Cha Cha Technique Lesson...Largo Steps It Up.

Hi gang! Well, I had a lesson with Largo this week... and it has been decided somewhere that because RT and I will be working on my routine, Largo will start working with me on technique. I've been waiting for this.... Up to this point Largo has been introducing me to new steps and helping me a bit with timing, but pretty much leaving the Technique up to RT. I had a preview of it in my last lesson with the Cuban walks he had me do... Well tonight he decided to work on my Cha Cha locks.

We warmed up with a musicless Hustle... after a while it was kinda boring.

"Dude, we need tunes." I tell him.

"Tunes? Music? Ok." and we walk over to put on a Hustle

We finished my warm up and I said "Ok boss what are we working on today?"

"Tango." He says seriously.

"Really?" I said, as I furrowed my brow... I was almost excited about it only because I NEVER work on Tango and of all the smooth dances I'd like to be better at that one.. but Largo and I have NEVER done a tango ever in life, so I knew he was kidding.

"Yes, Tango." He starts to smile.

"Seriously? Well I mean if you want to...but you and I have never Tangoed... are you sure?"

"No, no Tango..." he says as he drops his arm around my shoulders and chuckles, "Cha Cha Lock Steps." he says.

"Ok..." I say...it's a better choice anyway given my routine and all.

"Ok, Cha Cha locks show me." and he took a couple of steps away from me.

Oh no! Dancing on my own again! I'm gonna have to grow up and learn to do this stuff on my own outside of my own apartment I guess. But see...when I'm asked to do something on my own...without the benefit of being connected to a dance partner, even if they're just holding my hand so I can feed off of their energy...my mind goes blank. I couldn't remember what a Cha Cha lock was!

I just kind of stood there for a minute... "Ok, you want me to do locks..."

"Yes, you know lock steps." Largo replies and does an example for me.

"Oh right... ok..." I think I'm remembering.

So I try it... and two steps into it Largo stops me.

"No! Sharper! Like this!" and he does the lock steps again putting accent on what I call the lock part when the dancer is on their toes and the ankles are together.

"Ok...give me a minute I've gotta figure this out." I reply and try again.

"No! Do it again!" Largo snaps!

Where did drill Sargent Largo come from? I've seen him do this with other students but it's my first time dealing with it... and conversely his first time dealing with me for technique. :-)

"Fine!" I retort. Giving myself one more time to improve, and him one more time to snap at me before serious sarcasm strikes. I go back to the start of the floor and begin working my way across in lock steps. About half way through I was making them sharper and not falling over...

"Yes better! Now backwards." Largo says.

"You're kidding... I don't even have forward down yet!" I snap.

"Backwards." Largo states and I start, and after each time my ankles are together I hear "PUSH!" from Largo... meaning I'm supposed to push back on my front foot instead of just plainly taking a step back. Well I do it... but... it seems I'm doing a small Rounde to get my one foot behind the other.

"NO! Not this... (he mimics me) this... close together (he does it correctly) yours is like Samba."

"Oh cool that Samba step... cool.. I want to learn that one... it looks awesome!" I tell him.

"Not today... today is locks."

Why do I now feel like I have to salute Largo?

"*Sigh* Fine, today is locks, ok so I have to pass instead of go around." I try it again.

After the first couple I feel myself pushing a lot more from the front foot... this has got to be better, I'm also much closer to passing my feet instead of sweeping around.

"Stop going up... here," Largo says as he plants his hand firmly on my shoulder "take it up in here," he says as he crunches his stomach muscles.

"Ok... so absorb any height change in my core so I don't pop up... yeah that's almost going to work."

"Just do it."

I let out an overly sarcastic "Fantastic."

To which I get a very chipper "Absolutely!" into my ear from Largo. ("Absolutely" is his favorite word of late).

Which sent me from being irritated, into hysterically laughing.

So there I was going backwards and forwards with my cha cha locks with Largo's hand pushing me down so I didn't pop up. I was showing improvement, but I was growing frustrated at the drilling too... I don't like a full lesson of drilling. The dance studio is my happy place, and I don't like to leave my happy place frustrated after drills... that's how I get to the point of thinking I need to stop dancing. After we went up and down the floor again I stopped....

"I don't know if you've heard... but I don't do all technique lessons... we're going to have to put this into the dance or something and actually dance." I tell him.

"Ok we will, but one more time first." he says... and I feel that Drill Sargent Largo has left the building....and I get my regular Largo back. Whew!

So one more time, and I feel that it's better, my hips were working, probably not exactly right, but better than before. I was actually quite pleased with my progression.

Then we moved on to doing actual Cha Cha... and it took me a second, it always does, to apply it into the actual dance... but the locks did feel better. YAY!

Then on to Rumba, just a review of the steps and a few pointers about which direction to face on some pivots. During my Cuban walks Largo pulled down on my ponytail so that I couldn't look down if I wanted to... that was interesting... good thing it doesn't hurt when my hair gets yanked. :-)

Then we finished up with some "dance to the beat in Largo's head" East Coast Swing. We had to do that because everyone else on the floor was doing everything but a rhythm dance, so I just followed Largo to whatever pace he was setting. That ended up being good, but I wasn't following very well. I was a tad distracted because my right ankle started rolling my shoes... it's not strong enough for me to be dancing in heels yet, but it's getting better. None of which I told Largo... and he had me review a couple of steps to make sure I was balancing right... I just tried to hold my feet so that I wouldn't twist my ankle... I've been given strict instructions by RT, now that I have my new shoes, that it's ok if I fall... as long as I don't break anything like an arm or a leg or something.

We ended the lesson playing up one of our running jokes, which I get a kick out of, Largo absolutely cracks me up!

Heads up gang... I'm out of town on business again... I'll try and keep up with the blog and e-mails... but if you don't hear from me you know why.
Happy Dancing!

My Routine.... Practice #1 Down...A Million More to Go!

Well last Thursday was my first practice for my routine. I had walked in the studio coming off, not one of the easiest days, and I knew this time for learning wasn't going to be full of dancing...more stepping it out. I had watched the routine a good 10 or 15 times... but I couldn't really retain it, I need to go through it to retain it. RT picks me up for my lesson, I have my DVD in hand and we walk over to the studio TV for review.

"Did you watch this?" RT asks...

"Yeah but I can't remember any of it... I have to walk through it first or it's not going to stick." I respond, I already must have sounded anxious about it.

"It's ok.. you'll get it." He tells me.

Then it dawns on me, and I basically start pleading..."Yeah ok but can we dance for like 5 minutes before we do this? If we don't actually dance for a few minutes before we do this I'm going to absolutely spazz out."

"You want to dance for a few minutes? Ok, not Hustle (that was the song playing) um... how about a Salsa?" He says as he walks to the music machine (very close to the TV) to put on a Salsa.

"I'd never turn you down for one of those!" I smile back and off we went in my ballroom shoes that I was still getting used to.

It wasn't a bad Salsa, it was far from my best...because of the shoes! At this point they were still a little achy and I hadn't put my heel grippers in them yet so the fit wasn't perfect, but I was trying to keep up. Then RT starts asking me about the shoes..

"How are they?"

(spin)

"I hate them."

(basic, then another spin)

I add "It's a crime to make people dance in shoes like this I'm telling you." Kind of forgetting that the guys that dance Rhythm and Latin in Ballroom often wear 2 inch heels themselves. I still think it's a crime.

(basic, under-arm turn)

"Stay grounded... you're up, stop popping up." RT tells me... of course popping up is a problem I've always had... currently made worse by... you guessed it... my new shoes!

