This is Why I Dance...

In a world that spirals seemingly out of control.
Music keeps time balanced in my soul.
Even when I can't do right.
Dancing helps me see the light.
When all else fails and my mood is grim.
Get me to a dance floor and let me spin.
For as frustrating as learning the technique can be...
The happiest moments are between my partner, the dance floor, and me.
This is why I dance.


I know it's a bit childish with the rhyming and all... but I had a whim. Also an equal parts frustrating and progressive lesson with RT, followed by Social Latin and International group classes (As instructed by RT and Largo respectively).

Where there were some things I honestly didn't know if I'd be able to survive unscathed a few hours ago. The break from reality that is the dance floor allowed for a fresh perspective and some clarity, that I seem to only be able to find after dancing.

So maybe I still don't like MonDAYS.... but Monday NIGHTS are awesome!

Dancing Through a Dark Place

Hi all....
Life is hard... that's all... life in general is just hard. Oh am I glad last week is over and I'm about to embark on a new week. Sometimes I get tired of fighting. I get really tired of fighting... I have to fight to keep my weight in check, I have to fight to stay ahead of the curve at work, I have to fight to keep my dancing up to par. But that's ok *deep breath* Monday starts a new round of life. Last week everything slipped... My desire to try just slipped.

Last week's lesson was with Largo... we had just come off some fun competition weekends. Where I was so proud to watch my favorite pros compete. I should have been in a great dancing mood... Unfortunately as much as I want to keep dancing separate from other aspects of my life... Other aspects of my life keep overwhelming me and creeping in. I was just feeling off.

We started with Hustle and my following was rough... not a good sign. We then worked on some Rumba, learning a new step. It took me SO LONG to even remember it! We drilled and drilled... then I couldn't get my hips into it. Largo didn't say anything about it, he was more focused on getting me to remember the step...but I was kicking myself on the inside for not getting anything. After I did show that I had remembered it... we moved on.

Cha Cha... seems to be that Largo has tasked himself with teaching me the new to me cha cha steps. I've learned a lot over the last few lessons in Cha... There is one step that I'm really messing up on consistently. It has a flick on the 3 followed by a really fast pivot then I land and step back. I can't seem to maintain control of this spin! We drilled and drilled... I was frustrated, Largo was getting frustrated too. Neither of us could figure out why I wasn't sticking this move.

At one point he just sighed and asked "Why can't you do this?"

"I don't know *sigh*...lets just try it again." I responded.

Largo has been dancing since he was a small boy and probably doesn't remember what it's like to not stick a spin or not pick up on choreography. Well if this lesson wasn't a reminder I don't know what is!! I don't know... maybe he thinks I'm better than I am... I know I can follow Largo better then when we started, but I still don't feel a whole lot of connection with him... that's something that will have to develop over time... I mean it took me a long time before I was comfortable enough with RT to do some of this stuff... and I think I'm probably looking for that with Largo before it's time.

In the end we settled on a pretty rough finish, but I did manage to get it on time. Who knows if I'll stick it again. I'll have to try it again this week.

I did manage to make it to all the available to my schedule group classes. So at least that's remaining consistent. I'm just dancing through a dark place right now... but dancing keeps me strong... Just have to remember that.

All Around Update...

Ok.... WOW... As I sit at my keyboard there is SO much I want to write! However I do apologize as I'll have to start with a quick note about lessons... You'll get more soon!

Lessons are going pretty well... I've been concentrating a lot on Cha Cha with Largo. Of course we also cover Rumba and we usually get in an East Coast Swing too. RT and I have covered a LOT of Salsa lately, and we recently had almost an entire lesson devoted to West Coast Swing where I was informed to "show off my booty." I'm getting better in some areas and totally lagging in others. My Cha Cha is really strong, I think it's the work out class that's helping that along. My Rumba is having some really good moments, that can be followed by "Hey, Kat? Where are your hips?"

I'm really trying to work more into the floor as I've been told a million times and this is the main reason for those dances improving. However, I think it's ruining my East Coast. My whole bottom half just feels like it can't move that fast anymore... I don't know, it's something I'm working on. Oh lets see, Fox Trot is still my strongest smooth dance, I'm forever considering working on Tango... just haven't gotten up the nerve to commit to it yet. Although I've had a couple of really good Viennese Waltz moments so maybe I'll ask about that.

The best news, the very best news (I hope!!) is that I've been able to work out a plan to continue my dance lessons!! I'll be making payments for pretty much the rest of my life...but they are comfortable payments for me. So it should be ok. After a few months we'll start talking Routine as a portion of the lessons I have agreed to pay for are going towards an official routine. So onwards and upwards!

I'm finding a better balance of being always funny and taking my dancing seriously. I think it's working out. I'll be sure to keep you all updated with more things as I think of them.

Pictures!!

Hi Gang!
I know you all have been very patient in waiting for these.... so without further ado, I give you my friend Ellen, in her first comp EVER... (Order is actually from the bottom up chronologically)



Ellen & RT in a fun East Coast Swing!

I know it's a little blurry... if dancers would stop moving it would be easier for me to get them!
This is an Open Break w/ TSD...probably Rumba, but you can see... she's SMILING!!! (Who wouldn't when they're wearing their favorite dress??)

Rhythm... w/ RT (Based on step..that's an East Coast folks)

Check out that movement! (I love this dress!) Ellen and TSD
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say it's a Waltz

Introducing Ellen's other pro, who shall be called TSD (Tall Smooth Dancer)

T-A-N-G-O.... w/ RT

She's Smiling!!!

RT "Getting Pinned" Those numbers have to get on his back some how!

Credits:
Photography: Ms. Kitty
Lighting: Hyatt O'Hare
Partnership provided by: RT and TSD
Costumes created by: Bonnie's Belle Gowns

October Regional Comp, My Tanning Experience, ELLEN Competes!

Hi all...
Whew! I'm tired!!! It's been a long weekend! Let me do this chronologically... and let you know all about what happened.
It started on Friday with the party at the dance studio where I started calling out Ellen's name while she danced so she could get used to it. :-) Good news is she smiled every time I called her name... so I knew that if I could keep it up during the comp she'd smile her way through her entries.

Saturday came and at 9am I was at the tanning salon trying to get a spray tan. What a MISERABLE experience that was!!! The employee was so much less than professional I can't even find a word for it. Then I almost missed having my back sprayed because the machine didn't tell me to turn around like the guy said it would. I left there thinking that I would likely consider tanning again...but NEVER at that location! Not to mention that I didn't even feel very tan... I added an additional layer of tanning lotion after my shower just to try and blend the stark white of my shoulders with everything else.

I waited the customary 4-6 hours before I showered and headed out for the comp. Saturday night had me screaming for everyone I could think of, but especially Ellen. :-) She did SO WELL... She even scored a 95 in her proficiency for Fox Trot... (a score I wouldn't get even if I tried!) I am SO PROUD OF HER!!! She would go out for her heat, then come back and immediately ask me "Ok...what do I need to improve on." I continually couldn't come up with much for improvement... I just kept telling her to HAVE FUN!!!

