bit of fun and, I later learned, that they missed having fans cheer for them. (Awww).

Nearly immediately after my exchange with STP and HFC, TSD and FAF came on by to say hi before the all went off to prepare. One of the most genuine things that always comes from these professionals is their appreciation of our attendance when they compete, this makes it that much easier to make the effort to come cheer them on. I happily made my way to the ballroom.

I had called in advance to reserve our tickets, unfortunately for whatever reason the seats we got weren't exactly together but they were very close, and that's fine really, the chair is only for sitting in between events I'm interested in anyway. Although I will tell you that in the process of trying to get the seats situated TNG hooked me up and introduced me to one of the competition organizers which was very kind. (This is one of the many reasons why it pays to be out going and do what you can to stay in touch with people you meet along the way.) I was extrordinarily impressed by his reaction to my name, he thought it was very cool. I was happy as a clam just waiting for my preferred events to start. Get me in a room full of ballroom people add competition and hand me a glass of wine, I'm set for the night!


It was pretty clear that on the professional side of things this is somewhat of a "rebuilding" comp. What I mean by that is a LOT of new faces. Especially in American Rhythm! STP and HFC were the first to compete and it was very evident that they were the most polished out there. At one point, I believe it was in the Semi final STP threw out a wild JUMP into the air. I've seen their routines a lot, I don't recall that ever being in there, nor do I recall seeing it re-appear in the final. He caught some good air though.

As predicted, STP and HFC came in FIRST PLACE and won Indiana Challenge Open Rhythm! CONGRATULATIONS! It's always so much fun to cheer for you both!!! 

In between heats the professionals would store their stuff near us, check in, let us know how it felt to be out there, tell us funny stories about getting ready to compete and in some cases help us cheer on their counterparts. That's always a lot of fun.

TSD and FAF (from OSB 2010)

Towards the end of the evening, it was time for TSD and FAF to hit the floor. FAF in the beautiful dress she sported at Ohio Star Ball back in November. The American Smooth portion of this evening's competition was a lot stiffer than that of American Rhythm, and I don't know as I could tell you why but it does seem to go that way frequently. These heats did feature some dancers I've seen at many other competitions and it's always good to see some familiar faces out there. If for no other reason than to have a fairly good indicator of how the professionals I'm cheering on are doing.

This event also had a semi-final, making it to the final was a cake walk for TSD and FAF, the final itself was a little harder. There were some new couples I don't recall seeing that were putting up a really good fight! We cheered our best for them and I could tell something was a bit off, I don't know what and I didn't ask...but I can generally tell when any kind of a performance is just not gelling...it's an energy that the performers give off. Had it been the kind of energy I'd felt at Ohio, I'd have claimed them the winners before the start of the Viennese Waltz, but this time I had them placed 2nd.

Turns out I was only kind of right. TSD and FAF were placed 3rd, by Rule 11. Which means they actually tied for 2nd place and Rule 11 then has the scrutineer look at the actual placements each judge has down for the tied couples and whomever has more 1st's (as an example) will get the higher placement overall. (That is a very simplified explanation of Rule 11 as I understand it) Still a very hearty CONGRATULATIONS to TSD and FAF... the year is just beginning and you all have bigger titles to take. :-)

While all this was going on I had several very lovely mini conversations with TNG, and I look very much forward to watching his career continue to progress as well.

With Indiana Challenge over and hugs from the pros thanking us for attending and cheering, we headed back to the Land of Lincoln already making plans for the next competitions to attend.

Breaking Blog Rules.... Meet Largo... Aleks Nashev!

Aleks' Solo Bolero Intro December 2010

Hi everybody!
So I'm breaking a long standing cardinal rule of this blog... I am mentioning a former instructor by NAME. Nope the sky isn't falling and nothing else is changing. I will continue to call Aleks "Largo" on this blog if I ever need to write about him again. However, Aleks is simply an amazing Ballroom Dancer and I firmly believe everyone on the planet should see him dance. Aleks puts every ounce of his being into his performances and competitions and is purely inspirational to watch and be near.

Here is your chance to keep up with this professional who has graced my life, and so many others, with his presence, if you are on Facebook (and really, who isn't now adays?!) become a fan of ("like")  Aleks Nashev. 

From this fan page he will be able to let us know where he's competing and what he's up to in the Ballroom world as he continues to take it by storm.

Just a few of his accomplishments so far (and I'm proud to say I've written about a few, and been there to witness some of them):
US (World) Rising Star Champion 2010 American Rhythm
2nd place US (World) Mambo Champion 2010
Bulgarian National Latin Champion
FIRST PLACES for all Competitions 2010 in Rising star American Rhythm
First Place in ALL DANCES Pro Latin at Harvest Moon 2011

So from wherever you are, and wherever you are going to be dancing, do not pass up the chance to see this stellar performer and competitor.

Jeez the more I write, the more I'm gonna miss him!

Take care everybody and Happy Dancing!

The LAST lesson with Largo....

The Pics, The Good, The Bad, and the "What is she doing?!?"

Yep you read that right.... I had my LAST lesson with Largo on Thursday. He's moving on to become an independent instructor. Part of what's happened since the last time I posted regularly is that TNT is expecting her first baby, a very happy occasion! That however has put a damper on competitive dancing for her and Largo as you can imagine. With the future a bit up in the air for TNT's competitions, Largo has decided that he will move on to teach independently. This way he can travel to more competitions with future students and it allows him a bit more flexibility to find a new professional partner in the Latin style of dancing he so loves.

