My Routine... Great Practice... Not Getting Set Back

Ok... quick update here... the closer we get to this actually happening...the fewer the details I really want to let out.

Had a PHENOMENAL rehearsal! We ironed like everything out, broke the routine up into parts so it's easier for me to practice at home... changed a few things around, that I love... and you'd never believe it...it's starting to feel like something! Still don't have that "on" feeling yet... but we're getting there!

What I will tell you is that there were two points where I said "Owww." during the practice... nothing major... just a twinge... kept going...I can't even remember exactly where...just that I know I said it twice... I was in my jazz shoes, not my ballroom shoes... only because I can't concentrate on both working in the shoes with heels and hammering out choreography. Anyway... the next day I wake up to a really solid ache in my right ankle... EXACTLY like what happened in my left ankle last summer.

SO Here's the plan... last summer I waited until my ankle got REALLY bad before I started treatment... it also kept me off the floor for two weeks (yeah I know it should have been six...but all is well). THIS time... I will NOT be stopping.. or cutting back... in fact I'm more determined and inspired than ever.... (which I will write about in a bit) but I AM keeping it in a brace when not dancing, and iced/elevated when possible. All of this is in addition to the anti-inflammatory regimen I was on last time.

Listen... there is NO WAY - NO POSSIBLE WAY I am going to keep myself from the EXCELLENT momentum I am on... I'll handle my business... and I may vent some complaints about it along the way... but I have been really inspired lately... and I'm not losing hold of that. Sitting on my couch with my ankle in the air waiting for it to heal when, aside from my ankle, I'm probably the strongest I've ever been... I can't let that go....

Lesson with Largo- Rumba, Rumba, Cha, Rumba, Salsa

My last couple of lessons with Largo have been a ton of fun. As you can imagine with my new status of unemployment I've been living every day for searching for a job and heading into that dance studio. Largo has been very supportive and has even tried to come up with ideas for me to look for work. However, he has also remained the ever determined dance instructor determined to make sure I know my stuff.

We opened with Hustle, pretty much a start to every lesson with him as a warm up. Basically we stop as soon as I start smiling. Then we moved to Rumba because that was the music playing. We ran through every step I know and Largo even added a fun spin to the "12 step Cuban turn" I have yet to get the timing on this spin, but it's a lot of fun. I told him as much "Oh nice idea! I like the way that could look once I get it."

"Don't worry," he replies "you'll only do this step with me."

"No! I have to tell RT about it so I can practice it with both of you!" I retort.. I really like the idea of spinning once before I have to step back into frame.

Largo gets serious for a second... "No you can't tell RT!"

I was shocked... and as chance would have it I haven't told RT yet... but I will because that added bit is definitely cool... I want to see if RT can lead it too. Largo may be my teacher of almost a year, but I can still follow RT better than anyone else, so I have to know if I we can work that spin out.

"Ok.. I won't tell RT yet...but I will tell him at some point." I smile and we continue dancing.

We just kept working Rumba because that was the style of music playing... over and over always a Rumba. It was a while before we noticed it was actually the SAME song over and over... we had gotten busy working on my last to steps for the part of the syllabus I'm on... haven't really perfected those yet either... but the bonus is that at least I'm remembering them.

Largo then looks at me mid Rumba box and asks "What do you want to work on now?"

"I don't know...what do you have?" I usually like to have my instructors pick what I work on, I only request that we try and get at least a little Salsa into every lesson, even if it's just two or three minutes.

"Ummm... Cha Cha?" He says with a raised eyebrow and a grin...knowing I really can't turn that down either.

"Ok!" I smile back and we run over to the music machine to try and pick a cha cha song... enough with the Rumba already!

We are met by one of the other instructors who is about to re-start the same Rumba that we've been dancing to for at least half the lesson. Largo asks for a Cha Cha, and we are told that this instructor's student is working on a dance for a party, so they are going to play the song one more time. Largo and I both roll our eyes and Largo proceeds to lead me in Rumba directly in front of the music machine so no one can sneak in and take our chance at putting on a Cha Cha. I was giggling the entire time because I've never had to stake out the music machine before, it was endlessly amusing.

Once the Rumba was over we put on our Cha... and had at it... there are some steps in that Cha Cha syllabus that only Largo leads me through, and in my experience with him he's the only lead I don't spin quite fast enough for. It seems we're on a never ending quest to get certain spins within certain steps FASTER so that the step finishes better. I think I've only really gotten back to finish on time about 5 times in all the millions of times we've drilled these steps. Which really aggravates me because spinning in general is one of my strengths. I'll get it...probably in my next lesson.

We got the ONE Cha Cha song in and it was back to that Rumba song again. Largo and I couldn't believe it! I started laughing and Largo rolled his eyes... said something about Rumba again, and I thought because we had been dancing to the music all lesson we were going to go back to Rumba... so we're in frame... I start to Rumba, he starts to Cha... that didn't work out so well.