Saturday evening ended with the pro competition I'm so PROUD of RT and Largo! They looked so good out there with their partners! It was so hard for me to shout for everyone because EVERYONE I care about was there... (of course when in doubt everyone knows I shout for RT and his partner) but in addition to "my boys" there was MSU, HBF, RTS, TNT (TNT and Largo are professional partners). I didn't lose my voice, but I was definitely hoarse by the end of the night. I was in bed at 2:30 am after all was said and done with all my pictures downloaded and everything.

Sunday... Oh what a long day it was! I wanted to make it to see the showcases (one student has a choreographed routine with multiple pros) and solos (one student has a choreographed routine with one pro...what I'm looking to get w/ RT) They started at about 10am...or so I thought... I was there by 9:30 to catch the comp already in progress. Showcases didn't start until about 10-10:30... they were all nice... three showcases stick out in my mind... two by students at my studio...one by a dance friend at the downtown studio. Now I have an idea of what other people are doing for their choreographed pieces...and if all plays out like it is in my head... RT and I will have one of the same caliber at least.

Sunday found me cheering on Ellen, and Jem, along with a few other dance friends. I LOVE to see them compete! I would totally be out there with them if I could! There were moments during the day where I was angry that I couldn't, tempered by the fact that I never had been on the comp floor before, so I can't miss what I've never done. A LOT of people asked me why I wasn't out there... and I told them the primary reason (finances) and left it at that. It was nice to hear that enough people thought I was good enough to be out there though.

By the end of the day all I wanted was to get to the general dancing portion of the evening so I could actually dance with someone. 4pm came and heats were over, Ellen and all my friends did a FANTASTIC job!!! But now was my time for action... I got to my car...grabbed my dress and makeup and went to my usual spot to change. Once I had my dress on I couldn't stop turning around to make sure the back of it was alright, tags tucked in, bra not showing the whole nine yards. FINALLY I decided it was ok to leave my designated changing room and head down for cocktail hour. I was a little shy about walking around in my dress... I felt half naked... (the back half anyway)... some of my regular readers saw me and complimented me... they've always been good to me... but the coup de gras was when people who didn't know I was stressing about this outfit called me over to have me spin around. :-) It was then that I realized maybe I was right to wear this dress. I was still a little self conscious about it... but as the night wore on I started feeling better. Before dinner I ran into MSU and asked him if he would ask me to dance later... I was so desperate for dancing after watching everyone else!

After dinner (which was one of the best dinners at a comp I've ever had!) there was some general dancing... mostly smooth...and I wasn't asked... which is fine cuz most already know that I don't really work on smooth I was waiting for something in Rhythm to come on during a Waltz.. Jesse came up and grabbed my hand "Come on girl, it's tradition that we Waltz" I followed him to the dance floor and retorted "Well it's tradition that we do smooth anyway!!" I have never been so happy to dance a Waltz in my life! We made our way around and through the throng of other dancers. I followed pretty well! Once that dance was over an East Coast swing came on and Largo asked me to dance, he was so tired!! (after dancing close to 100 times that day I can only imagine!) But we had fun with it anyway... then a Salsa came on. I was looking for RT or MSU...my two favorite salsa partners... but before I could even find them another pro from my studio (Jesse's brother actually) asked me to dance... well heck... I'll take it! He's really good too, only he was playing around and was only leading me in to a basic, then a left spin, basic, and a left spin... I told him after the 6th or 7th spin that I was done with it "Don't make me go look for [MSU]." I said... So he lead me into some swivel kind of things over and over and over... It was fun... Salsa is ALWAYS fun... but it was very repetitive... although I do have to give him props for the humor... last time I danced a hustle with him he kept spinning me too... only it was to the right so I had a much easier time following.

Next dance up was either a slow Cha Cha or a West Coast... MSU sought me out and said we could do either...but he asked about WCS... I told him I could, but hadn't in a while... (secretly I really only enjoy RT's WCS...but there's no use in telling anyone that when I'm on the floor.) So we danced... and my shoe came untied... so I had to be careful about that... it was still nice though... MSU's WCS isn't bad... still got nothing on RT though.

After that there was the professional show as mentioned before, it was AMAZING... I mean WOW! ALL the numbers were fun, and creative, and all of what I look for in a show like this... the Transformers number was amazing in the video I have below, but LIVE was SOOO COOL!! It's really nice to be part of a region big enough to be able to pull pros like this for our shows.

I was sad though because usually after the professional show is done..that's it.. no more dancing no nothing and I hadn't danced with RT! How could I make it through any FADS dance event without dancing with my favorite of all partners? I know it's a little odd, but even after more than two years of dancing with the same instructor... I never get tired of it... the best part is... no matter what kind of mood the two of us are in we usually pull out something fun. How could I have made it all weekend without one dance? THEN magic! The announcer said there would be two more general dances after the pro show. They put on a Fox Trot and one of the gals from South Barrington pulled me out.. we danced our basic Fox Trot and it was nice... Then the last dance of the evening came up and there was RT... like he knew all the time that we'd dance... he pulled me to the floor for a West Coast Swing... I just dance best with him.. I have a blast with everyone else...but I have a blast AND dance well with him. It's never perfect...but I hold my own more with him. It was fun!

Then as soon as it was over I had to get pictures... I had no pictures with Largo... and I needed a new one with RT... so I got one of me and "my boys".

Then I asked MSU for a photo, my request was honored...and he once again asked me "What about our thing?"

"Our thing? OH! ok...this is for the blog you know." I informed him.

So we took a picture of our version of the dip... twice...because MSU didn't point his foot the first time. :-)

So, please enjoy the pics of me and my pros and MSU... I'll get pics and a video of Ellen up soon! (I just have to get permission first!)

As always... comp weekends are very special weekends for me... I may not compete, but I still look forward to them the same way I would if I did!

Largo, Me, RT
"Me and My Boys"

Me & MSU

"Our Dip"

Would you trust your Salsa with this man?? :-)

ACK! Daring Style Dress Calls for Drastic Measures!!!

So my life has grown quite serious lately... and I'm not complaining... I mean outside the seriousness of all that is going on in the world around us... my own personal world keeps getting rocked to it's core. Another quake like the one delivered this week, and I may be altered forever.

BUT... I give you from whatever is left of my land of funny... what I'm attempting to go through the week before this semi-formal dinner at the regional competition this weekend.

So, lets first review.... I don't compete... I attend to watch, be entertained, entertain during down times, and most importantly support my friends and instructors.

As we get closer to cocktail hour (5pm) on Sunday (I'll have been there since about 9 or 10am). I have to make a dash for my car and grab my evening wear. As everyone that was competing for the day changes downstairs...I make my way to the upstairs restroom and move in for about 30 minutes for my wardrobe change, makeup and hair session. You see...when the evenings at these comps begin I feel like it's my time to shine in my small way. I always try and push my own personal envelope as to what I can do to dress up. Before ballroom I'd dress up maybe once every two years...now I find myself getting all dolled up at least four times a year!!!

THIS time I'm pushing my own personal style meter WAY over. I found a dress that is very pretty, but in a style I wouldn't EVER have considered wearing pre dancing. It's a halter style (the kind of dress that ties behind the neck on top) it's long, but I NEVER, EVER, in about ten years at least, have my upper arms and back exposed... EVER.... to the point where my shoulders and my back haven't even seen the sun long enough to be anything but pure white.

<---Not my dress, but an idea of what kind of skin I'm exposing!!!