I'm actually very happy for him! Yes I will miss having him as my pro, but this is the best decision for him. Let's face it, a social dancer like me is extraordinarily lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from such an accomplished pro and excellent teacher.


So our last lesson was actually a blast! We started out having a bit of an audience, Horace was there to see me dance smooth. He apparently didn't believe me when I told him I'd been learning to like and appreciate smooth a whole lot more than I used to. So we did a little Tango...Horace watching, Largo not really understanding why we had an audience, and confused as to why I was shaking through the whole thing. (Tango makes me nervous, the last time I danced it was Mini Match two years ago!). We made it around two sides of the floor and decided to switch to Fox Trot, a much more comfortable dance for me...one time around the floor and I look over to the foyer area, Horace has disappeared!

"Oh... He's gone..." I say as I bring Largo and I to a stop.
"Why did he want to watch?" asks a very inquisitive Largo.
"I'm not really sure, I don't think he believes that I could like smooth...what do you want to work on next?"

We actually ended up with more Fox Trot for a while, which I'm really beginning to enjoy. After a few pointers and a few more times around the floor we switch styles. My lessons are usually a series of rounds as I get back into it... it's all about getting comfortable on the floor again and finding my motivation to jump back in the fight of healthy living.

Next was Swing, this is currently my most difficult dance because of my ankle and my lack of stamina (I'm so out of shape I want to crawl under a rock, but then that wouldn't really help now would it...) But I hang on for as long as my ankle will allow it.
"If it hurts you tell me." Largo states.
"I'm fine... I'm not making faces!" I retort.
I can hide everything in my dancing when I'm in pain except my face... in recent weeks Largo has called me to the carpet about it several times. Our current deal is that I can dance as long as I promise to wear my special compression socks, jazz shoes (absolutely no heels), and don't make any faces where it looks like I'm in pain. So far I'm doing as the pro has ordered and it's working out really well.
Just about two beats after that I place my foot for the next step and my foot cracks, you know... like your foot sometimes does when you're working out, or at least mine sometimes does. I make the big mistake of saying "Ow oh...that's not right".

Forget my hair...his is way cooler and we're almost making the same face!

"What!"
"No, I'm fine, really you didn't hear me say that- it was just my foot...I'm fine." He's gotta believe me!

I got the look... the look of I shouldn't believe you but I'm going to anyway... turns out I was right I WAS actually fine my foot just had to do that for some reason. So we moved on to Rumba. Rumba was a series of conversational steps really. It was more talking about his plans and if he thinks the new pro I'll be picking up is going to be good for me (more on that later). We then took a break because Largo wanted to open the card I got him.

A little about the card... as I was in the card isle looking at my many options for Largo's card, one predominant thought kept going over and over in my head... thank you. So that's what I selected, I got Largo a Thank you card for all the lessons, kindness and partnership and when I wrote in the card I also wished him the best of luck on his new adventure. Well when he read that it was I who started to cry as he placed the card down and we stood up to dance my eyes burning with tears...
"Aww man! You shouldn't have opened the card!" as I'm fighting the urge to just cry...
"Shush.. come on... Rumba" and Rumba we did.... it wasn't but a few steps into it when my urge to cry was gone and I was back in the lesson.

Forget the top half  but look at our pants! They're doing the same thing! LOL

There wasn't a whole lot of technique in this lesson, but then last lessons rarely have much of it. It was more about the dance. Elsewhere on the floor one of my dance friends was hamming it up with her pro... this dance friend is a real stand up comic on the dance floor and she's adorable about it too, it's always fun to share the floor with her. During one of the moments she was actually working on a step her pro asked Largo for assistance with teaching one of the ChaCha steps. Largo turns to me and asks "Do you know the wheel?" (at least I think that's what he called it)
"Ha! Like I know if I know at this point... go ahead an lead it." and I go to take up frame.
You'll never believe this... apparently the "Wheel" I remembered in the first seconds of leading is the ONE ChaCha step that's always eluded me, at least it does on the first try. Except this time... this time I got it.. every foot placement, direction change, and lock step I GOT IT!!!

Sadly.... Largo didn't remember my trouble with this step from last year, but I was pretty dang proud of myself and that's what counts.

It was about this time that I notice Largo and I have picked up some studio paparazzi trying to get some candid shots of my lesson for me. Well... I seem to have a very big issue trying to be candid when I KNOW someone is taking pictures... which I tried to laugh off with Largo, but he just moved us to be right in front of the photographer. So we worked a little on Cha Cha and I could hear the snap snap snap of the camera each time the shutter was pushed.... UGH... then it popped into my head to let it go and just dance with my pro. I think a couple of them came out kinda cute and I have them scattered throughout this post.

After Cha Cha we started on our Mambo/Salsa portion of the lesson... now Largo usually has me do Mambo because there is no reason why I shouldn't be able to dance it. I usually stop counting and rely on the lead to make sure I figure out how to move on the 2 beat. After a few measures I engage my brain into the dance...

"Hey! Wait a minute!! We're doing Salsa!"
"Yes, Salsa." Largo responds with a what did you think it was? tone to his voice.
"Alright then!" I exclaim and begin to actually pay attention which does in fact make the dance better. We did some under arm back to back loopy thing that I really enjoyed. I think I'll probably always love Salsa. I was really touched that Largo chose to dance on the 1 with me. It's little things like that.... just make a lesson special.