"Nooooo! You want to Rumba again???" He exclaims!

"Well, no Cha Cha is better, but I thought we were going to the music."

"No, Cha Cha." He states and we go again to the Cha Cha beat in his head.

"Help me out here man, I can't hear the beat that's going in your head!" I state while I'm having trouble picking up on his rhythm. He then started whispering "Cha cha" at the appropriate spots until I got it. Once I got one of my troubled spins once we moved on to... the dance I could do forever... Salsa!

So we danced Salsa a bit and then Largo started doing arm looping and at one point my head backed right into one of his arms.... well...that's not the way that's supposed to go!

"What are you trying to lead there? I'm not familiar with it." I tell him

"Oh, sorry... that's just my stuff." Largo says and tries to get back on syllabus.

"No, that's ok... what was that... I can learn it!" I tell him excitedly!

We then commenced in something Largo was actually trying to work out himself... it was a back to back...almost 5th positions...sort of... then double turn under his arm, so my head has to be ducked...no spotting...back to frame. Well I've never actually turned full speed with my head tucked chin to chest before.. I'd seen it...so I knew it could be done... but apparently I'm not nearly as good at spinning if I can't at least keep my head up. I got super dizzy!

"Oh... " Largo laughs "...sorry you're dizzy we'll stop."

"No.. I don't mind being dizzy...don't worry." All the while there are three Largo's in front of me, "Let's try it again."

So we did... and there is just something about that step he's working out that isn't working.... and I didn't exactly get the turns again either. So we walked through it one more time... and then it was time for the lesson to be over. I hugged him as I usually do and we commenced in a two minute argument about how he thinks that getting two inches cut off my very long very heavy hair is too much. I just told him to be thankful that I am not going to get the same haircut as him.

One thing about Largo... no one is ever uncertain of what he thinks about anything!

Like it or Not...I'm Embarking on a New Adventure

Last Monday, after just coming back from Alaska for the fourth time. I reported to the home office, I knew something was going on within the organization for some time, the office was just reeking with that vibe for the previous few weeks. Well, by 10:30am I was informed that I was being laid-off and that would be my last day with the organization.

How did I take the news? Well, really well. Which is my typical style when dealt with big news. I immediately take emotion out of the equation, and break down and analyze my situation. I got home, told a friend... took about two hours to allow myself to be overwhelmed. Sat back down at the computer, revised my resume, posted it. Showered, and went to the dance studio for my lesson. I've been working it day by day since then. Which is the only way to handle it.

I've never been without a job as an adult, so this is all new. Overall I'm still very level headed about it. I have moments of "I'd like a job now please." and moments of "Ok... now is the time to really work on everything that got put on the back burner....so let's get to it!"

So right now... my job is finding a job... in this economy that's not going to be terribly easy. Then there's the feeling that wants to make sure I don't get laid-off again. I'll be gainfully employed again... I have a very strong gut feeling that I won't be in this situation for long. I do have to tell you that all of my worlds have converged into one of the best and strongest support systems I've ever been a part of.

So happy thoughts are welcome... but don't worry about me... That which hasn't killed me yet, has only served to make me stronger. THIS certainly isn't going to be the end of me... perhaps it's even a new beginning. Let's not forget... I am Kat after all... I always land on my feet.

My Routine.. Two More Practices Down... Is This Really Going to Happen??

Well I've had two more Routine practices since my last update. We're getting up to tempo by the end of the practices, and there are very clearly spots where we're nailing everything and then spots where I clearly can't recall what's coming up. It's going to end up being a lot faster than I think I thought it was going to be. It's a Cha Cha... I don't know what on earth I was thinking, of course it's going to be faster! I desperately just want to book like three lessons back to back and take the time needed to just hammer all the finer points out...but that's not the way my dance world works. So I study, practice in my head a lot... and try to apply what I'm seeing in my head to the dance floor.

So far I think we're on track... RT says we are... but I'm not feeling it yet... I'll know it when I feel it... I'm looking for that "on" feeling, and I need to get it regularly with this Routine before I agree to get out there and do it in front of my whole world. Right now, performance date hinges on a couple of recent developments in addition to my actually sucking it up and letting us practice a few things I've held out on. I've also asked RT to work on an ending of some kind... Routines such as mine is designed to loop for competition reasons... for a performance we need a defined finish line. We'll see what he comes up with... perhaps it will end up being a collaboration.

I Get Spontaneous... My Visit to St. Louis Star Ball

Hi!! I'm back, I hope you didn't miss me too much! Thank you for all of your e-mails asking after me... A LOT has been going on, which I'll get to...but lets start back at the time I had taken my unexpected hiatus.