This is where the funny begins... I need to tan... ME... the girl who hasn't tanned since about the age of 12, and makes fun of her sister for her permanent "fake n' bake" tan...has decided that she needs to be tan... Well really, unless I want to have shoulders so white my dance partners are blinded by the light reflecting off of them, I need to tan. So I've been trying the lotion route... which then begs the question... How does a gal who has two cats as roommates get self tanner on her back??

She uses a 30 gallon garbage bag in a towel type motion to get it evenly distributed.

Yeah.. that was the funny... but WAIT... there's more!

Not only do my shoulders and back repel the sun, they repel self tanning lotion too! Yes, that's right folks... after trying for about 7 days in a row... most of my body is either nicely tan, slightly jaundice looking, or BARELY tan at all!!! ACK! (We're not even going to mention the dark spots on the dry skin at my elbows...ok??)

So... I'm gonna do what all good ballroom dancers do... I'm kicking and screaming about it the whole way though...

I'm going to get a professional spray tan...in one of those booth things...at my local national chain tanning salon.

You have NO IDEA the anxiety that I'm going through about this... First... I've never been to a tanning salon... Second... typically this tanning stuff is done pretty much naked... um...yeah... I'm so modest... If I could shower with a swimsuit on in my own bathroom I would... (but lets face it..that's kind of counter productive to showering). I went for a massage once... and REFUSED to take off my swimsuit.... the masseuse made fun of me the whole time... the massage was nice...but I wouldn't call a battle of wits like that very relaxing.

I have done my extensive research... I found the kind of tanning booth I want...and I did watch the tanning video that the manufacturer had online... it doesn't seem SO bad... and there wasn't anything in the rules that said I couldn't have SOMETHING on... so I'm working all that out....
no I won't be wearing a swimsuit...and NO you don't get to know what I will be wearing!!

SO...now I'm trying to scrub off 7 days of self tanning lotion, and come Saturday at 9am I'm going to be at the salon getting the most stressful five minute spray that's ever been done...then I have to stand myself for a MINIMUM of 4 hours (the smell of spray tan is pretty icky) before I can gently shower with some good smelling stuff and head out for Saturday night... All I hope and pray is that it lasts through Sunday night when I have to wear this dress... and dance some social dances with my arms and back out there for all to see... this stupid tan better stick...or absorb..or whatever it is it's supposed to do.

Someday I'll figure out why everything I do has to be such a production... OR... Someday I'll figure out how to turn my productions into one hell of a stand up routine. :-)

Oh... YES... I'll try and get you pictures...of me in the dress.

A Student's First Comp... FAST Approaching!

Well the final week before the October DanceSport Challenge is upon us... This Saturday and Sunday all in the Fred Astaire Chicago Region will gather at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare for what will surely be an exciting competition.

Ellen is pretty much all set, we've been to the mall to get sparkly earrings (Swarovski Crystal no less!!) and makeup. She's got her Smooth and Rhythm shoes, false eyelashes, fishnets and the dresses should be delivered within the next day or two. I know she's anxious, I'm excited for her!! I plan on being in attendance for most, if not all of the comp. I can't WAIT to try and get pictures and stand on the sidelines to shout for her! (My goal is to lose my voice this weekend... a feat that is not easy for me to do... as I'm not exactly known for being soft spoken. :) )

Unfortunately I am not in possession of a laptop or I'd update you all as things transpire, but I'll have plenty of time to jot notes and I'll make sure to get Ellen's feelings before, during, and after the competition. I'll get them up here for you as soon as I can.

Even as a spectator I don't take competition weekends lightly. I plan, prepare, have wardrobe changes, all to make sure that I am the best supporter I can be.

RT, Largo, and their respective partners will be competing on Saturday night. I LOVE to support the professionals! I've been deemed RT's greatest fan (I can't imagine where anyone got that idea!) and I like to live up to that.

I hope to see you all there! Don't forget to go nuts and support your favorites!!

A Time to Change...

I believe it's time to take my dancing more seriously… to what end I'm not sure… but the joking around and being jovial is even becoming old to me…and I'm becoming somewhat cliché on the lesson floor. If "I want it" like I keep reminding myself that I do… (see post) Then I have to become more studious during my lessons, private and group… and save the cutting loose for the social dances. That's going to be difficult because my personality is very much on auto pilot most of the time...if people expect me to be funny...then I'm the clown...if I'm in a group that has known me to be more intellectual then I'm the brain…emotional...then I'm a basket case...advisor...then I'm the solid objective sounding board.... All of which are very real aspects of who I am that are controlled, and only brought out at certain times...I've developed a pattern of finding a persona within a group and sticking to it... My niche in my current surroundings has be flipping from clown to basket case...The latter of which is not something I put up with in others, and I detest within myself. The only consolation I provide for myself is that dancing has been life changing... and therefore a little uncontrolled emotion is to be expected... it's now time to rein that all in and focus.

Recent events that were instigated, perpetuated, and now ended by me, details of which are a private matter, have lead me to a fork in the path… If I choose to repeat my own history when things of this nature present themselves, it would be time for me to choose the path that has me running… cut ties with nearly everyone I know and start new someplace else, only to have the same fork in the road be presented to me at some point in the future. Instead what I would like to do is learn from my past, and not be condemned to repeat it. I'm picking the path that is infinitely harder... one of improving myself instead of surrounding myself with new people that have yet to discover my flaws.

I'm going to apply my energy and research to bring a more complete me to every aspect of my life, including but not limited to the dance floor. This is an evolutionary stage to the "I WANT IT" application. If I fail to grow as a person throughout this experience...then the entire experience will be worth nothing. So therefore... I will force myself into taking the path much less traveled-- grow and expand my mind...as I continue to shrink my body. (As a happy side note... I fit into one additional size smaller as of this weekend!)

All positive thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Fred Astaire Chicago (and Suburbs) Fall Regional Comp!

Hi gang!
Just want to drop you a line and let you know about the upcoming regional competition. This is a Fred Astaire "closed" competition, which means that all the Fred Astaire Ballroom dance studios from downtown and the Chicago Suburbs are included. This is the same comp that my dance friend Ellen is debuting at!

What: Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Studios Dancesport Challenge
When: Saturday and Sunday October 11th and 12th.
What to expect: Professional/Amateur (Pro/Am) competition in American Smooth and American Rhythm during the day.

SATURDAY NIGHT OCTOBER 11th
Fred Astaire Professional Competition!!!

SUNDAY NIGHT OCTOBER 12TH
Ilya Ifraimov and Nadia Goulina

World Blackpool Finalists
Fred Astaire Undefeated
Open International Latin Champions

World Masters Champions in Professional Latin at the Yankee Classic 2008

North American Professional Latin Champions at the North American Dancesport Championships 2008

They will be performing a five dance show including their SPECTACULAR "Transformers" routine from America's Ballroom Challenge 2007 (above)

Contact the Fred Astaire Studio Nearest to you for details and tickets (Links are below) and tell them Kat sent you!!

Buffalo Grove
Burr Ridge
Michigan Avenue
Schererville
South Barrington
Tinley Park

Guests Come into Part of my Dancing World

It's pretty rare that I get to be there when a new person starts on their ballroom adventure. I've officially helped 50 men and women start on their own lessons literally around the globe! (E-mail me and I can help you find a studio in your area too!) Last Thursday was a REAL treat for me because I was able to be there for a co-worker and her mum as they met the staff of FADS South Barrington and participate in a Fred Astaire Guest Party.