(spin)

"I'm 'up' because my feet want out of these shoes! Staying grounded would mean I have them figured out, and I don't yet." I retort... and then lead into a spin that I completely bobbled on.

(Coca-cola spin)

We also worked on the "Miami Special" which I said was pretty bad... RT said was ok... I think he's lowering his standards for me on that one.

Salsa over and I was happy to have danced for a minute or two...actually given that it was an actual Salsa song we probably danced for 4-6 minutes...either way I felt de-stressed... so we moved on to look at my choreography.

Before we get into how I'm doing on this.... I would like to say that one of my BIGGEST fears about this was having RT forget my routine, or constantly have to review the DVD mid lesson, or *gasp!* forget it mid performance when we get to that point. I fear this because of ALL the routines all the pros have to remember... each instructor has multiple students that have multiple routines RT is no exception to that. He must have a TON of routines running through his head at any given time and here I was asking him to remember yet another one.

Well as soon as I saw my Choreography DVD which normally contains the Choreographer and a female pro to be the student follow part.... My DVD actually has RT and TNT doing my routine with the Choreographer off screen saying the counts! When I saw that I was impressed! I don't have to be so afraid of RT forgetting it because he's already been through it! Now I just have to be afraid of not being able to bring up my performance to it's proper level... but I'll freak out about that in due time.

So we take a look at the first few measures of the DVD and before I'm even really analyzing what we're looking at he's stopped it and we start working. First few measures, not so bad...although I'm starting with my left foot back... I haven't started counting yet either... but I'm sure that will happen as I practice at home. Next few measures I'm thinking this isn't going to be so bad... Until I end up getting stuck on one part. Those that have worked with me know... if I don't catch on to something to my own satisfaction pretty much right away... I become frustrated.

"UGH!" I yell, followed by one of my classic foot stamps that lets out my frustration.

"Don't worry, you'll get it." RT calmly states.

"Not fast enough!" I retort through gritted teeth.

We must have gone through that mini conversation about 6 or 7 times throughout the lesson. We got to the little bit of actual open work.... and I can do it... of course I'm staring at his feet the whole time, which is a habit I'm going to have to break NOW. We reviewed the leg on his hip bit...which is a bit rough around the edges...and I think for that part I'm going to have to count to get it right. Also the attitude behind that whole sequence is going to depend on the song I decide we're going to dance this Cha to.

I REALLY REALLY wanted to make it through the whole thing once... even just blocking it... just so I had some level of physical memory when I go to watch the DVD. In the end I think we made it just about half way. Also in speaking to some other students I guess it's not usual to go through the whole thing in the first practice. Which I didn't know... but I still wanted to make it to the end.

So now I study... and I review... and I try to start counting... and I try not to spend every dime I have on practice lessons because this routine is not going to be my swan song.

Wish me luck!

Lesson with Largo and my New Shoes...

Well they’re here. I officially have ballroom shoes. 1.6” Cuban heeled ballroom shoes… which officially makes me just a tad under 6 feet tall on the dance floor… grrr… I don’t want to be taller on the dance floor, but my desire to have everything look right for the rest of what will be my dancing hobby outweighs that. I had received the best fitting shoes while I was away, so the very first time I had to wear them straight out of the box was for a party. I hated every minute of it. I was out of control, I didn’t feel like I could feel the floor like before, RT told me to brush the shoes, (actually he pulled me over to where the studio shoe brush lives, and almost brushed my shoes for me….nobody touches my feet.) Brushing only helped marginally. The only good thing I’ll say about my first trial run is that I did keep these shoes on for the entire party, which means, like it or not, these are keepers.

Largo was lucky enough to be the first one to really help me test out my new shoes a few days later. He was very excited, I was pessimistically cautious to say the least. We started with Hustle, and I once again was sliding everywhere, but while I seem to have trouble stopping my spins, I can in fact execute them just about the same…which is promising.

We then moved on to Cuban Walks… well let me tell you… I HATE dancing by myself in the ballroom! Largo would take a few steps away from me…then ask me to Cuban Walk towards him… UGH! In my former shoes, my Cuban walks actually had received some level of compliment… in my new ballroom shoes my balance was all thrown off and I couldn’t execute them the same, which made me exceptionally frustrated. After a minute I told him that I hate dancing by myself… so he then took my hands and watched my walks that way… they did improve, but they’re not at the level they were at before. I knew this was going to happen.

Shortly after that we worked on some new to me Rumba steps as well as refreshing my memory on some others… I think I’m reaching the point where note taking may be necessary to help with the remembering. I’m either getting old, or my brain is getting full.

We then worked on a little Cha Cha, and some East Coast, both of which felt completely foreign in my new shoes. What I will say about them is that they don’t hurt like I thought they would… the only possible blister location is on the inside of my left foot where the straps will be digging for a while until they stretch out. So these shoes are keepers for sure… I just wonder how long it will take me to get used to them! Another good lesson with Largo though… even though he did threaten to throw out my jazz shoes with me still in them if he saw me wearing them during a lesson again.

My Routine... Let the Practice Begin!

Last week I didn't have any lessons because I was out of town for business. However I did have my choreography done for my routine!

Let me tell you, the fact that I couldn't be there killed me! I had scheduled it thinking I would be in town, and forgot to tell my employer that I would prefer not to travel at least on the day of the choreography. Being that it's very difficult to get a choreography/coaching scheduled I decided to let it go on without me. A student doesn't need to be present for a choreography because the final is recorded on DVD to take home and practice. I did call several times during my appointment to try and get an idea of what was going on. All I heard from multiple sources was "You're going to like it, but especially the second half." That was all I had to keep me going the whole week until I could get home and be in the studio on Friday to see the recording. Knowing I would need to record the event for this blog, I left my camera with KIT all week, and she was nice enough to get a few pictures and some video for all of you to see!

My choreographer is Stephen Knight he is well known for his choreography so I was lucky to get my appointment with him (yet another reason why I didn't cancel). I was advised from several fellow students (including Bonnie and Michael of Bonnie's Belle Gowns) that they have all been pleased with their routines.

The dance, as we all know... is a Cha Cha. I had had a few discussions with RT and TNT (TNT was there to dance the "follow" part in my recording) about what I was looking for. I wanted the Cha Cha to be classic fun and flirty, not a modern Hip Hop stylized version. I wanted to have a fair amount of spins, and if possible showcase my flexibility.

I haven't watched the DVD much yet, but I think it's going to be a good dance! I have my first practice set up with RT this week... I don't know how much of the routine I'm going to be able to retain before I've been through it a couple of times...but I sure will try!



















Well the pictures look like they were having a good time! I can't wait to start practicing!

My Routine... The Votes are In!

I love my readers we all know this... and with a little pushing I actually got some of you to vote! The red dress was up for a long time.... then at the last minute.... a DEAD TIE!



So you know what that means? I get to choose! Now normally I'd say my mind is subject to change... but no... I know which dress is going to be right for this debut... it's the GREEN ONE!

For all the fans of the red dress... you won't be disappointed I'll wear that one too at some point in the future... but especially now that I know some elements we're including (which I'll keep to myself for a bit longer) the green one is the way to go.

Thank you very much for all of your enthusiastic participation! Updates on the progress will be coming shortly!

Lesson with RT... it's ALL about the Cha!

This week's lesson was of a singular nature.... RT picked me up for my lesson and we walked to the middle of the floor.

"What's going on? Something's up with you." He states.

Well I'm shocked... I hadn't said more than two or three words to him since I had walked in... and I didn't think I looked all that bad...sure I was all casual..but I didn't think I looked THAT bad...

"I'm getting over a cold, this is the best I've felt in 4 days." I reply.

RT puts the music on for Salsa and tells me "I could tell just by looking at you something's going on." and he starts his lead.