Last 5 or so minutes, our paparazzi has either left or found another target, and Largo asks me what I want to work on, you'll never believe what came out of my mouth.
"Ummm... what about a little Waltz? I mean my rise and fall is nowhere near what it should be yet, but I think we made progress last time."

What the hell? Even I'm shocked and I'm the one that said it! What is going on?!? I would have NEVER EVER not if you paid me, suggested Waltz before my ankle injury. Largo wasn't nearly as phased, he agreed to work on it with me.

Largo and I... Boy I'm gonna miss you string bean! Thank you for it all!

So we did a little Waltz, wasn't quite as good as the last time we'd done it, but I did learn a new to me step and Largo said I did very well at it... and I asked him if he was shitting me.... (lying to me).... Ok so now, not only do I do Waltz pretty willingly but I get genuine compliments from the pro on it. Rock on!

We ended on a high note... new step learned and more confidence in American Smooth gained... we hugged and then I sat next to Largo on the bench to chit chat for a minute. It was nice. I'm gonna miss that kid... but the plus is that he's staying in the area so he'll be around for competitions when he gets a new partner lined up and if you've ever seen Largo dance you know it's a real treat. He's a force of nature in this Ballroom world, and I was lucky enough to call him my pro.

Dancing with One of the Stars... Jonathan Roberts' Group Class!

Mr. Jonathan Roberts... mid sentence is always

 a good look!

Ok so I didn’t actually dance with Jonathan Roberts, but I did attend his group class tonight at the studio. It’s been a LOOOONG time since I dropped in on one of these dance celebrity classes. I’m highly selective as to what classes I want to attend. I attended this one for a couple of reasons… first is that Jonathan had never been to the studio before, second he’s always been very interesting to me on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, and finally… let’s face it.. I could use all the help I can afford to get right now.

Back when I was more seasoned I would have totally balked at ANOTHER group class full of American Rumba Box, but I’m smarter than that now that I’m trying to regain my old skill level. Rumba Box is the basis for ALL rhythm dances. Which I still love and I can feel my passion re-awakening. So here’s the low down in that only Kat can describe way….

 I’d known for a long time that Jonathan Roberts and his wife Anna Trebunskaya were going to be in the studio for coaching’s and group classes. You may know them from many of the seasons they’ve been on DWTS (Dancing with the Stars). I only decided to sign up for Jonathan’s group class yesterday as long as there was still space, and I lucked out that there was. I walked into the studio chatted it up with some dance friends, checked out the ballroom gowns that were visiting from one of the top industry designers (most of them wouldn’t fit around my arm… but they’re pretty to look at). Then I saw Anna, and then Jonathan…whew… let me tell you… they’re pretty on TV… but they are absolutely gorgeous in person!!

Ok...ok… so yummy eye candy to go with the class… that’s completely secondary to gleaning dance knowledge…let’s focus for a minute on Jonathan’s dance pedigree since he is the instructor du jour: Jonathan began dancing when he was 20, someone that picks up dancing late in life like that we usually teasingly call a 6 week wonder. Not too dissimilar from the studio’s own Jesse DeSoto who started around the same age and then moved on to conquer the ballroom world. Jonathan was a top amateur before he moved on to turn pro and eventually dance with Anna. Together they placed really high in tons of comps all over the world, they placed 6^th in the US and 24^th in the world. (That’s HUGE!) Then they retired as a couple and decided to find separate partners. Jonathan moved on to become World Professional American Smooth Champion in 2008. Some of this even happened AS he was working on Dancing with the Stars! So you can understand a bit why I wanted to see what Jonathan’s teaching style is like. I mean come on… I may be a career amateur social dancer but I don’t take lessons from just ANYBODY! (Dance Pedigree info obtained from here.)

Me in My Spot! (I'm in the purple t-shirt)

I had just run into a friend that I hadn’t seen in for EVER so I was a minute or two late to class…*gasp!* As I walked in to take up my usual position in the second ballroom (that really felt like being at home) I hear “Ok so you guys have to be really good, because this is going to determine how I’m going to teach class.” From Jonathan… I made a comment as I crossed the floor that I was going to head out now while I still had the chance! I had no idea what he was asking of us… I figured Rumba, but I wanted to wait for the song to come on to be sure. Music up and it’s one of those that could be a ChaCha but can be a quick Rumba. So I was momentarily confused… but picked up pretty quick that it was Rumba, wow... how long it had been since I stared down the pic of the Rat Pack in my little corner of the ballroom!! Ahhhh... home….

After some pointers on the Rumba box there was a simple routine put together with open breaks, swivels and a couple of pivot turns. I was again reminded how far I’d fallen, but I tried just the same.

 At one point as we were getting the routine down Jesse DeSoto (Studio owner, and former cast member DWTS season 3, oh and ranked #2 in the world in Mambo during his career ß for new readers who don’t know ;-)) came up to me (from my position he has to walk by to get to his office) quietly put his hand on my shoulder and whispered “It’s good to see you got your spot back.” YEAH BABY… it is MY spot… we should tape it off and put my initials all over it.

Back to the class… We focused on swivels and at one point KIT (the gal that Keeps It Together) was running around taking pictures, and I get very nervous when I know there are candid shots being taken… like I’m trying to be candid and it’s not working or something… and I couldn’t swivel during the time when we were working with partners, and I mentioned to the gal I was partnering with “She’s back there taking pictures isn’t she….” In that grrrr kind of way. She must have thought I was really new or something… clearly not familiar with what my statement meant.