I've actually never had the opportunity to participate in one of these things myself, I usually just sign my guests up for their first lesson off the bat, but my co-worker was excited, and I just knew the guest party would be something she and her mum would enjoy. I arrived a bit early, and was greeted by not only the staff, but Bonnie and Michael from Bonnie's Belle Gowns. I took a quick look at their offerings and noticed immediately some BRAND NEW additions to their collection. Had I lingered by the racks any longer I would have absconded with the entire collection to try them all on. I also noticed a fair amount of the dresses already reserved for the upcoming competition. (October 11th and 12th.) Which I was happy to see. (Quite honestly, I'm afraid if I ever DO get into one of these dresses and spin around, all will be lost and I'll end up making up reasons to rent and wear them… they are just STUNNING!!!)

The guest party started and, for me, it was a lesson in over the top campy humor…which I have witnessed before, but never actually been a part of. After introductions the guests are all asked to dance a bit for the very first time with the staff. The students usually sit and enjoy the reactions of their friends and family out on the floor. I was fortunate enough that Michael asked me to dance, so we carved out our own little corner of the floor and Hustled and Rumbaed our way through the dance part of the party. It is so much fun to dance with someone who loves to dance as much as I do! I thanked Michael for the dances and we both joined in the group circle to go over the most basic of steps.

Once in the circle, the supervisor/host went over the basics. He mentioned that the gentlemen start with their left foot, ladies with their right. I was waiting for him to say the line about ladies and the right foot… he didn't say it. So I broke protocol. (These parties are very scripted, and to deviate his very unusual) I raised my hand…

"Ummm… [Excuse me] but why do the ladies always start on their right foot?" I ask in my best curious little girl voice.

The host was momentarily stunned that I would break his flow… he shouldn't be…it's what I do best… the gals on staff knew immediately where I was going with this and shouted in unison "BECAUSE THE LADY IS ALWAYS RIGHT!!!" followed by some great laughter.

I peeked over to the host, he was smiling… and said quietly into the mic "That wasn't part of the script."

I took a peek at my guests and they were clearly having a good time… GREAT!!

MSU and I were asked to demonstrate a Hustle… I was expecting a basic "March, March, Rock-Step" push pull… instead I was lead into full on Hustle! So as we're jamming in the middle of the circle MSU says "Do you want to do our thing at the end?"

"What thing?" I ask…completely puzzled.

"Our, thing…do you want to do it?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about…but hey…it's my job to follow!"

(Why do I always end up having conversations mid dance? It wasn't that long ago that I couldn't even speak a word while trying to follow!)

The brief Hustle ends, and MSU throws himself into my arms for our comical dip.

"Oh…THAT thing!!!" I exclaim amidst a ton of laughter!

Dancing with him is just too much fun…

The rest of the party continued without a hitch, although the host did keep looking to me to see if I was going to disrupt things again.

At the end I was talking with MSU… about how I bring him guests, but his students don't… I reminded him that I hadn't brought my instructors guests either… he found that exceptionally amusing.

My guests did sign up for their first official lesson with MSU this Thursday!!

Guest Parties can be fun and are a great free way to introduce friends and family to the Fred Astaire dancing world.

My Story... I Refuse to Take All the Credit

So this week was a big revelation for me, both in dancing and in my progress in my lifestyle changes. All of which are intertwined to such a degree, I can't untangle them. I mean I can't dance without trying to constantly improve, and I can't improve without dancing.

More appropriately this week was a big reminder for me on why I do this. Once again I was in the studio every night for a lesson or a group class. So I'm becoming more familiar with some of the students I don't normally see. At one point one of the students asked me to tell her in my own words, my story about dancing. She knows I've lost weight…she's read the magazine article, but she wanted to hear it come directly from me.

I was thinking sure…I've been asked to tell "my story" before…no big deal. I'm still amazed that people want to hear it. So I decided to tell my story… the way it happened, more accurately than the article describes it…This... is my story... you'll see how I can't take all the credit for it...

"Well, I was given a gift certificate for 5 lessons because my co-worker had a deal worked out with the studio. So I called, and when I scheduled I wasn't told who my instructor would be, only that one was available.

I walked into the studio for my lesson scared out of my mind! I had no idea what to expect, then throughout all the commotion of people introducing themselves and dancing going on, this nice looking guy dressed all in black came forward and quietly introduced himself (it was RT). The thing I remember most, is that I felt like a fish out of water, I was nervous, I felt bad that I was this fat chick this teacher had to dance with, I wanted to run out the door and never come back. Right after all those feelings is the equally strong memory of RT seeming so calm, like teaching me to do these little steps is the way it's supposed to be, that I wasn't this fat ugly chick he HAD to dance with. RT made me feel like I had a place there.

By the fourth lesson I had auditioned for "The Biggest Loser." (I didn't make the cut) and I had already started to lose some weight. Let me be clear here… I was NOT looking for the next big thing in weight loss… I had given up on that idea years ago!…I had auditioned for the TV show as a favor to my mom, if I got it great… if not…that was fine. I had a sit down meeting with Jesse and RT to talk about continuing beyond my five lesson gift certificate. I remember telling Jesse that I had already lost 10lbs, and I was shocked by that because I wasn't trying. I told him that while everyone else at the audition I had attended was nervous about it, I was standing in the middle of the sidewalk practicing my Rumba box!

All of that because RT made me feel comfortable, he NEVER judged me, he NEVER said I couldn't do something, he took the time to explain stuff to me, and had patience beyond measure. In about a month of lessons RT had become my hero, and my muse. Some of the happiest moments and revelations have happened with him on that dance floor... I can't trade that for the world.

It was about 2-3 months later…still very new in my dancing… the weight loss had become a regular occurrence every week, and I had begun all my other life changes as well. It was during a Friday night party… I don't even remember the theme…I remember RT had asked me to dance, probably a Rumba, and as he walked me back to my seat at the bench I became overwhelmed with sentimentality and pride, I had to tell him…so just before I sat down I whispered "I owe you my life you know." It was a moment... one of those spontaneous moments that life sometimes has. I followed up with "It's true, because of you I've been able to do all this... Thank you."

RT just gave me a hug and I sat down.

The rest, as they say... is history...and I'm still here well over 100lbs down, and still thankful and proud to be RT's student."

I've actually been asked to tell "My story" a few times this week... and each person has been moved to tears. I've even become a tad emotional about it, remembering all these things that have happened. Which just blows me away. It also reminds me of how far I've come, how far I have to go...and most importantly how PROUD I am to be RT's student.

My story isn't mine...it's ours...(whether he likes it or not!! :-) ) RT has been there with me every step of the way, encouraging me and supporting me. None of which is part of his job as a dance instructor. I can't tell this story and claim full credit for it... Without RT none of this would have happened. Every time I dance with Largo, or MSU or any of my other favorite leads, it's a blast...but it reminds me of what I have with RT...and it makes me want to try and ensure I don't lose that.

I've been walking around all week with my chin up and my heart filled with pride. I will forever be in fate's debt for having him be my dance instructor. We've both been through and accomplished a LOT in two years... personally, professionally... everything... and I am as proud of him as I would be of anyone in my own family.

That's a feeling that is truly priceless...