Mid lead he said one word, "Shoes?"

"I've been in an e-mailing war with the company... I have a pair coming on Saturday...we'll see if they work." (My mission for Cuban heeled Ballroom shoes is nearly complete!)

"Good." and we pick up as if he never asked.

I was following pretty well... I followed a variation on a combination we've done before... really very well, but the end wasn't quite right... RT then focused on it...and I screwed it up the moment he wanted me to think about it. Figures.



Next up was Cha Cha... My choreography for my routine is happening on Monday (well today I guess) I won't be there for it... but I still have to work on my Cha.

The focus for the rest of the lesson was my being able to stop myself and hold my balance, paired with making sure I don't back break like a Salsa with a bent leg, but straighten and lock it instead. This was extremely frustrating.

It was 1-2-(hold for as long as RT wanted) Cha Cha (hold again without moving) 3-4. Over and over and over in all directions. Then we worked on it without the Cha in the middle. THEN we focused on my keeping my knees locked. I would start my traditional stamping and shouting...

"I've been doing my Cha Cha this way for over two years...it's going to take me longer than a minute to FIX IT!!!"

RT would just look at me.

"I know...you want to slap me about now." He'd say with a smile.

"Yeah that's about the sum of it." I'd snap back.

Over and over, and sometimes he'd put his hand on my thigh to make sure I was locking my knee... and sometimes he would just lead...and then he would make me hold a position FOREVER.

As frustrating as it was... I probably improved the most during this lesson then I felt like I have in a while.

Frustrating, and not THAT much to write about because it was the same thing for the entire lesson....BUT... I'm very pleased with the progression.

My Routine.... Your Opinion on my Costume!

Well plans for my routine just keep rolling right along... The coaching is scheduled, even though I'll be out on business... (don't even get me started on that one). I'll write about that later. I'm still on a hard core mission for shoes. I'm searching for 1.5" Cuban heels in a US size 10.5 or 11 Wide... (the wide seems to be the tricky part).

BUT... lets get down to the most exciting news yet! I stopped by the home of Bonnie's Belle Gowns this weekend to see the progress on the dress I intend to wear.... well I don't have just one.. I have TWO to choose from!!! I tried them both on... they both work! How AMAZING is that! They're not just finished yet... they need to be stoned. Bonnie and I decided on a few alterations to one as well. I'm exceptionally pleased!

See for yourself! The nearly completed dresses.... let me know which one you think I should debut my Cha Cha in!

Keep in mind.. I had run over to Bonnie and Michael's home just after work out class, so hair was just yanked back, and I was not wearing a drop of makeup... so please focus on the dress, and not the gal that's in them!















Shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment to let me know what you think! (I can't wait to see them all done up in their sparkly stones!! But I still want to know your thoughts!)




Of course I had to get a shot with Bonnie herself! Keep an eye out for her and Michael at your Local Chicagoland Fred Astaire where they have trunk shows all during the month of February! Check out their website for details.

Lesson with RT and the Beginning of Comp Pressure

This was a good lesson with RT.... we worked on East Coast Swing, man my ECS feels rough. It seems (at least this is what I'm blaming it on) that I'm spending so much time getting all grounded in my Rumba, Cha Cha, etc that it seems I can't get any lift in my swing... it's weird. I don't know when it will come back...but ECS isn't really what I want to focus on right now.

We also worked on Bolero again... ok.. ok.. I'll stop saying that I hate it already! I still don't know what the basic is... I know it's the same pattern as Int'l Rumba...but I really just follow. Which is kind of cool. It does give me the opportunity to work on some big sweeping arm movements. If you've ever seen me dance you can plainly see that I don't do arm styling very well. It was a pretty quiet night, which around this studio is pretty rare... I was enjoying all the open space on the floor. I saw Largo out of the corner of my eye watching me, I tried to block it out... the more people that watch me...the more I try and pour all of my focus into my dance partner and block the onlookers out... I'm not there to put on a show... I'm there to learn and practice. Largo shouts out my full name... I shout back... "Stop watching [Largo]!" He laughed and RT smiled.

Of course Bolero lead to actual Rumba... we still must work on this in every lesson. Do you remember how I wrote about looking for more technique? RT somehow got the memo... we spent a lot of time working on technique. It took me a minute to remember that I had asked for it and stop complaining. I got a lot of good pointers. It's very odd because I can execute the steps with Largo, but with RT I can get much more cuban motion... I'm not sure what that's all about, perhaps it's that I'm just more connected with RT... or that he's more connected... I don't know... Largo and I are still pretty new at working together.

Then it was Cha Cha... what on earth happened to my Cha? I was messy and tripping, and it was just awful! More Cha Cha practice for sure! I need it to come back to where it was a few months ago.

Then it was Salsa... This lesson was very late in the evening, last one of the night and for the first time in a long time we were the only ones on the floor. I didn't notice at first but most of the staff had finished their day and were actually watching my lesson. Lately everyone has been bugging me about competing.... this was the night it had started.

RT and I were dancing and TSD shouts out... "How about DanceSport Challenge Kat, Something else for you to write about on your blog."

My response without breaking stride... "Only if you pay for my entries! And I have plenty to write about on my blog!"

We continued with Salsa... I heard a couple of shouts from FAF... but I was blocking them out.. I just wanted to finish this Salsa strong.... I think I did... if not a little winded... then DWH said one of the best things....

"Nice job... it really looks like you guys have been dancing together for a while."

"Oh well thank you." I responded with a big smile.

Thus ended our lesson... Very good! I just HAVE to work on my Cha Cha! My ECS will come along...but my Cha is of the utmost importance right now.

Super Quick Weight Loss Update... Good News

Oh the game is back on! I just got off the scale...first time I've been on it in two weeks. I've been working really hard since I set these goals for myself this year.... RT and even Largo have been super supportive, which I really do need. I can't make it without that check in... and it's so simple too... RT asks "How many this week?" (meaning how many pounds lost) and I answer... and then it's done.. no judgment, no disappointment if I haven't met my weekly goal (often assigned to me by the end of the lesson), no getting on a scale in front of anyone... just trust that I am being honest with him and myself. My pros are very much more interested in improvement in my dance skill...but the weight loss is tied in with that... I have to do both, or both will fail.

In the last two weeks I've managed to drop 8 of the added back on pounds! Wah Hoo! My clothes are already starting to fit like they used to... although my stamina is still clawing it's way back.

This has been accomplished by doing the following...
I'm back to eating right... even when I travel for work. I just got back from Alaska again and I did SO well!

I've also implemented the policy that I work out a minimum of once a day again... most days I get a second cardio blast in. As I did during my trip to Alaska... man I tell ya Hotels make it easy to get that work out in.

I've also been a little smarter this time around... I work on some muscle toning and core training every other day as well... I'm hoping this will help me drop that icky weight I've been carrying around the middle.

Today is a happy day! I sure hope I can keep this up!

My Routine... It Begins with the Nightmare

Hi All! I think I had written at one point that my newest and greatest group of lessons were purchased including some set aside to work on a Routine. My first choreographed dance since the age of 14, and the first one I actually intend on performing.

This has been a long time in coming... there was a point where I would have killed for something choreographed because that's where my performing strengths are. Something rehearsed and polished was all I wanted. Now I don't know... I want it... but how is it going to turn out?

Let me tell you... I'm wonderful at building things up in my head to be so much bigger than they truly are. So you know my over active mind has been working overtime on this one! Added to my own internal stress is some support from my friends that is going to make this all quite the production. (I do love to make a production out of everything if I can...but this may even be too much!)

So... let me get you up to speed a little...