“Oh well that’s ok, your pretty hair color, you’ll look fine in them.” *grin*

I almost wanted to stop class laughing, she doesn’t know… that’s ok…she’ll learn ;-) I kept quiet and went back to trying to find my swivel. Although I have to say that when things like that happen it just makes me want IT more.

Back to the little routine we were working on, where I was really just trying to find my balance again. I seriously feel like I have to go to every instructor I’ve never worked with and say “Look, I used to be good, I’ve had a bit of a rough time with injury and then there was a fire...and anyway…I’m trying to come back...and I’m re-learning.. I’ll be good again I promise.”  I didn’t of course, if I were having an individual coaching then sure, but not in a group class. Jonathan added arm movements and ways to focus on different body parts… hip, knee, shoulder, arm… I really enjoyed that part, esp. since I really desperately need to make my dancing look less utilitarian. Also…get this… the knee part, we lowered into our knees and then used our hips to accentuate the position…and wow. That actually felt really sexy. Yeah that’s right I said it... in my purple t-shirt and gray sweat pants… that movement felt a little sexy. We reviewed the routine with all added movements… I sucked at it… no seriously... I’m not being hard on myself… I really sucked… but I actually learned a lot. I’m one of those students that needs to process and then execute… so I have some good stuff to think about, and I will, and it will be part of what makes me better.

Last five minutes of class we worked on a basic Waltz, and I shocked myself by really looking forward to the info. I also totally forgot about heel leads… well give a girl a break, in my 4plus years of being involved in Ballroom I’ve only spent a scattered smattering of lessons and social dances on it. We did some steps like open fan steps, footwork only to start, and once I remembered the heel leads it felt pretty good…although due to ankle strength my rise and fall isn’t where it should be, but it felt good, so for me we know, that’s another jump in the right direction.  So all in all good class! I can officially add Jonathan Roberts to my list of instructors I’ll suggest others learn from, and look forward to seeing him and Anna stop by the studio again.

I wanted to introduce myself to him before I left, but I was struck with an uncharacteristic bout of shyness. I mean who was I to him? A girl among many in one of a million group classes he’ll teach. Next time I’ll get some face time. Thanks Jonathan!

(Photographs courtesy of Savvy who was in the studio getting an awesome Tango and Rumba routine respectively)

No More Hanging On....

“Change is the only constant. Hanging on is the only sin.” - Denise McCluggage


So let’s review… since mid December there is just about no aspect of my life that hasn’t changed. Even the few things that have seemingly stayed the same are different. I still have the same awesome friends and family… but I’m somehow closer to them all. My co-workers are the same.. but they all proved that they are really awesome people too.. and have even made me lower some of those boundaries between work/personal life. (Some, all wouldn’t be healthy) 

The changes keep coming, sometimes I feel like I’m standing amidst hurricane winds and if I don’t keep any eye on every little thing it will all just blow away. Then I realized… It’s ME that has to change. I’ve managed to maintain a very positive healthy attitude about the changes… but that’s not enough. There’s some serious fundamental evolutionary change that has to go on here. Change is constant, sure not quite as drastic as some of the changing that’s been going on over here..but it’s normal… and there’s no use in trying to desperately hang on to things that for one reason or another just need to change, evolve, or leave. Just treasure the experience, the time, the emotion, and roll with the punches.


Wow, I even surprise myself with that tidbit of wisdom. It’s nothing short of true. As the quote above says…. “Change is the only constant. Hanging on is the only sin.” No, not sin in the pray every night before you go to bed kind of “Sin” there are more meanings to that word than you realize. Hanging on is the only thing that’s going to hurt you in the end is all that means.


On a more fun note of change…It’s not all doom, gloom and scary..some of it is pretty damn awesome! Get this ya’ll… Largo and I have had a few lessons and he’s insisted that we work on American Smooth Waltz and Foxtrot… yeah that’s right.. this girl is getting her Smooth grove on! Mainly because I have to build up my ankle strength and this is the way to do it and still get my dancing in. You’ll never believe that I had the most amazing breakthrough with it. I’m looking forward to more Smooth lessons. *GAK!* Did I really just type that?!?! Long time readers know how loyal I am to my American Rhythm and Salsa… and that hasn’t changed, but I think until my ankles are a little better Smooth is the way to go… and perhaps I’ll try to see what International is all about??


I used to say “This too shall Pass.. and That which doesn’t kill me only serves to make me stronger”

I’ve officially dropped the “This too shall pass” bit… of course it will! If you don’t like something change it, if you can’t change it..change your approach to it…

I’ve got some inherent, possibly genetic laziness to change too which is possibly my biggest challenge ahead… but if I can do THAT? I’ll be completely, totally, and utterly, unstoppable! (That’s kind of exciting!)



Happy Dancing!

Kat

PS Happy Valentine's Day too! XO ;-)

FIRE Brings Life to a Screeching Hault... Update

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all having a lovely Holiday Season... can you believe it's about to be 2011!?!

I just wanted to provide a quick update on everything that's been going on with my new "Post Fire" existence.

I seem to be okay. Really... I've finally mentally put Sheri and Wyo (my cats) to rest in my mind. I no longer cry at the sight of them, even though I often see pictures of them every day and remind myself they won't be in my hotel room when I get there. I do miss them, but I understand fully that it is better that they didn't survive opposed to surviving and being maimed in some horrible way.

The love I have felt from everyone in my world has been nothing short of overwhelming. I continually am reminded of the wonderful people I have managed to surround myself with and I am so thankful and blessed that they are there!