Bonnie's Belle Gowns at Fred Astaire South Barrington TOMORROW!

Hi gang!
Just wanted to remind you about the Bonnie's Belle Gowns trunk show at FADS SB! It's tomorrow (Thursday September 18th). There will be gowns to try on, and Bonnie and Michael will be there to answer any and all of your questions! (It's worth a stop by just to see the talent and craftsmanship in person!)

Also the studio is having a guest party at 7:15pm, I'll be there introducing a couple of gals to the world of ballroom!

Come on out! Bring a friend! If you're competing soon NOW is a perfect time to reserve your gowns!

Check the FADS SB website for directions.

Hope to see you there!

Friday Party @ South Barrington

Without a doubt, if my dancing has a home... It's dancing with RT. When my dancing wants to go on vacation, I head to dance with MSU and HBF at FADS South Barrington.

Friday's "Crazy Hair" party at the South Barrington Studio was one of the most crowded I've seen there in a long time, which I was happy to see. It was exactly what I needed after completely beating myself up over my last lesson. Shortly after arriving, I was warmly greeted by the staff. I was a tad early so I commenced watching all the lessons on the floor, and greeting the students that I have had the opportunity to get to know during my visits to this studio.

First Cha Cha up, and MSU comes running for me... The song seemed short, and I unfortunately tripped over myself...but I still got some spinning in. A few songs later they played a Salsa, and suddenly the floor went empty! It took me a second to remember that new students don't learn the Mambo or Salsa right away. The supervisor (who started as an instructor at FADS BG...so we've danced before) grabbed me for a dance saying "Hey, ok I know you Mambo or Salsa or something."
I replied as I followed him to the floor, "On1 if you please!"
We commenced with a basic Salsa, pretty much the only ones on the floor... not a whole lot of anything that RT or MSU would lead me into, but that's ok... this lead doesn't have any idea what I'm capable of.

Once again the Tango made an appearance in my party going...and was likely pretty amusing to the onlookers. I was asked to dance by the most petite member of the staff, (who actually used to be one of RT's students a while ago). She's probably about 5'1'' in her ballroom shoes... I stand at a full 5'10''+. It was basic...we did nothing outside the basic or promenade... but I gotta tell you I had NO IDEA I could lower myself that low for a smooth dance!

I also danced a nice Fox Trot with the other new gal, we had a little fun with it... she's new to teaching ballroom (although an experienced dancer) and I'm rough at smooth, so there's nothing to really do except have fun with it!

Later in the evening I got a Cha Cha in with HBF, who just re-discovered my ability to spin. (She has always liked to spin her follows... A LOT!) I'm more than up for the challenge, but the songs were so short it wasn't a micro second before we had adjusted to each other as dance partners that the song would be over. No worries, I'll get better and the adjustment time will shorten.

I spent a lot of time catching up with the students I always chat with at this studio. It's nice to catch up with them and see how they are progressing. One of the gals, who I actually lead in her FIRST Push Pull Hustle a few months ago, danced a much more polished Hustle with her instructor MSU as part of a newcomers kind of dance. I was very proud to see her out there holding her own!

There were also some of HBF's little girl students who did an adorable swing routine... I know at least one of the girls from one of the previous parties. She came over with one of her classmates and asked if I knew any of the boy parts to the dances. (I know...too cute right??) At the time it was another Tango playing... (Why am I always being asked to lead a Tango??) I said I could probably figure it out... and we did a basic Tango around... my petite follow (I'd say she's about 10 years old) actually taught ME how to finish the lead for a Tango promenade! I thanked her very much for that. I then grabbed one of the other little gals for a little Rumba. Both of them are EXCELLENT follows!!!

The last dance of the evening was a "snowball" where the song runs on, the host says "SNOWBALL" and we have to switch partners. The dance was East Coast Swing, I started with HBF, we ran through all the steps I know. SNOWBALL, and I got MSU...for another run through of all the steps I know...and finally SNOWBALL... I got the supervisor, for MOST of the steps that I know... it was a pretty fast swing too... all the jumping and spinning... LOVED IT!!

I closed the evening chatting with one of my favorite South Barrington Students, while trying to take at least SOME of the 17 mini ponytails out of my hair. Turns out she's doing her first comp in October too! I told her about Ellen, and said I'd see her there. Then ran up to meet my girls for our traditional nachos.

Now, I can't WAIT to get back to my lessons and really work on all these new elements that are about to be thrown at me! That party was JUST EXACTLY what I needed!

Lesson with RT... Strength is NOT an Asset and Cuban Motion is NOT my Friend!

UGH! Tonight was one of THOSE lessons... one of THOSE lessons that makes the student question why they ever started in the first place... because it will never be right. Thankfully I'm experienced enough in these lessons that I'm not going to quit dancing... I'm just going to run to the corner for a minute, lick my wounds, and try and jump right back into the fray.

We warmed up with Hustle, where I was told I was being too strong, that I should follow with just the pressure in my fingertips. *Sigh* That hurts... that hurts a lot. It's not RT's fault, he doesn't know that saying something like I'm using too much strength cuts me to the core. It's one of the two or three things someone can say to me that just devastates me. I've been trying to be brave about it... he's said it to me in the last few lessons, and I was really proud of myself that I didn't react, except to try and improve... Today, must have been a bad day... cuz as soon as he said it... I was crushed.

I tried to explain to him that I was really sensitive to my strength... I've been too strong at everything... both parents had their own way of telling me I was too strong for my own good all throughout my life...that being that strong was not the best quality to have for a girl... and while, yes, I'm a grown up now...and such things shouldn't bother me... you know what?? Screw that! Sometimes things just hurt! Anyway... I tried to explain without going into such great detail, that I was sorry for being too strong, and that I was sensitive to his saying that. I don't think I got my point across... he didn't seem to understand. I did show improvement in the tension of my following though. I really wish we would have started working on my using less strength in my Hustle before I started to think it was an asset to my dancing, Instead, it remains the curse it's always been.

Once warmed up, RT asked about my lesson with Largo, I told him it was good. He seemed pleased with that... I'm sure he found out about my lesson either from Largo himself or from my post because that's where the questioning ended. RT suggested Rumba and I said that was fine. I didn't realize what was about to commence was one of the MOST frustrating lessons I've had in a year at least! I was informed that I am now on "Senior Level Bronze" which means I get to learn the back half of the FADS Bronze Syllabus... or at least steps 6 thru 11... so I'm told. Great... new steps and elements that can't be a bad thing... Right?

Well that depends on your learning curve and frustration level... which for me, after having the wind taken out of me with the Hustle discussion, was pretty low. But I tried to behave... We worked on the Rumba cross sequence I wrote about as "easy to follow" in my lesson with Largo. We worked, and worked, and worked... for the ENTIRE lesson... over and over and over again... I don't mind the drilling... what I HATE is that I hardly improved at all in ANY of it!!! Seriously! We broke it down, we worked on the Cuban motion, we worked on some weight transfer and balance... we worked on the Spirals...then on my feet being positioned right... and THEN on making my steps smaller. I would try and voice my frustrations.... I explained that I wasn't complaining... I was venting...(I need to vent verbally, or I end up venting physically... and that does no one any good) which RT didn't believe... or listen to... so that's fine... I could feel that I was becoming frustrating to RT...so I tried to tell myself to shut up... but that only made me feel more angry.