Long before I had officially decided to get this routine choreographed my friend Bonnie, owner and designer of Bonnie's Belle Gowns, had mentioned in passing that if I ever entered a competition or needed a competition style dress... she would like to design a dress with me in mind.

Ok... let me pause for a moment to tell you how AWESOME it feels to have someone tell you that!!

I'll tell you a secret too... knowing that I would get to wear one of Bonnie's designs was the final little push I needed to get this routine... I think without that I never would have been talked into it.

So shortly after that brief conversation with Bonnie in October/November I negotiated for this routine with my next group of lessons. Since that very day I've been having a recurring nightmare about it.

It goes like this... My hair is done, my makeup is done... I feel really good in the dress (but the dream doesn't reveal what it looks like... I think I saw flashes of emerald green and deep purple at different points, but I'm not concerned about it... I know Bonnie will do right by me.) My focus of this nightmare is that I'm at the party where RT and I are dancing, my point of view is that of an audience member and as that audience member looking on I have a single thought.

That's it?? THAT'S all she's got after dancing for two years...she can't do better than THAT?!?

I'm petrified that all the compliments I'm due to receive will be nothing but false... I HAVE to do this right I HAVE to impress the crowd. I have to be proud of what I do... I CAN'T disappoint my instructors! I can't disappoint the designer of the dress!

Well, I've decided to let the nightmare happen, and not be too stressed about it until I actually get this Cha Cha choreographed. I have to know what it looks like before I even know if I can do it yet.
I have to work on a lot of things before this performance happens... the top two on my list are:

1- Balance...RT has given me quite a few exercises for that and he's even said that when I engage the correct muscle groups he notices a difference.

2- Flexibility... I am reasonably flexible, especially for a gal of my stature, when I remember to keep up with it.

I've added both of these to my workouts... I've NEVER been more focused.

So far small progress has been made... but more has to be done. As you'll read in my next lesson.... it seems my regular Cha Cha has gone to crap... it feels like crap anyway... but more on that later.

So this begins the series on my first ever Routine... Next step is more on the dress, and my decision on a choreographer!

A Birthday to Remember... My Lessons This Week

It was a calmer day than I thought it would be... and yet extraordinarily fulfilling too... Let me start at the top...

I had just come home from a brief stint with my Mom and sister in Las Vegas... Where we had a lovely time. I'll be honest, I ate and drank as if no eating plan were in place... it's not often I allow myself to indulge like this. Even though in the back of my mind I kept nagging myself that I'd be paying for all of this indulgence later... Las Vegas is probably a place I won't re-visit...so I wanted to get it all in. We did walk around a lot... and my quads in particular were aching constantly, but my knees were totally fine, I didn't want to wear myself out completely...I was really looking forward to Monday.

Monday January 12, 2009. My 30th Birthday...I had the forethought to request the day off of work... I woke up...took myself to breakfast, then took myself on a little shopping trip with my winnings from Las Vegas. Ran home in time to change into something for dance and headed out to the double lesson I had scheduled. Yep... all I wanted to do on my birthday was dance with "My Boys."

I was running later than I'm usually comfortable with... so I wasn't really paying attention. I ran into a fellow student in the parking lot and we chatted for a brief moment before I opened the studio door... I didn't make it in more than two steps before...

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" - The entire studio erupts!

I was dumbfounded... I smiled and waved a hello while trying to make sure I acknowledged the whole room....before I even had time to say "Thanks"or take off my jacket there was a line of hugs to be given... TNT, FAF, RT, Largo...I was totally speechless! Well, not totally... but about as close as you can get me to speechless anyway. RT helped me with my coat, very gentlemanly of him... I run to the back to freshen up real quick and Largo peeks out from the closet with a little "Happy Birthday" bag. He got me a little stuffed kitten! It's so cute... I've named it "Largo." It's only fitting.

There was also a birthday card that both RT and Largo had written in... very special, because for as much writing as I do about them...it's one of the only times I've gotten anything written by them. (I got a holiday card too...that was the FIRST thing I ever got written by them.) No, I won't be framing them...as I had joked with one of the instructors...but you better believe they will be kept.

Ok... first lesson... Largo. We worked on Cha Cha... and we figured out I can land that silly spin fairly consistently if he counts for me. Well..it's improvement over last week! Apparently Largo finds it very amusing that I can stick the spin and get my next step done if he's counting...as opposed to the mess I make of it when he's not. To be honest I'm so focused on what foot has to be ready when that I don't have any room left in my brain for that the counts are!

We worked on Rumba, and I do believe that I have officially learned all the steps I can for my current level... which means hard core technique is on the horizon... I'm actually looking forward to that. (I think). Largo also introduced me to slow swivels for Rumba... more for me to practice!!! I wasn't doing them right at all... then I was doing them ok... then I wasn't... I suppose now is the time to stop hating swivels since they seem to be appearing in ALL of my dances!

This whole time I see that RT is practicing drills of some kind... interesting... it's nice to see that they practice some of the same stuff we as students get assigned...but of course it looks a million times better. Also interesting that he's doing a very good job of looking like he's not watching my lesson... I loose my mind when I'm being watched... well no... when RT watches it's more like studying... I don't like being studied...by him or anyone. My internal alarms went off once or twice...but since I enjoy my time with Largo... I tried to block them out.

We then did some Hustle... where guess what? Largo kept having me spin to the LEFT... and you know what? With a little more work I may actually get control over that! Imagine...me an Ambi-turner! (Similar to those that are Ambidextrous = a person that can use both hands with equal skill.. An "Ambi-Turner" or "Ambi-Spinner" is one that can spin in both directions with equal skill. No, it's not a technical term...)

Largo and I also did a little Salsa... you know...just to make the lesson perfect. I was pretty worn out... we really worked on those Cha Cha and Rumba steps...but I'm always up for some Salsa....

I had another lesson right after with RT.. I didn't want to be worn out for that! My lesson with Largo ended with a hug...and I called "Shift Change!" A quick 5 minute break and RT was ready to go.

RT leads me over to the Music Machine... and asks "So what did you work on?"
My gut said You know what we worked on...you were in the same room... I know you saw.

But that's not a very nice way to start a lesson... so I sad... "Ummm... Cha cha, Rumba, a little Salsa...."

"No swing?" He asks.

"No.. as a matter of fact we didn't do swing."

"Ok... Swing."

Off we went.. my kind of tired self...became my very tired self pretty quickly.... AND RT brought back the swivel step in the swing... Seriously... swivels are EVERYWHERE! RT did get a couple of good double spins out of me... (I can do some rough doubles with the lead... can't do them in a free spin...yet.)

"Are you tired??" RT asks..."Need some water?"

In my mind...a water break during a lesson is tantamount to my admitting defeat...I have not taken a water break during a lesson since I couldn't make it through a whole lesson way back at the beginning.

"No, I don't need water...I'm just a little winded."

"A little winded huh..." RT says... He knows I'm getting pretty tired... he knows I won't admit it either... but we finished the swing.

"Ok Rumba..." he says.

So he starts leading... I'm so not paying attention... and when I do that in Rumba I can't tell if it's a Rumba or a Bolero... so I question it... "Wait...Bolero?...what are we doing?"

Whoops.

A suddenly excited RT says "Oh, you want to Bolero... ok!"

"Nope didn't say that." I retort.

"Why not?" He seriously wants to know...

"Because it's like Waltz...and it's really hard to get right...and I don't feel at ALL graceful when I do it." Is my response... although RT stopped listening at some point I think... so I say *sigh* "Ok Bolero... Wait... are we doing the pushing way or the stepping way?"

"Stepping." RT says as he begins the lead...