I do seem to be exhibiting some Post Traumatic Stress of some kind. Where I never used to be so scatter brained as to leave my residence without my car keys, or forget to do what I set out to do moments after the decision was made... I seem to be doing that a lot lately. I also don't really have a concept of days of the week as of late either, although for that I suppose I can blame on the odd Holiday weeks.

I will tell you that I am also really surprised with how much I don't miss my "stuff" I lost EVERYTHING save my oak bedroom furniture which is out being specially cleaned. I don't have my clothes, photo albums, jewelry, coats, shoes, or any of the other trappings of normal American society. You know what? I'm actually kind of excited about it!

Being that I am virtually at peace with the tragedy of my cats... I am allowing myself the opportunity to look forward. How often does one get the opportunity for a "Do Over"? I have one! I don't want to squander it! I am being very cautious while in my temporary housing to only buy what I absolutely need. I have enough clothes to get by for just over a week, I have my toiletries and basic food needs taken care of, and a couple pairs of shoes for running around the hotel I'm now residing in.

I did make two purchases... I have a more substantial winter coat because the ski jacket I was wearing on the day of the fire is NOT warm enough for these bitter cold days, and I have a good pair of gym shoes being shipped so I can take advantage of the cardio facility here in the hotel. (I made sure two sets of workout gear were purchased a few weeks ago).

I hope to go with a "less is more" type philosophy with my home when I move back in. I want fewer things, but higher quality than before. I hope I can accomplish that on the insurance money that will be coming my way.

I also have some rather exciting news! I have been in contact with the Animal Welfare organization named Second Chance that I had adopted Sheri and Wyo from 5 years ago. They have a litter of three kittens that were born the week of the fire, and that will make them old enough to come home with me when I move back in. (Yes if they are all healthy and of good temperament I'll take all three!) Even more exciting than that is that in talking with this organization, they were so moved by my story and so generous of spirit that they told me they would waive all adoption fees for whichever kittens I choose to take home! This is only the latest in the amazing that is now my life.

I will absolutely be making a donation to them at the time I adopt, but if you too would like to honor their generosity please feel free to donate to them via their Donations Page. They have many ways to donate, from money to toys and blankets.

Thank you all for your support! I can't begin to tell you how loved I feel. I know I had written before about how I always seem to land on my feet.... I really seem to have this time around!

I'm not gonna lie though... I'm only on my second week in this hotel apartment and I already just want to be home... I am also SO READY for 2010 to be outta here! Between ankle and fire... It has NOT been my year!

This too shall pass, and that which doesn't kill me only serves to make me stronger.

Happy New Year!

Kat

FIRE Brings life to a screeching hault.

Sunday Night 12-19-2010 Update on my Progress:



Well it's been a long week... but I have to tell you that I have felt SO LOVED this week. The love from my friends, co-workers, employer, and family has been so great that it nearly completely over shadows my loss. Don't get me wrong, I will probably always mourn a little for the passing of my Kitties (commonly referred to as "The Kids.") but I no longer feel at all bad about having to start over with my "stuff."



I have been back to my Apartment several times this week, to show people, have my oak bedroom set pulled out for cleaning, etc. Each time I look around and for the most part don't care about the "stuff" although I did find my High School Diploma, decided to keep that, and I found the baby blanket my parents brought me home in, decided to try and wash that. Also will probably keep a sketch book I had when I was 7 or 8 years old that is a tad water damaged, but I always wanted to keep it for the Someday when I have my own kids. I also had a mental flash to Sheri running towards me to say "hi"... it was an image that stuck with me for the whole day and made me sob when I got some time alone.



My parents came home tonight, safely, and had a wonderful trip, and they actually took the news very well all things considered. I'm so pleased because I was probably stressing more about telling them what happened than just about anything else all week.



I go back to my apartment tomorrow to watch all my old earthly belongings be tossed into the dumpster and I will look forward to the future.



Thank you to my employer and co-workers for your generous support, I look forward to returning to work on Tuesday.



Thank you to my Ballroom friends for being there and being generous beyond words.



Thank you to my neighbors for being my most awesome neighbors the past 6 years and for checking in with me daily this week... we'll be neighbors again soon!



Thank you to all my parent's friends and my readers for your kind words and offers of support while I rebuild.



It's not over yet, but the biggest part is past... and we dust off and move forward.



THANK YOU!







Hi Dear Readers-

I had intended to write after Ohio, I had intended to do a lot of things... but what I'm doing now is telling you about something a lot of you have been asking about.




On Monday December 13th I left for work at 9:42am I arrived at work, ran back out to my car with a co-worker to get a beverage I didn't want to freeze... I was back at my desk and preparing for my next meeting or shift on HelpDesk when I got the following call from my neighbor:



Neighbor: "Kat please pick up, you have to get home... please pick up."

Kat: "I'm here I'm here...what am going on??"

Neighbor: "You have to come home right now your apartment is on fire."

Kat: "Ok... um...did someone call 911??"

Neighbor: "911 is here...just come home."

Kat: "Ok... I'll be there"



I didn't really wait for my manager to say anything... one of my co-workers asked if everything is ok... I said no my apartment is on fire... she asked if it was the building or mine... I said mine and ran out the door as my Manager said something about everything being covered.



On my way to my car I called my neighbor back and said "You tell them about the cats... please please tell them about my cats!"



On my way home (I live about 15 min from the office) I also called my sister and told her that I may need her help later...



I arrived to my street... and there were emergency personnel everywhere! I had to park about half a block away.