At the end of the lesson, I just sat on the couch for a minute.... questioning the whole thing... I should be better than this by now... it shouldn't take me an entire lesson to NOT get a step at this point... I should have a better grip on Cuban motion by now... UGH! As I was sitting there... trying not to be angry at myself... RT shouted "8:45 Kat?"

Oh! That's right... RT's technique class! Do I really want to work on this again today? I thought... my response back to RT was a very flat "I don't know, I haven't decided yet."

"Wow." Was his response, indicating to me that he now understood that I was frustrated, but he didn't know why.

I then got up to leave, and was so busy yelling at myself in my head that I missed saying good bye to RT. I drove around for a bit... talked to Jem on the phone about the whole frustration... then decided that if I was having SO much trouble with the silly Cuban motion bits today... no matter how angry I am at myself, it would be really stupid for me to miss another opportunity to work on it. So in the end I went... and I felt a little better about it. But I still wanted to hit something when it was over.

At one point I was explaining that I had just had one of THOSE lessons to one of the other instructors... and he said "You've always been like that, the minute you don't get something right away you get upset." (I was surprised, I hadn't taken a lesson with him in over a year and a half!)

Yeah... well what I'm being asked, in a lot of cases, shouldn't be that hard for me to do...so YES I get upset with myself! This instructor did make me feel a little better about it after he explained that he and his partner had a 40 minute training session all about properly raising their arms. Yep... I did feel a little relieved that the pros go through the same detailing frustration that we students go through. (On a much more refined level of course... but it's nice to have that commonality)

But I still should have been able to pick up on that Rumba sequence faster.

Bonnie's Belle Gowns at Fred Astaire South Barrington 09-18-08!

Just want to drop a quick note to let you all know about Bonnie's Belle Gowns' latest trunk show.

Bonnie and Michael will be at Fred Astaire South Barrington on September 18th. Make sure you stop by and check out their fantastic dresses!

Monday Lesson... NEW INSTRUCTOR... LARGO!!!

Hi gang!
Well I told you I was adding a new member to my dance world. I had hinted at it before, that if I could do more lessons, then I would add Largo as my new "buddy teacher." Before tonight I had worked with him on two/three previous lessons. One as a getting to know the new instructor, and another when RT was taking some personal time. Largo and I are still in the "getting to know you and your leading/following style" of our dance relationship. However, he definitely made me work!

Ok.. now read about my lesson and tell me RT didn't talk to Largo about what I do/don't do for my dancing....

We started with Cha Cha it was pretty good, Largo's leading style is much gentler, for lack of a better term, than RT. (Which I have mentioned before.) So I'm required to hold my own even MORE and be even more skilled at following (which will end up being good for me). We reviewed some basics, Manhattan Roll out (a personal fave) Cupid Breaks (sometimes called a Turkish Towel), and a few others... even the dreaded Roundabout Crossovers (aka "Spinnie Move")

(I would like to take a moment and point out to any studio personel that may be reading, that YES I have paid attention for some of the names of the steps... thank you. :-) )

Then he tried to lead me in a step I'd NEVER done before. When I told him I didn't know it... we then commenced with my trying to learn it. This step starts with a cross-body lead then goes into a slide instead of a Cha Cha... then we kind of bop our hips twice and commence with a regular Cha Cha... Now we know my hips and I still don't speak the same language... although it's getting better. I kept wanting to bop the wrong hip, and use the wrong leg... it was awful. Thankfully Largo still has patience with me. Although I did learn that he has a more "hands on" approach to teaching when explaining isn't enough, something RT never does (more than likely because of my previous insecurities and issues he's always been sensitive to). Anyway... Largo just grabs my hips and moves them how he needs them to go for this step. I have to admit it was nice not feeling all strange about that. I mean yeah ok... my instructor just grabbed my hips...but it's the same way a coach in baseball may need to adjust a player's hips to improve their stance or swing...it's only intent is to make the end product better... and sometimes it's the best way to get the point across. Granted, it didn't really work until we did the step and he put his hand on the hip that's supposed to bop and said "Push my hand away here." THEN it clicked... so YAY new Cha cha stuff!! We worked on my open break arm styling too. Largo prefers the look of a clean line with all arm styling, he and I even discussed that I don't need to perfect my around the head or "shampoo" style of arm movements. This is something I can absolutely agree with him on!

Cha Cha finished Largo asks "Ok so we do Rumba?" and then I see this HUGE smile in his eyes.
"Of course we do Rumba... Oh WAIT... you're waiting for my joke here! What did [RT] tell you?"
RT actually had me stop my Rumba joke (you know the "It wouldn't be a lesson if we didn't work on Rumba" line), because it stopped being funny... Largo was CLEARLY waiting for something of a reaction from me... but he denied it. I didn't say anything after that, we just commenced with our Rumba. We worked on the spiral turn after the Cuban walks, it seems to me that everyone leads the end of it a little different. So I asked for clarification... once that was settled we worked on my having the right timing for it. Largo requires that I keep my own timing for the sharp pivot at the end, whereas RT will actually cue me to turn around with a slight tug. I really should be able to handle the timing of it on my own, so that's something new to work on. We also worked on a kind of Rumba open break, cross step sequence that is actually pretty easy to follow, and also contains two spirals (or at least it will when I remember to do them). Another thing we touched on was a sequence of elements I work on with RT a lot, the one that Jesse had coached me on, Largo even had more good advice for that! It was good!


Our final dance of the evening was Salsa, Largo asked me if I wanted to dance a Salsa, and I was surprised. "You mean Salsa On 1 and everything?" (I don't dance On2 aka Mambo hardly ever) I was excited! (Is it sad when the idea of Salsa without chips makes a gal this happy? I think not!) I have two teachers that will work on my Salsa with me! Woo Hoo! We started, and I was having trouble with the leading, only because I'm not used to it yet. Largo was leading a lot of arm looping and some stuff I haven't done in a LONG time. I even got him in the chest with my elbow because I wasn't paying attention. (Sorry!) We then started working on a newer sequence, one that involves the arm looping and then my being lead into a turn by my right shoulder basically INTO Largo (I'm supposed to duck my head as I spin into and away from him at the same time) Trust me it feels as odd as it sounds. We worked on it, and I was asking questions... I couldn't seem to get the feel of it right. Then as we're standing practicing I just turn and ask him "Seriously, have you been in my position for this step?" He replied in the affirmative, so I reminded him how odd it felt. I felt like I should be pulled away from him being lead from my shoulder like that, instead of pushed into him to duck under his arm. It took several tries...but by the end I was up to speed and spinning just like I was supposed to... well mostly. :)

All in all good lesson, I didn't think it would have been bad, but it was better than anticipated! I didn't go all out with the dancing. I can't yet with Largo, I'm still working on figuring out his lead, as soon as I have that then I'll bring everything up to speed with my hips etc, like I can do with RT. I had good feelings about picking up Largo as my second instructor, I've had issues in the past with other instructors and I really didn't want to have to face that again. Thankfully I'm very certain I won't have to. Now I just have to practice!

See...now after that lesson... it's IMPOSSIBLE that RT didn't tell Largo anything about my dancing. We covered three of my all time favorites that I have the MOST fun with! I picked up some good tips, and even a few new to me elements.