"Alright..." I follow.

Bolero is like working out... I hate the idea of it... I hate the concept of it... I hate that it's compared to other things I don't like... but when I'm actually doing it... it doesn't feel quite as bad as all the build up in my head... It's still not my favorite...will probably never be my favorite... but maybe...just maybe... I'll add it to my list of known dances.... and I know the control I can develop if I learn it would be very valuable...

After some armless Bolero...which is just all kinds of wrong... I finally got my arms into it...although not very well.... but Bolero does kinda feel pretty when you get your arms into it.

We then moved on to Rumba... did a couple of steps... and RT lead me into the Rumba swivels I JUST learned with Largo...

"UGH! You were watching! You fink! I knew it!" I quietly exclaim. RT just smiles...

So I swiveled...then went over practices for me to swivel at home...then went back to Rumba on the dance floor... where I was promptly presented with RT's ear, while he watched my footwork in the mirror...

"You know it's very difficult to Rumba with your ear." I tell him... my way of trying to get his attention off my footwork... it never works.. I don't know why I bother trying. Although I have to admit... dancing with his ear is preferable to dancing with the top of his head while he looks down at my footwork.

"Ok... it's when you step forward.... Because I'm trying to see your footwork."

Then he sent me through my paces about dragging my toe or "tracking" my toe on the floor as I take my steps forward... I can prove that I've done it... I've done it enough to wear little spots on the tops of my shoes... which I promptly showed him.

"Ok so do it all the time." He tells me...

For which I have no response, because I'm sick of him being right all the time... which only causes him to smile... and makes me do whatever I've been told... at least for the remainder of the lesson.

We finished Rumba and moved on to Cha Cha... where I was immediately worn out again... but refused to admit it...again... I kept tripping over my own feet... then...after I started to rally... I started to really notice the difference between Largo and RT's leading styles! I had just done the same steps with Largo ....and now I was doing them with RT...but it felt like a completely different dance... I just started laughing!

Which of course I then had to explain... and received an explanation for why...and we moved into Salsa...

Which was absolutely mandatory for my birthday lesson!... We did more of the Miami Special... which still isn't right but I seem to have maintained more of the timing now... and some other arm loopy, cross body leading, spinning one way and then the other kind of stuff... it was a blast like always!

All I wanted for my birthday was to dance... and I was really glad that I did... Still got homework assigned...and I still have a long way to go before I'm back to the level I was at before that silly Holiday break...but this is one time I didn't have to be careful what I asked for... I got all I wanted and more.

At one point during my lessons... (I can't remember which pro I was dancing with) Jesse DeSoto came up to me wished me a Happy Birthday and then gently squeezed my elbow, and one of my knees... like he was testing them for something.

"What are you doing?" I inquire.

"Just testing to see if things are still holding together, you know I'm fast coming up on 30 myself, and I just wanted to make sure that things just don't fall apart once 30 hits." He laughs.

"Nope, everything is the same as it was yesterday." I smile back at him.

"Ok...just checking." and he returned to whatever he had been doing previously... Silly man...trying to rub in the fact that I'm 30...when I'm pleased as punch to be out of my 20's.

The day then continued with me relaxing at home, a nice quiet dinner with my parents, and then the Monday night group classes that I try and ALWAYS be in attendance for...

I'm really glad I made it to 30. The future is gonna be good!

.....And We're Back! This Week In Dance....

I'm Baaaaack! Back on the dance floor that is...and all that much happier for it! I was really worried... I was terrible over the winter break from the studio... I technically didn't practice at all... work outs were nil... I just got back on the scale to see the damage I did... not too terrible. However, I knew my stamina wasn't going to be half of what it was at for my last lesson. Keep in mind that because of my trip to Alaska my last lesson was actually the second week of December, then I danced at that party...which does count as a work out...so the last time I danced was way too long ago!

Monday got here and I had Social Latin as taught by RT... Oh, My, God.... my legs felt like over stretched rubber bands about 10 minutes in! I felt like a total beginner.... RT would call the steps we were to follow and I actually had to think about them before I tried them. I've been attending this class nearly EVERY Monday night...and the steps haven't changed much... I was having a hard time remembering them!!! I survived though, and my legs did work themselves out by the end, but I was out of breath... I'm pretty sure my face got red...It was bad news all around.

Taking time off of dancing was the WORST idea ever conceived by man. It's my own fault really... if I were more disciplined I could have at least worked out....but the way my mind works for this whole getting in shape thing... if there is no dancing to report to...there is no motivation for improvement... NONE...at all. I'll have to work on that.

After Social Latin is the International class as taught by Largo... (I love Monday nights). This night though we had a guest teacher because Largo was delayed in getting back from his winter vacation. So we had HFC, she normally teaches a very VERY good technique class, but as she has also competed in the International Ballroom styles with great success, she would be a very appropriate substitute. She decided we should work on Quickstep.... Well...what I can tell you about Quickstep is... I don't get it... I can't move that fast...nor can I get a dance that I've never actually danced with anyone before... I came to the very fast conclusion that I was just not meant to dance on my own... After Quickstep we worked on some International Rumba, but it was funny because the whole class was doing the steps...but to the timing of American Rumba... HFC found that very amusing, and decided that since she couldn't get us to change...she let it go and focused on technique.

Oh it felt good to be back! I could feel it coming back to me...and I could feel how far I'd fallen... but it won't be long before I'll be better than I ever was!

TNT's Ballroom Workout was on Tuesday... I survived that... and managed to remember all the steps.

Thursday was a big day.... on Thursday I had a lesson with Largo... and three group classes all back to back.

My lesson with Largo was a true test of what I had remembered... we started with Salsa... and I couldn't follow anything.... but I could still spin. Then we went into Rumba, which I actually remembered the most... I even landed a step I had always screwed up in the past! Largo was tired to... he had just gotten back from his trip the night before and he was SO tired...but being the trooper that he is we kept going. After Rumba was Cha Cha... where I was plainly asked why I can do some spins and not others... I don't have an answer for that. I'll have to work on it in earnest.

After a long Cha Cha bit we worked on Hustle...and again I had trouble following...but I recovered. Until Largo tried to pull a lead on me that had me spinning LEFT as fast as I usually go to the right...

"I CAN NOT SPIN TO THE LEFT!" I yell at him after failing that move.

"What is it with you? (mimics me) 'I can't...I can't... I can't...' Yes you can." He replies...

"No, I seriously can't spin to the left, it's not only my non dominant side... I doubt my body would miss it much if it weren't there." I state much more calmly.

What does that do? That makes Largo pull that move on me like a dozen more times! UGH! I didn't even know there were leads like that in Hustle! I did the step slowly a couple of times... I have a feeling we'll be working on it again...and again... and again... in the future.

After Hustle we move on to East Coast Swing... it was a very relaxing kind of swing.... we were dancing to the beat Largo had in his head...which was just nice... and we worked on some of the more advanced steps and spins that I already know. We finished with a high five and a big hug.

The evening then was a blur of HFC's technique, Largo's International, and TNT's work out...which I didn't actually make it all the way through... my hips were killing me, my toes felt like razors were slicing through them, and then my lower back just flipped out. So I quit...which I NEVER do... before it got so bad I'd fall over.

*Sigh*
It's good to be back....

My 29th Year is Coming to a Close...

Well a new year is upon us… Happy 2009 everyone! May it bring all you desire and more!

This time of year for me is time for big reflection… This year probably a little more than most… as I had stated last year, January 1 is absolutely a day to start things anew…but for me… being that my birthday is just after I consider my birthday my day to start fresh.