I walked up to the first police car I saw



"Excuse me I live in that building... (I couldn't see my apartment just yet)"



"You should talk to the officer down there... I'm not sure which apartment it is"



I was getting scared



"Ok... thank you" and I made my way to my building...



As my apartment came into view... my worst fear realized.... my front door was wide open, my blinds looked all melted and twisted... and firemen were all over the place...



I saw a fireman...



"That's my apartment... did you find the cats? If it's not too bad in there I can tell you where they are hiding!!! Please tell me you found the cats!"



"Ok come with me, you have to talk to animal control about the cats...I don't know... but come here... careful of the ice (the water from the hoses had already frozen... it was only 10F outside)."



The fireman held my arm as we walked... I didn't fight him on it... but I felt plenty strong... I told him I live here I know how dangerous the ice gets.



I was introduced to the officer as I noticed a lot of my neighbors standing just staring up at the back of my apartment... I saw some things burnt to a crisp in my courtyard... undoubtedly from my apartment.



The officer and I went into the laundry room of the building next to mine, while the firefighter went to find Animal Control. I told the officer my morning activities and then the Animal Control officer came in to the room. She was a very kind looking woman.



"Hi.... I'm sorry to tell you, they didn't make it..." she said in a very kind voice.



"OH NO!!!!" I howled... It must have been the worst sound I'd ever made in my life I immediately started crying and said something about my babies...the Animal Control officer tried to tell me they didn't suffer...She asked me where my vet was.. I told her through tears... she said she would take care of the transport for me... we hugged.... I then had to find my Neighbor mom immediately... I left the room and there my Neighbor mom was with a big hug... another neighbor also there with a big hug... and I was then pulled into my Neighbor mom's apartment to warm up and relax a little.



My sister called, she had left work and asked me where I was...my sister was on site.... by this time most of the emergency vehicles had left and things were starting to quiet down a little. I was moving into "what now mode" I wanted to know what I needed to do... I decided that I would call my insurance agency State Farm and begin to file the report.



After talking to several people, and things dying down I was then allowed into my apartment to grab what necessities I needed... My sister and I went in with garbage bags we found in a laundry room and I grabbed what I thought was important... my "clean clothes" from the hamper I knew was clean... not even thinking that the smoke damage was too great to save them... my laptop..That was far away from the epicenter of the kitchen...I asked the fire investigator if it would be worth grabbing... he said it might be ok... again... I wasn't thinking of the stink and black soot that covered it.



I then spent some time in the kitchen with a fire investigator... who pointed out that it appeared to be in the wall of the kitchen where everything happened... they asked me what I kept in my kitchen drawers...what I had plugged in... When was the last time I made coffee... they noted that all the knobs on my stove were in the off position... I had spent most of this past weekend out of my apartment at a ballroom event and taking care of my mom and Sister's dogs.... I hadn't used anything cooking wise since Friday....



Below are pictures I took as I went in one last time to grab my phone chargers from my bedroom... my two little phone chargers... which I have cleaned with a disposable wipe... have stunk up my parents large master bedroom. (I'm staying in my parent's room as they are on vacation until Sunday... if you know them DO NOT TELL THEM.. my sister and I will tell them when we pick them up from the airport on Sunday... we will NOT.. I repeat NOT ruin the vacation they are on.



I went to my parent's house with my sister... we decided to shower and have a late lunch... I had a minor melt down... I couldn't shower... I didn't have anything to change into... I didn't have any shampoo, no hairbrush... no underwear... nothing... I did manage to find an OLD robe I used to wear in High School... I wore that after my shower until the only clothes I had were done washing... we then decided to immediately go to get me Toiletries and a few outfits so I could at least have something.



The belongings in my world can now be contained in 5 small plastic bags...like the kind you get at the grocery store... that is a very trippy feeling.



I will randomly think of something about my Kitties that I will miss and start crying.... I will then stop... and everything will appear fine... that is my way of coping.



If you pray...please pray for my kitties Sheri and Wyo so that they may continue to rest in peace... I miss my furry angels.



I have received an outpouring of support... to the level you would not imagine... for which I am VERY thankful... Everyone is offering to help. I have come up with a few ways for you to help if you would like... and I thank you very much in advance...


If you would like to send a gift card to a store like Target, Wal-mart, Trader Joe's, Albertson's (Jewel), Safeway (Dominick's) for food and other sundries please e-mail me at Stagekat@gmail.com so that I can provide you with contact information/address. If you would like to help me rebuild my wardrobe I shop at Lane Bryant and Avenue.



If you would like to donate to an animal shelter in your area in the names of Sheridan and Wyoming you can go to Petango.com if you live in North America, find a shelter by zip code and contact them.



I have to go to my apartment with the cleaners just now to asses if anything is salvageable... I will post pics after that.

Rest in Peace Wyoming 7/1/2005-12/13/2010

Rest in Peace Sheridan 7/1/2005-12/13/2010

Thank you all for your support!!!

The Epicenter My stove was under the lights witch and there used to be countertop and drawers in that corner

My stove, all knobs in the "off" position.

Kitchen items tossed out to the courtyard below.

Bedroom, the stove would be about 2ft behind me normally...Wyo was on the bed.

The living room, if you look ALL the way on the left you'll see the spot on my desk where my laptop used to be. The cleaner said the smoke damage on a scale of 1-10 is a solid 7 Most of my stuff is toast.

Ohio Star Ball.. Sunday Sunday Sunday!