Now I just have to remember that we're still in the "getting to know you" stage... after a few lessons we'll get down to what it's really like working together. I have a really good feeling about this new "partnership" though.

This Week's Lesson... Warning: Insomniac on the Floor!

*Yawn!*



Oh, sorry... I haven't been sleeping much lately... I get some seasonal insomnia about twice a year. My Summer to Fall bout is going on at the moment. Thankfully I think it's pretty much over, but WOW... Dancing while exhausted is not recommended for the faint of heart!

This week's lesson with RT was on Thursday, when I arrived at the studio I hadn't slept more than two hours a night since Sunday. I had still attended all of my favorite group classes, but when I walked in on Thursday I was pretty much a Zombie. The studio was pretty quiet too, lots of cancellations because of a big rain storm we were having. So I put some loud music on my MP3 player and tried to wake my brain up with that. As my lesson time approached I, put the music away, turned to watch a lesson that was finishing up. As I'm thinking about random things I do a mental check of what I had eaten that day... I couldn't remember what I had eaten for lunch... it didn't take long to figure out that the only thing I had for food that day was a cup of coffee at about 9am. Oh well.... not much I could do about it just then, my lesson was about to start.

RT came across the floor and saw me with my head resting on my hand watching the dance floor... "Hi Kat! How ya do'in" he asks brightly, followed by a quick" ... Are you okay?"

"Yeah, Fine... just tired..." I reply quietly.

"Ok, lets see if we can wake you up." He says as he escorts me across the floor.

First dance up was Salsa... it was by all means TRAGIC! I couldn't keep time, I couldn't spin, my stomach was suddenly threatening to turn inside out on me! I was hanging on to each step by a thread. I had to wait for this to pass... I ruined a few spins, lost timing, and then stepped on RT's foot. "Oh, my God... I'm sorry, I'm gonna kill you today..." I say while still trying to dance.

"Yeah, you probably are..." RT jokes "What is going on?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, I'm just really tired...let's keep going, give me a minute...I'll be fine in a minute." I state. Now RT knows...that doesn't mean go away and leave me alone for a minute... that means keep me going and at some point my brain and body with catch up with each other... so that's what he did... we just did Salsa for a minute or two.

We were dancing and RT was cracking some jokes... one liners... like I usually do... I just kinda looked at him (when I'm tired, not much is funny), he would tell me it's a joke... and then I would agree that whatever it was could be funny... I wish I could remember what he was saying... I'd probably find it really funny now. My not laughing at something is pretty uncharacteristic for me... I pretty much laugh at everything... so we were dancing, and I hear...

"Hey, where did the Kat that I know go?"

I just told him I was tired, that I hadn't really slept since Sunday, he asked what I had been doing... I told him it was a seasonal thing, but I was hoping to wear myself out enough to be able to crash when I got home...

I'm pleased to let you know that I did seem to pop out of my exhaustion towards the end of the Salsa, I was back to controlling my spins (our constant project) and my following improved. While it wasn't the best following I'd ever done... it was reasonable enough for this lesson. We worked on a new cross-body lead, and another series of elements that end in a double Coca-Cola turn... This series I like... I just have to nail that Coca-Cola turn... it's a source of irritation.

Salsa over it was on to Rumba, for whatever reason it seems that I'm not working into the floor as much as I should. I can tell you why... it's because when I dance I tend to "pick myself up" if that makes sense... I don't push myself into the floor like I should, I in fact do the opposite... Which now that I'm trying to become better is a problem... hmmm... another thing to work on. But the Rumba seemed to go well.

Then it was on to Cha Cha. We started out ok, I was again reminded to push into the floor... once I did it made the faster spins a little easier to control. (Once again, RT gets to be right... *sigh*). We worked on the timing on the Cha Cha step I mentioned last time... I till have trouble with the whole hip pop, and then coming back around to him in time... I really want to get this one, it could be fun. By this point I was feeling almost my old self again. Which made both me and my instructor happy.

On to West Coast Swing... I've made a lot of progress step wise in this dance... and a smaller amount of technique improvement. I've got a spin now that comes out of a whip to end in a coaster step... that one took a lot of drilling for me to get... I also have a few other passes we've been working on. However, I made the mistake of telling RT I liked his style of leading West Coast better than anyone I had danced it with... and now he's using it against me... it is SO unfair when he does that!!

Here's what happened... I have a habit of popping up instead of keeping myself lowered and absorbing the coaster step into my knees, mainly because that requires that I use my knees, which we know I instinctively avoid doing. So RT is reminding me for the MILLIONTH time to keep myself lowered. Then he says "Hey, if you like the way I lead West Coast then you're going to have to keep yourself lowered." with all the seriousness I've ever heard. I just rolled my eyes...then kept myself lowered the best I could. On the one hand, I know RT wouldn't keep any dances I like away from my lessons, on the other... I really should do a better job of listening to him. So I lower myself at the knees...and the dance improves... It's not that lowering myself for these dances hurts... most of the time it doesn't... it's that I'm continually ANTICIPATING that there will be a shot of pain at any moment... and that's what keeps my legs too straight. I need to fight the instinct and improve my dancing.

I followed up the lesson with two group classes... International Latin (lets just say I can't move at Jive speed yet...but I'm glad the class is back.) and the Ballroom Work Out Class.... I never walked out of that studio more sweaty ever...and it absolutely helped with my insomnia... for that night anyway... we'll see what this week brings.

My dancing world is about to change a bit... I have a new addition to the team... you'll hear more about that tomorrow. :-)

To Routine or Not To Routine

So, I'm thinking of getting a routine choreographed with RT... I think it's about time... but I'm only going to get the one. I've wanted to do something that would take me back to my theatrical roots as I know them for a LONG time now... this is by no stretch a small thing for me... So I'm tossing a question out to you all about who I should have choreograph it. Please take a second this week and vote for me on what you think... (upper right hand corner of the page) You have until next Saturday. Your votes will be taken into heavy consideration as I make my final decisions about having this done!

Thank you!!!

Miss Kitty

A Student's First Comp... The Dresses

Part of my role on "The Ellen Support Team" was to make sure we could find suitable dresses for her to rent. Well I knew exactly where to go for that! Bonnie's Belle Gowns of course, it's exactly where I would go for my dresses if I were to compete. Bonnie's Belle Gowns has been supplying the Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin area's ballroom world (pro and am alike) with gowns for a few years now at least. They actually got their start by supplying FADS BG's students with competition gowns. Now I see Bonnie's handiwork at every competition I attend! The proprietors, Bonnie and Michael are ballroom students and amateur competitors themselves, so they know what it takes to sparkle on the floor. Not to mention that Bonnie has been creating clothing of all kinds her whole life, she knows her way around a sewing room better than anyone I've ever met.

Ellen and I talked at length about dresses. Previously, anytime I would ask Ellen about competing, she would always tell me "No, absolutely not... I will NEVER look good in ANY of those dresses!" So I was prepared for our excursion last Saturday to Bonnie and Michael's home for her fitting. I had previewed the website, and had several dresses in mind for Ellen to try on. She had two specifications, sleeves, and good coverage. Both things I let Bonnie know about the week before. I was even prepared, should Ellen's confidence need it, to jump into a few dresses myself to prove that even I could pull off a Rhythm and Smooth look. (I'm of a much more unconventional shape than Ellen...so I thought it was a good idea.)