Am I the only one that is surprised every year when I hit my birthday?? Seriously, am I the only one that is mildly shocked that I survived another year? This past year was better than most, but not as good as the one prior. This year is a big goodbye for me… actually kind of a happy one… this year I say good bye to my 20’s and welcome my 30’s.

Wow, 30… That’s a number I never thought I’d see! I don’t know why… but I just never thought I’d be here… much less be as generally happy as I am. Sure the end of 2008/my 29^th year was a rough… and I’m still working through a lot of that… but it has subsided from a raging pain, to more of a dull ache. Of course, I still have my dancing to keep me sane.

So let’s review… during my 29^th year I:

Did manage to lose some weight, but only a mere fraction of the year before…still we’ll call that a plus.

Did maintain my dancing, even improved in some areas, but due to my own lack of discipline I didn’t progress as far as I would have liked.

Did change jobs, which was a major goal of mine… I got the pay increase I wanted, and have started on some new adventures in a whole new field.

Did start the writing projects I wanted to… although none of them are finished… progress has been made, but considering I never thought of myself as a writer, I’m pleased.

I won’t be focusing on what I didn’t do… as that could trigger some serious depression and we just don’t want to go there.

In my 30^th year I hope to:

Start back on getting some major weight loss done… if all goes as planned I’ll be at my target weight by this time next year.

Improve in my dancing, and would really like to become more of a dancer…instead of merely “dabbling” in dance, which means practice more…because more frequent lessons simply aren’t in the budget.

Become successful in my job, which will happen if I continue to remain disciplined on the tasks they give me.

Finish at least 2 of my 4 writing projects and begin looking for publishers.

Work on expanding my social circles… meeting new people shouldn’t be as terrifying as I seem to think it is… and it would be nice to have some fresh perspectives in my life.

Wow... 30... really? Seriously???

Dancing on Top of the World!

....Or at least as geographically close to the top of the world as I will probably get!

Welcome to one of my best dance adventures yet! The new job I started back in June requires that I travel around the country to train clients. Well, I haven't done much traveling until recently when our client up in Anchorage Alaska of all places needed some refresher training. I decided to use the opportunity to see what kind of dancing happens in other parts of the country. I'm hoping to be able to do this in most areas of the country I travel to... but this one was especially important... come on it's ALASKA!!!

I started trying to contact the Fred Astaire in Anchorage a few weeks before I left... sadly they didn't return my calls, but I can be rather persistent when it comes to things that are important to me... such as dancing. I also looked about for any Salsa that might be had... I may have found one club, but my work schedule wouldn't permit me to do something like that (reporting to work at 7:30 am when your body has NO IDEA what time it is limits one's social opportunities). Alaska is 3 hours behind Chicago time so it makes the whole figuring out business hours when calling a little math intensive, so I decided to try and call the Fred Astaire once I actually arrived in Anchorage.

What luck! I got a very nice gentleman on the phone Monday night... my original goal was to try and have a pick up lesson of sorts with one of their instructors. I didn't even think that they would have a party of any sort as I was only in town from Monday night to Friday morning. When I spoke with him he stated that they only had the one teacher right now, and that a lesson wouldn't be possible. He then asked me to call back when the manager was available (in about an hour) so I did. I spoke to a lovely sounding gal who let me know the particulars. She confirmed that I wouldn't be able to have a lesson, but that they were having a practice party from 8-9pm on that Thursday night. She too sounded a bit anxious about my attending the party. I knew exactly how to solve that problem!

"I know, I dance at Fred Astaire Chicago North... Top Studio and all that, but seriously I'm not one of their competitive students or anything... I can prove it.. I dance ballroom in jazz shoes. My whole goal with dancing is self improvement and to get on as many dance floors as I can!"

I was advised that most of the students would be newer and hadn't been taking lessons as long as I have... which I was actually excited about.

"No worries," I tell her "Newbies are my specialty! I'd love to attend!"

Instantly all the apprehension was gone from her voice and I got all the particulars for the party. YEA!!! Something to look forward to, which actually ended up being perfect because my work week was one of the most stressful I've ever had.

Thursday night rolled around and it was my most stressful work day yet... 10 hours, no lunch, late back to the hotel... just enough time to grab a quick snack and change. I arrived at the studio a bit early, in time to catch the tail end of a beginner group class of about 12 people, all couples from what I could tell, and they were learning Night Club Two Step. They were so adorable! I personally didn't know this dance so I was watching to see if I'd be able to follow it ok... it seemed pretty straight forward. It got me to thinking though... if this studio was doing Night Club Two Step...what other social dances were they learning that I didn't even know!

I took a moment to absorb my surroundings... the studio had a very classroom feel to it. The dance floor was about the same size as my home studio, they had one mirror, and another that appeared to be set up for picture taking, rather than the wood floor that I'm more accustomed to they had a tile floor that was the same type you'd find in a grade school... I quickly tested the friction with my shoes, this wasn't going to go well at all if I was going to be sticking for the whole party! Not that I even expected to dance much, I know how this works... new person to an established social group, I'd be lucky to get one or two dances in. Still I was glad to be in a dance studio I instantly felt less stressed than I was earlier that day.

I had run to the washroom and then to chat with the gentleman I had spoken to on the phone while class was wrapping up. Upon my return the class was writing what they had learned into their dance binders. (Another new observation for me, as my instructors are the only two that have ever written in my binder). I was in the process of moving my belongings from being in a student's way when the instructor/manager stopped me.

"No don't run away now!" She stated excitedly!

"No... I wasn't... I just....I wanted to move my... (she hangs on to my arm)..ok I'm not going anywhere then." I was a little embarrassed that she was making an example out of me in front of everyone... I really didn't know what to expect!

"Everyone, this is Kat." She announces "She dances at a Fred Astaire in Chicago, so see when you all travel you can look to see if there is a Fred Astaire in the area and call to see if you can dance there. Now she's been taking lessons for a while..but don't be afraid to ask her to dance." This gal is still hanging on to my arm and I realize that the whole class is suddenly very keyed into what I have to say.

So I follow up with "Hi everyone! Yes, I've been dancing for a while, but I have to be honest...I've never done that two-step ya'll were learning...so I'm excited to see if I can follow that!"

Oh dear oh dear! Where I was hoping I could blend into the crowd, I was instead made an example of... here we go... not only am I representing myself, but I'm now representing my studio... and in fact helping everyone here develop an opinion about ballroom dancers from Chicago too! No pressure...

The instructor then turned on the party lights, which was dimmed lighting and a disco ball... cool! Our studio doesn't have a disco ball! The gentleman from behind the desk had put on some dance shoes and turns out he's one of the more advanced students! He picked me up first for a Fox Trot... ok.. that's pretty much the same everywhere you go so we did that... I think he was maybe used to leading the gals that knew a certain pattern because I missed some of his leads, and they don't do the same types of steps I had learned...maybe Fred Astaire has a separate syllabus for studios that do social dancing exclusively. I didn't know... I was just happy to dance.

Then there was Waltz...that was VERY different... where I'm used to the basic box getting us around the floor, here they primarily keep in place and use a specific step, that I've never been very good at, to travel around the floor... it took me a second, but I got the hang of it!

And then we hit the scary part of the evening... Night Club Two-Step... I was shown and thankfully could follow...I even managed to pick up timing on the turns without any help! RT and Largo would have been proud. I don't usually pick up on stuff that fast, but I guess when I'm forced to be left up to my own learning devices I'm not such a slow learner for the basic stuff!

Following Night Club Two-step was Country Two-Step...which I had done before, but it's been more than a year, so I tried to pick up on that... basic went ok... turns were a little harder...they have to be QUICK! And the more advanced student who was kind enough to walk me through this stuff was pulling some more advanced, but followable stuff... I would get almost to the end of the sequence and even I was almost convinced I had it right...and THEN I would screw it all up. But it was so much fun!