Oh wow... ok if I could have gotten the whole weekend to feel like the competition on Sunday felt... I probably would have died with glee!

Sunday was the day I absolutely wanted to be at Ohio for the professionals that I know, because Sunday is when the Rising Star events happen, and at the time of my reservation last year it was going to look like Largo/TNT and TSD/FAF were going to be in it to win it...so to speak.... Wellll... this past year has been very kind to "my" pros and their competition results where Largo/TNT actually qualified out of Rising Star by becoming National Champions of Rising Star Rhythm at USDC back in September. So.. that meant that Sunday was all about supporting TSD/FAF. Which I love to do...because I have always believed that their dancing has moments of being absolute poetry in motion and I already had a good feeling about this competition for them.

BUT.. before all that was to happen at 5:00pm I had another engagement to attend in the ballroom at 9:15am. :-) The founder of PartnerDanceOnline.com EliseDance was dancing with her partner in World Senior Pre-Champ Standard and I wanted to cheer them on. I arrived in the ballroom at approximately 9am but couldn't find Elise, so I grabbed a muffin and some water from the in ballroom breakfast set up, found a seat and watched the Standard dancers before me. I am endlessly curious about Standard and how the mechanics of dancing in that style works.... perhaps Largo and I will have to give it a try sometime.

EliseDance showing 'em how it's done (in Blue)

Suddenly as time approaches, I hear the announcer call for couple 695 to check in! Well for heaven's sake that's EliseDance and her partner!! Just as the heat is standing on the floor Elise and her partner come running in! Woo! Just in the nick of time! Turns out this very first heat was more of a warm up for them anyway, but I'm glad they made it! A little later the Pre-Champ heat semi-final was called, and thankfully ETP and Spicy joined me for the fun. It was a three dance multi (meaning the couples dance three dances as opposed to the usual 5 for professionals) and EliseDance + partner looked fantastic! It was such a joy to watch! Also as a professional spectator, and often the one that starts the room cheering for their favorite couple, it was such an treat to be thanked by EliseDance for being there! Bonus they placed 2nd! Woo hoo! Congratulations EliseDance and partner!!!

After the morning events we decided as a group to grab lunch and wander the convention center. Turns out there was a whole other side to the building where a huge youth cheerleading competition was being held, along with the collegate ballroom portion of OSB. We ran into FAF and TSD wished them luck and I told FAF they were going to do well tonight, and I wouldn't leave until she agreed. The idea being that regardless of how she felt about how they were going to do, I had at least firmly planted the seed that they were going to do well in her mind too.

Endearing is a bit of a late riser and joined up with us for lunch, shortly after lunch Endearing and I decided to wander amongst the vendors and see in greater detail what wares were to be had. We then relaxed with some much needed caffeine and waited until the agreed upon time where we would all collect in the ballroom to cheer on our favorite couple.

 Real men wear pink..and then WIN Rising Star Latin :-)

4pm... Endearing proving that she is a bit more observant than me, noticed outside the ballroom that table 51 had been reserved for our studio during the comp so we promptly found "our" table and set up camp to cheer for the Rising Stars. During the Rising Star Smooth there was also Rising Star Latin. So we promptly began discussing costumes and dancers from Dance Forums etc. We cheered for FAF and TSD couple 212 during their events, and found a Latin couple where he was from Dance Forums, and wearing a fuchsia Latin outfit WITH matching Fuchsia shoes! We knew without a doubt just based on observing alone that TSD and FAF made it into the Semis so we focused a bit more on the Latin couple. At one point the announcer said "Who's your favorite couple!" and I couldn't help but say (not nearly as loudly as I would for a real cheer) "The Pink One!" Well it was a bit louder than I thought because spectators in the immediate vicinity heard me, and cracked up, ETP and Endearing ended up laughing... and I promptly made a note to mention the interaction in this post. :-)

GO! TWO-ONE-TWO!!!

Semi Finals for American Smooth were danced... and we cheered!!! TSD and FAF were clearly in their element, floor craft was excellent, form was spot on, and the energy in the room began to build for us at table 51. We made it through the Latin semis, trying not to get too excited. TSD and FAF had not yet made the finals in Rising Star here at Ohio, and we knew they had made it... but we didn't want to talk about it too loudly...we watched the rest of the in-between events, I kept up my texting of about 8 people back at home to report results. Then... the finals were called... in no particular order..but...but... the first couple called back tot he floor was 212!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! Already....already you could feel the positive energy... The three of us cheered and cheered like I don't think we had cheered before.... and I was thinking we had to... we had to cheer for the HUGE support system TSD and FAF have back at home, but no one was able to stay and see Rising Star... we had to cheer for their families and students waiting on pins and needles for their results! They danced... oh did they dance... like Cinderella and Prince Charming they floated across the floor in waltz.. they channeled Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers directly for the Tango and Fox Trot and their Viennese Waltz was a dream. ETP and I couldn't take it... as soon as the Finals were over we needed a break from the tension... Already we knew that our couple had made it further than ever before in this particular event, then we KNEW of the 7 couple final that they were not 7th!!!! On our way out of the ballroom ETP and I did a quick knock on the wood doors so that we wouldn't jinx anything we had thought or said at the table..and quickly agreed to not tempt fate and say anything else!!

"I've got a good feeling about this [ETP]!"

"Shut up! Don't say it!"

"I won't I promise, I won't even text it I promise!" ....ooooooo..but I was excited!

ETP and I met up on the way back to the ballroom about ten minutes later...and again I couldn't contain my excitement!