We arrived just after 2 in the afternoon, Ellen was a bundle of nerves! Bonnie and Michael welcomed us back into their fitting room and I took my seat on the settee ready to offer my always straight forward opinion. Bonnie announced that she had a brand new Rhythm dress that had just been completed. It had never even been tried on by a real person before! She pulled a Merlot, knee length, 3/4 sleeve dress. It had beautiful stoning details at the neckline and the hem was trimmed in matching feathers. Well, at the sight of it Ellen's eyes lit up! Turns out it was one of her favorite colors! I kept thinking How special to be the first one to try on a garment! Ellen put it on...and PRESTO! It fit beautifully!! It met all of her requirements, and to see her smile at herself in the mirror was a true delight! Bonnie just knew it would work for her... THAT'S the sign of a talented artist! Ellen couldn't stop smiling! It reminded me of a bride that had just found the PERFECT dress! (Seriously, Ellen had THAT kind of smile!!)

"That's it!" I exclaimed! Ellen started saying something negative... I wouldn't even let her finish... "Stop it! Look at that smile! Shut up, this is the one!" I then promptly took my camera out to get it on record.

There was an instant sense of relief in the room, the Rhythm dress was the one that Ellen was concerned about the most. I knew even before we arrived that we had made the best choice with Bonnie for the dresses, but after making Ellen so happy in the span of 5 minutes there was absolutely NO question about going any place else!

Next dress up, Smooth... Bonnie first pulled out a dress that her daughter had used to compete in at one point. It's a beautiful black gown with a drop waist and a full eye catching flowered skirt. Ellen put it on, and it worked...but it just didn't have the same effect that the Rhythm dress had. So we decided to keep it in mind and try for another. The second dress Bonnie selected was actually the same one I thought would work out perfectly as well. It's a deep blue with one long sleeve, and one more float style sleeve that matched the full flowing blue/white "cracked ice" chiffon skirt. Well, Ellen has really pretty blue eyes... so I knew this shade on her would just make them POP. Once this dress was on, the smile came back... and Ellen was transformed before me into an elegant queen.

"Hmmm... I don't know." Ellen said, trying not to smile...
"Oh, no you don't... look at that smile! You know you love it!... holy cow...did we really just do this in three dresses?"
"I don't know, is it too long?" Ellen retorted, but she was smiling!
Bonnie assured her that it was the appropriate length for a smooth gown... and we were finished!

After a quick discussion on how the rental agreement works, the deposit was made... and Ellen was outfitted for the comp!

I was absolutely amazed!
I was all set to be there for HOURS, I was ready for a fight... I was ready to try dresses on and prove to her I could look good too. NONE of that was needed!!
Instead we were there for just over an hour and Ellen was SO happy!!!



I'm telling you... if you're a competitive ballroom dancer at any level in the area you have GOT to check out Bonnie's Belle Gowns to see what she's got... the talent is endless! Existing dresses are available for rent or purchase, you can even have one custom made! The craftsmanship, attention to detail, and professional friendly demeanor is unmatched.

Their website is updated regularly, and they can be seen at many local area functions...check it out for their latest info on trunk shows etc. Then bookmark that site and visit often to see the new creations! (I have been so blown away by the creativity and talent I had to spontaneously e-mail and let them know how impressed I am!)

Michael and Bonnie with their newest happy customer!!!

Now, everyone... listen here... come on out and support Ellen and all your other favorite FADS students in the region at the DanceSport Challenge: October 11th and 12th at the Hyatt O'Hare. (See your local FADS in the Chicagoland area for details.)

A Student's First Comp... Meet Ellen

I am SO EXCITED to tell you all about my dance friend Ellen! (This is big important detail about being a ballroom student... I even get to use her REAL first name!!) She has been dancing for a while now and has just decided to enter her first competition! When I found out I immediately asked her if I could put a little something up here for you all to read because I've heard a version of her story from nearly every woman that I've met at every dance studio I've been to.

Ellen and RT in serious discussion about the Competition-->

We'll start with WHY she started to dance... turns out like SO many others she wanted to meet Maks from "Dancing With the Stars" at one of the workshops he's done at FADS BG, so she met with another attendee so that she would be "MADE [to] walk through the door." Her overall opinion of her self was that she was "Rhythmically challenged but I wanted to go anyway." I say kudos to her for taking that first step!

I must have met Ellen shortly after she started, I believe it was at a party, to be honest I don't remember exactly where...but I do remember the litany of negativity that would just pour from her about her dancing skills (or lack there of...so she thought). My reoccurring thought every time I talked to her was that we needed to get her out to dance at a party or something... something to prove to her that the world wouldn't end as she knew it for getting up to dance! She would always say that simply being in the dance studio was a big step out of her social comfort zone... Well that's all well and good but there is SO much more! My first goal though was to get her to parties regularly....

Well, I did start to see Ellen at more and more parties... and I did start noticing more and more of that Cuban motion in her Rumba, and even a bit of arm styling! Over the last few months especially she has improved a TON! Captain and Jem and I have remarked on it quite a few times as we watch the floor from our seats. "Wow, check Ellen out...she's getting good!"

Ellen has also made some great dance friends, and they've helped her along in her confidence, and made the dancing fun too! When I heard she was thinking about doing a competition I'll be honest, you could have pushed me over with a feather I was so surprised she was thinking about it... but at the same time I was like a moth to a flame... telling her she had to...that it would be good for her...and fun! She had to do it for all us girls that couldn't or hadn't yet...and she HAD to let me tell you all about it! Turns out I wasn't the only one rallying in favor of the competition... I asked Ellen what the deciding factors were in her making her decision... here's what she told me:

"[KA], you, [and PC] all said it would be fun. I really had no intention of ever trying it. I can live without fun. lol Then [one of my instructors] and Jesse got in on the matter. Studio personnel had been trying for awhile to get me to compete. Nothing could change my mind. So what did? Jesse gave his speech about you can't get better unless you put yourself out there, try things out of your comfort zone. I had told him just to walk into the studio was out of my comfort zone. I am going to school for a School Administrator certificate and knew I would face situations out of my comfort zone. So I thought I would try this first.

Also I met a lot of nice people, now friends, at the studio [who compete] and they all said it was a great experience. They can't all be wrong, can they? Their support gave me the courage to try this. They all promised to help with picking out the gown, makeup, practice etc. I am counting on them. I want to do well, but still lack confidence. I am not usually like that. I have plenty of confidence in teaching. If I can do this, then anyone can. I kid that I am in the remedial dance level but that is how I feel. I Just now feel that I am at where most people start. It may take me longer, but at least I am trying it. Oh the extra benefit is that I lost around 30lbs and toned up. That makes me feel really good and helps with overall confidence.

The only complaint my husband has is that dance takes up too much of my time!"

I couldn't have written that better myself! I am also exceptionally proud to be part of the "Ellen Support Team." She's agreed to do the competition, but she hasn't quite convinced herself that she's going to do well... Let me tell you, I saw her on the floor last Friday...and she's going to do GREAT! To all those that are on the fence about doing a competition... I have to let you know that I have seen Ellen's face light up more times since she's made this decision than at any other point since she's been in the ballroom!

<---A happy student w/ one of her pros after the decision to compete is made!

Next up.... Ellen and I go get her competition dresses!