They also played some East Coast Swing... here's where I became the knowledgeable one... I can swing with just about anyone and back lead into two or three steps that really make the newer leaders feel pretty good about their dancing. I loved that! I had one leader in particular that was very interested in what he was supposed to do during all of my back leading, so I told him "Just keep your triple step and your rock step going, I only know how to back lead the steps where I do all the work!" He found that very amusing.

Third new to me dance was Polka... uh oh... I remember MSU telling me it was easy a long time ago... just triple step, no rock step...but I'd never actually done it before! Thankfully MSU was right...and Polka is easy, I'm really glad I can say that I know how to do it now!

I tried to get pictures of folks dancing, I did... I must have picked up my camera half a dozen times trying to get some shots of the students doing their thing, and as soon as I'd have it turned on another gentleman would ask me for a dance. WAY too much fun!! Not to mention EXACTLY what I needed, without that I would have had no stress relief from my week before my long flight home!

After the party I was talking with some of the students and explained my personal reasons for dancing, and why I thought it so important to look them up so I could try and see about other studios and the more variety to my dancing the better I get! Not to mention that the happiest people I've ever met are on a dance floor!

Thank you Fred Astaire Anchorage for a lovely time! If you're ever in my neck of the woods be sure to let me know!

Lessons before the Holiday...

Well it feels like forever since my last set of lessons! This was the second week of December. I had two lessons scheduled because I would be out for work the following week (which I will explain later).

First lesson up that week was with Largo... We worked on Cha Cha, Rumba, and a lot of Salsa. It was perfect.

I was accused of spinning on my heels... when I was trying to get a spin done on time in Cha Cha.
I did the spin and Largo watched...
"Ah ha! I know why... you spin on your heel."
I immediately retort "I do NOT spin on my heels! I have never spun on my heels ever!"

"You do.. I just SAW IT!"

"I don't care what you think you saw... I do not spin on my heels!"

(What I like about arguing with Largo is he gets in my face as much as I get into his....makes for some fun)

So after I am so passionately denying the spinning on my heels... Largo backs down and more calmly states.. "Ok...well maybe your whole foot."

"Ok..that's better, I will admit to spinning on my whole foot." We're both back to normal calm tones now.

Then Largo says "Don't... Spin on [the] front part of your foot...not whole."

Which immediately brings to my mind all the many many hours I've spent trying not to pop up on my toes to spin... and now I'm being told to spin on the ball of my foot... UGH! Rather than start a whole other argument of which I'm sure I'll lose.. I just make a mental note to try and spin on the balls of my feet without actually popping up. I tried it... and what do you know? Largo was right it is easier to finish that spin on time when I keep my weight more forward. Grrr... I hate it when my teachers are right... well more accurately I hate it when I'm so blatantly wrong.

Later in the lesson when we were working on Salsa, Largo leads me into swivels... I still hate swivels... my mid-section still feels too much like a bowl full of jelly during swivels... I tell Largo that I don't like them.
He stops me and just gives me that "you've got to be kidding" look and says "You hate everything."

I respond... "No not everything... I only really hate the spinnie Cha Cha move and Swivels in any dance...the rest of it I can live with...hey I do them anyway don't I? Sure it comes with a dirty look and some comments...but I still do them!"

Fast forward to my next Salsa with him and it's almost ALL swivels! I'm still following... and I've shut up...but I'm certainly not smiling...and Largo is getting way to big a kick out of my dirty looks...and then we dance right past RT who is practicing something with another pro. He watches...I see him smiling (he above all knows how much I can't stand swivels) I shout over my shoulder right before a fast spin... "I'm being tortured with swivels today!!" I spin and we've stopped because RT wants to give Largo a high five.

Then Largo comes right back to me and I state so both instructors can hear. "Oh good, my instructors are conspiring against me!!"

To which Largo gets a concerned look on his face and says "No! It's not true!"

I certainly didn't expect that response...so I put my hands on Largo's shoulders... "Look, at some point you're going to have to remember that only half of what I say is supposed to be real." For which his response is a smile... and more Salsa.

It was a good lesson... we had fun, poked some fun at each other... and I'm learning how to speed up my dancing, from my instructor that can move his feet faster than the human eye can see. I figure that's a good source.

Second Lesson... RT and his Sombrero

So my last lesson that week with RT was interesting... the staff had been doing themed days all week... on this particular day I see RT with a Sombrero, two pairs of shorts, mismatched socks in patent leather smooth shoes, two or three shirts of varying styles and a tie that didn't match anything else on his body. Hmmm... ok.. so I ask... "What's today's theme?"

"Mismatch" RT tells me...

I give him the once over...just to be sure I've seen it all... "Good job." I tell him.

We started my lesson with a very fast Rumba to a very Mexican Restaurant style song... it's only appropriate with him in the Sombrero and all... I'm looking at him, trying desperately not to totally laugh.

"Ok seriously the hat has to go." I tell him.

"No, I've had it on all day... for all of my lessons." He says.

Alright no losing the hat... this is going to be very distracting.... Largo is also on the floor for one of his lessons...he decides he doesn't like the song that's on, and starts laughing that RT and I are attempting to Rumba to it. Largo puts on a very techno sounding Hustle, I shout a "Thank you." over my shoulder when the music changes and RT and I start a very quick Hustle. Let me tell you... trying to accomplish any of the steps that have my arm anywhere near his head was proving to be difficult, but he had that Sombrero tied on so tight it wasn't going anywhere!

After the Hustle we moved into an actual Rumba... well a slow one anyway... which then suddenly became one of my first lessons in Bolero in a LONG time. Surprisingly, while I know my Bolero looks like trash, I am having a pretty easy time following. I've learned Bolero two different ways... one involves pushing the unweighted foot forwards or backwards rather than actually stepping, the second is actually stepping forwards or back. (Bolero is the same pattern as International Rumba, but I believe it's done slower.) RT likes Bolero a lot... which is why he every so often likes to teach me some of it. This time he was leading the stepping version because he knows I have an easier time with it.

My main issue with Bolero is that it's very hard on the knees... and I still pop up too fast after these grand sweeping steps we're taking. Which I was able to correct a little.... two things I don't like about dancing... staying low on my knees and taking my feet out from under me...both of which basically define Bolero. But we worked on it... and I think my arm styling was pretty reasonable...considering I don't tend to do a lot of that anyway... I admit that it felt like my most graceful Bolero ever. After Bolero ended and RT was reasonably pleased with my progress we moved on to Salsa...

We moved on to Salsa because of the Sombrero... RT was very keen on keeping the theme... which I thought was hysterical. So we did some Salsa, which I'm always more than happy to do... we worked on the "Miami Special"... again. This is one of the steps from the new FADS Salsa syllabus, we've worked on it a lot...and I have practiced it on my own..but there is something about doing it with a partner..when our arms are connected and I'm trying to keep in time with the music..that nearly always screws me up. I can do it just fine slow...but as soon as we speed it up I get all kinds of sloppy. Per usual after working on it again... I did improve some... but we'll see if I can maintain it.

Then it became Cha Cha time... RT has now decided that I should learn the "Social Bronze" portion of the syllabus that was implemented long after I passed that stage. They are short relatively easy to remember, but hard to just plain follow steps. In my opinion anyway... we covered three of four of them and I asked him why we were covering this.

"Because when we get your routine you will need to know these elements." He states.