"ETP!...I'm excited!"

ETP then shook his finger at me as an exaddurated shut up gesture.

"I know I know! Ok.. but I have to say this... We're in the finals!!! and We're NOT SEVENTH!!!!"

I got an excited "I know!!!" kind of look from ETP...this is a feeling we have felt before....and boy did we hope we were right....

Endearing who had stayed in the ballroom to watch the other events shot me a text that the Latin Rising Star final had begun.... we left Spicy at the bar where she had decided to wait us out.... this was her first comp and being a tad burned out is understandable especially at THIS comp!

We ran in and resumed our positions at table 51.

The awards started and every couple in the final for smooth lined up...


The announcer started.....

"And in 7th place.... " Woo! Not from Illinois!

"In 6th Place".... YAY!!!! (see the thing is people aplaud at these results just as much for the couple that gets it as for the couple that's still waiting for their names to be called)

Congrats! (pay attention to the camera next time! sheesh!) Photo: Creative Portraiture

"In 5th Place"... OMG! NO WAY!!! We're still in it!!! YAYAYAYAY!!!

"In 4th Place....From Illinios...Couple 212...." WAH HOOO! FOURTH PLACE BABY!!!! Table 51 was on their feet and cheering!

THAT was amazing.. the best placement they've ever had... at the biggest comp ever!

L-R Endearing, FAF, TSD, ETP, Me Photo: Creative Portraiture

And now I'm off to catch my plane...Amazing comp, amazing weekend, amazing friends and dance professionals... can we do it again next weekend?!?!

Sunday at OSB...coming to a blog near you!

This afternoon and evening was the most fun I've had at a competition in a long time... it was so nice to get into it like the old days... TSD and FAF (that's Tall Smooth Dancer, and Floats Across Floor for my new readers) placed FOURTH in a field of 25 couples... BEST PLACEMENT at Ohio to date!!! SO HAPPY AND PROUD OF THEM!
Details of the events as they unfolded to come VERY soon! (like when I wake up in the morning) :-)

Good night Ohio... Thank you for a wonderful weekend!

Ohio Star Ball Saturday and America's Ballroom Challenge!

FAF's new dress... Photo courtesy of FADS Chicago North

Well today was a great day! I can tell you I am just about too tired to see straight, but it was all worth it. We got a bit of a late start, dining on breakfast at early lunch time... so we'll just call that brunch. :-) Then wandered around with Bonnie, Michael, and Endearing. We watched some Amature Standard, which is actually now called International Ballroom. It was so cool. After studying our program (aka phone book size $30 program) we realized the evening session where TSD and FAF were competing in World Open Smooth straight off started at 7... not the 8pm we had planned on. Minor oversight on my part as the "Cruise Director" for this little voyage. So I rearranged our dinner plans with the crew (who have referred to themselves as my "entorage" in the past) and we headed off to the Elevator Brewery as refered to ETP by Megan and Vincente, they were totally right... our kind of place!

Elevator Brewing Co. Photo: M. Sprague

As we were wrapping up what felt very much like a family dinner we realized we'd have to hustle to get back and changed into our formal wear for the evening. We called our hotel to arrange a ride back (it was a short jaunt, but we didn't have jackets). Somehow the hotel didn't come through after 15-20 min so ETP his wife Spicy (She fits the moniker quite well!) Endearing and I hiked the short distance back as quick as we could. Bonnie and Michael made it shortly after by calling a cab.

We did unfortunately miss Round 1 of the World Open Smooth... the World Latin was underway.. but we did get to see TSD and FAF dance in the quarter finals! They looked AMAZING I can not wait til we see them in Rising Star tomorrow! Not only that but FAF's new dress.... OMG... awesome!

Being that I was unable to prepare as I had planned for the evening, (who knew this girl could go from jeans to black tie in 20 min flat?) I was getting very tired very early... usually when I travel and I'm out and about I like to take another shower before I head out for the evening...it's like my recharge time...without a recharge time, I flunk out at about 10pm... BUT.. this was the night of America's Ballroom Challenge! NO WAY I could miss that!

TSD and FAF Photo Courtesy of FADS Chicago North

After Endearing and I realized our favorite pros of the night hadn't made it to the semi's we left the ballroom to find some caffeine and recharge. 1 red bull, 1 cherry coke, and one bathroom break later we were back in the ballroom for the rest of the night (the evening, by the way, began at 7pm and went non stop until 1am).

Endearing and I were the only two to make it through the whole night, but we came to see ballroom and ballroom we did see! America's Ballroom Challenge is when the top pro couples in each style (International Ballroom, Latin, American Smooth, American Rhythm) then compete in two show dances, a long program and a short... kind of like figure skating. The top rated couple of those two show dances win America's Ballroom Challenge. It's pretty cool, and totally what the PBS show I mentioned earlier was about. This year the winner was decided by a remarkable Rule 11 (I'll tell you what that is another time) basically it's a tie breaking rule, between the International Ballroom pair of Katusha Demidova/Arunas Bizokas and the American Rhythm pair Bree Watson/Decho Kraev. It was very very cool... If I can find video of their show dances I will post the link.

One more day! One more day in this beautiful ballroom world... Tomorrow brings us to the Rising Star portion of the competition which is a category that allows newer professionals compete against each other without having to worry about the "uber" pros in World Open (once you win Rising Star, you can't compete in it again at that comp, or competition type).

Everyone have your fingers crossed for TSD and FAF! :-)