Oh! right... I almost forgot! Well I didn't forget, but I haven't even thought about the routine I am getting... mainly because I haven't decided on a choreographer yet. It's nice to know that RT hasn't forgotten though. It will be a Cha Cha, which is why I'm learning Cha Cha Social Bronze. RT then suggested a Choreographer, that I totally shot down because I was not impressed with the group class he taught last time he was in. Sorry...this is my one and only routine... it has to be as perfect as it can be...and I didn't have much faith in the Choreographer that was suggested.

I'll have to work on that Social Bronze stuff some more.... I can see how it would look pretty cool... but whatever I was learning is just not followable... which is ok for a Choreographed piece... just not for regular dancing. I'll get back to the drawing board on that for my next lesson.

All in all it was one of my better RT lessons... learning and fun... just the way I like it. (Plus Largo was trying to peek and make faces at me around RT's sombrero which was too funny for words.)

Happy Holidays

To all my readers everywhere, I am wishing you a holiday season full of peace, love, and dancing!



No matter what you celebrate or how, remember it's the taking time out to be with the ones you care about that counts the most.

Snow Day!

Hi all! I'm back into the swing of things for my normal posting... for a while anyway... I hope this post finds you all doing well.

So let's back up a bit to the studio's Winter Festival Snow day! We ventured out to Alder Park for some Sledding, a Bags tournament, Karaoke, and some good food. It was a great time to just hang with studio folks outside of a dance event. Fun was had by all!

RT inflating sleds in preparation for the fun!

We were lucky to have this much snow this early in December!

Practicing for the Bags Tourney!

More Practicing... two of the more competitive people I know at the Studio... Largo, and Jem!

Winter activities sure can make you hungry!


Jesse and TSD checking out the prize catalog... 1st place for the Tournament is a gift certificate to Omaha Steaks! Jesse couldn't keep his nose out of the catalog! LOL!!

KIT treating us to a holiday song (this girl has one heck of a set of lungs on her, she's great!)

STP and TSD performing their best rendition of Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby"

Update Pending

Hi gang... I know you all look to me for an update about once a week at least... I just wanted to let you know I haven't forgotten!!! I have a lot to do this week that can't include writing... I have to update you on Snow Day with the studio and a lesson with both Largo and RT... as well as a party or two that haven't even happened yet! I'll get to it I promise! Just be patient while I get through the next few days... Thanks! ~ Kat

My Inspiration... A Few Notes From My Readers...

I can't help it... Winter is an emotional time for me... I often get off track and start putting weight back on like I'm a bear preparing for hibernation... However, while dancing itself, RT and even my new instructor Largo are my main sources for my drive to improve... another source has been a constant... My readers. You guys are truly AWESOME and completely INSPIRING to me! I have reached a point where I can't not share... I can't not share the highlights from some of my favorite e-mails. Per the rules... all identifying information has been removed or changed.

Please join me in celebrating and thanking these ladies for being strong beautiful role models in their own rights!!

"Wow - you are so inspirational to me! I've been taking dance lessons for about three years now, and I wish I could say that I've lost weight - but I'm going in the opposite direction and dancing is becoming harder and harder for me. Part of the problem is that I tend to hold my breath - still when you're dragging around [all this weight], it's no surprise that I can't breathe!

Right now I'm struggling with the spiral turn - as you mentioned, at the end of some cuban walks. I can't seem to make it all the way around - but I'm trying to practice here at home.

Have you succeeded?

Well, you probably wrote about the spiral turn a while back and are no doubt an expert at it now. I just wanted to say that I was excited to find your blog, and I'm saving it as a favorite so I can live vicariously through your weight loss and dancing success."

"I have to say that I've been thinking a lot lately about what you've accomplished. Last night I went to an informational meeting at the local hospital on gastric bypass surgery. It's not for me - that's for sure - but I've never gotten this desperate before - never to the point where I've even considered it. Pretty scary to be in a room with all of those people who've reached the ends of their ropes - I haven't yet - and I think the reason for that is knowing what you did and how far you've come. I need to continue to read your blog and take that as inspiration. It was really a stroke of good fortune that I happened upon it - because even though I haven't made the right changes in my life yet - you did it, and I hope that means I can do it, too.

What about you? Did you get a lot of positive feedback on the magazine article? I took it to my dance studio, and they have it posted on the bulletin board. Everyone is so impressed - and it's just very cool!"

"I just wanted to let you know how much I like your blog.

When I was fourteen, I did one dancing class, and absolutely hated it. I was too clumsy, too tall, too slow, too……. Whatever.

From that time, I have always avoided to do any ballroom dancing, until very recently. Now I am 41, an absolute beginner, but I love love love ballroom dancing, and fully understand why you said that it has changed your life. I can feel the changes creeping into my life already – after only six lessons.

Here in Germany they teach some different dances, for instance now East Coast/West Coast dances, but there are also many similarities. Last night we learned the basic rumba steps, and that went surprisingly well, so today is a good day ;-))

Your blog is in my favourites folder, and I regularly come back to see how you are doing, and learning a lot from your experiences/words.

Thank you."

"I have started to incorporate eating healthy. My
kids are mostly fine with it, my husband is the one who is having most
problem with it but he is adjusting. I'm trying to think of lots of
activities that involve my whole family. I live in Las Vegas NV so we
have been doing alot of hiking on trails in Mt. Charleston and Red Rock
Canyon. My five year old loves it. My two year old loves it also but
she is kind of prone to falling down so she does have a few scrapes.
She does have fun though. You are truly an inspiration to me!
Thank you."

"I found your blog a couple of weeks ago while looking desperately online to find someone I could relate to as I started my journey to become a ballroom dancer! I just started dancing a few months ago here in Nashville.

I too, am starting this journey with a LOT of weight to lose. I'm down 40 pounds from a high last year. I've been heavy my whole life and am just starting to realize that I've always dreamed of being a dancer - but had NEVER allowed myself to even remotely entertain the thought that it was possible. I started out lessons with my husband, thinking it would be nice for us to do together - he cooperated, but it wasn't his thing...but I fell in LOVE. I've been taking individual lessons with my teacher now since mid-September.

Thank you SO much for putting yourself out there online - it has helped me tremendously to see that this can absolutely be a road to a healthier and happier me - because you are doing it so well!"

"I am inspired by your courage to take lessons where the focus is on the body--dancing. I love ice dancing and ballroom dancing, but don't have a sense of musicality, so two or three left feet, plus the body image is in the way.

I always imagine that someday I will take lessons and dance, but am too intimidated to do that with my size.

Thanks for writing your blog."

"Girl, you are an inspiration!

I found your blog yesterday by accident, after having a particularly rough day at my ballroom lesson (he's teaching me new steps & I feel like a bumbling dinosaur), and prior to the lesson having passed on to me the unasked for opinion of a former ballroom dancer who is totally sour on the entire industry.

I was actually thinking of stopping, but your blog made me remember why I started doing this (in May) & how far I've come, on the outside and the inside. Made me more determined to keep negative people out of my life - isn't there always someone ready to rain on a good parade?

Keep dancing, Miss Kitty, and keep on blogging.

P.S.: Your pictures - are gorgeous. You absolutely glow."

I read these, and others like them a lot (all 1,477 of them so far)... and they make me laugh, sometimes shed the occasional tear... and absolutely know that I have to continue... this journey not only means the world to me... but it seems I'm bringing a few folks with me! Hey the more the merrier!

From the bottom of my heart, with the greatest of sincerity... if I could reach through the internet and hug you all I would... THANK YOU!!! You have no idea how inspirational you each have become to me... Always let me know how you're doing... I respond to all e-mails...keep reading... together we can improve ourselves... and above all... HAPPY DANCING and HAPPY LIFE!!!

With Much Appreciation and Love,
Kat