Back in March one of this region's more reputable ballroom competitions was underway... I had originally planned to attend, then decided not to. Until Friday March 13th at about 3pm, when I found myself searching online for airfare from Chicago to St. Louis. By 3:30 my flight and hotel room were booked and I was going to be AT the St. Louis Star Ball! I don't usually make spontaneous decisions like this... I knew a few people that were going to be in attendance, and I knew several pro couples that were going to be showing their stuff that Saturday night. I was very excited!

I didn't tell many people that I was going... just enough so that I'd be covered. I called my sister and told her of my plans. My sister, knowing my tendencies to over plan and never do anything of this nature, "What are you thinking?? It takes you 3 days to pack for anything, you'll never make it in time!!" - That statement still makes me giggle. Well it didn't take me three days, and I did manage to fit everything into carry on bags (one suitcase, one messenger bag). That one suitcase did contain, five possible outfit options for the next 24 hours... I know... but I had no idea what to expect for attire!

As with all things ballroom, competitions are a place to see and be seen. It reminds me of what Theatre used to be back in Shakespeare's day. So upon my arrival at aprox 2:30 Saturday afternoon I headed up to my room, unpacked, ironed, changed in to "daytime outfit 1" and headed down to get my tickets for the afternoon and evening sessions. In the process of making my ticket purchases, the gal behind the desk asked me if I was there with anyone...I said no, but I am a part of Fred Astaire Chicago if she wanted to seat me in their general area that would be fine. So my tickets were set... I knew I'd be near someone from my area, I just didn't know who.

While perusing all the dresses, baubles, and sparkly things that vendors had out on display I ran into the only other student that had decided to come from my home studio. We chatted for a bit, and I then wandered around the ballroom watching the pro/am dancing on the floor. The room was smaller than I had imagined, half of a large hotel ballroom, but definitely adequate and done up very nicely. While checking everything out, I happened to see Largo watching the floor. I approached his chair from behind, leaned over and said in his ear "So, are you gonna kick some butt tonight or what?"

He turned and was VERY surprised to see me... We talked for a bit, I had heard the previous night's results, so I asked about how he felt about it (he and TNT did quite well), he had some minor concerns over the condition of the floor, but overall he was in good spirits. I hugged him good bye and went about my own business. I don't like to bother the pros too terribly much if they are competing, I know each and every one has a process to prepare and I don't want to interrupt that. So I headed out to the lobby bar for a late lunch. On my way I ran into FAF, DWH, and HFC... I got to congratulate both FAF and HFC on their wins in Rising Star (FAF with TSD in American Smooth, and HFC with STP in American Rhythm). DWH and her partner CWS (still new to the competing world) were getting some of their strongest results too, and I was happy for that as well. After a brief chat I went and had my lunch... then wandered around the ballroom again where I saw some former FADS students who were there competing with their new pro. It's nice to know that they didn't stop dancing. Then it was upstairs for a short rest and preparing for the evening session.

Dinner was uneventful, I simply dined in the hotel restaurant... alone, which is my usual status when doing things...(wearing outfit #2 of 5) but a gal has got to eat before these comps start... the evening sessions can go on for a long time! After dinner I had about an hour to get all dressed (to my understanding semi-formal attire AKA outfit #3 of 5) for the evening of spectating. On my way back to the ballroom I ran into a friend from the Michigan Avenue studio, we chatted for a bit about the couple from his studio debuting in Theatre Arts, as well as another smooth couple from his studio (RTS and her partner in fact). It was going to be a fun evening for sure. Once we entered the ballroom the two of us hung around the entrance to see who we could run into and wish luck to, that and our seats were on opposite sides of the ballroom (which is good for shouting for the same couples, not very conversation friendly). We managed to see the Theatre Arts couple (I will have to get them nicknames, cuz I have a feeling I'll have reason to write about them more), and RTS with her partner and then it was time to find our seats. My seat was on the same side of the floor that the couples were entering the floor from.... so I got to see the rest of the pros from my studio as well as who the competition was. I found my seat with ease, to my surprise, I was directly in front of the other student from my studio, and RT!

Well if I can't watch RT dance and shout for whatever number is pinned to his back.... spectating with him is a reasonable consolation. We watched the Theatre Arts portion intently both wanting to hear great results for the couple from Michigan Avenue... they looked phenomenal! Their current routine is exactly what I think of when I think of the Theatre Arts division. We were rewarded.... for their first time ever competing in this style they came in SECOND! Wah Hoo!!! So happy for them! There was then a break for me... I was there to see the pros...and before the American Smooth starts they have the pro/am gold level scholarship stuff...which is nice..but I don't know anyone in that field at this time...and didn't feel like watching the dancing thinking "Yep, can't do that yet.... nope not that either." which is often what runs through my head when I watch pro/am stuff. So I left the ballroom for a bit and headed for the lobby bar, chatted with my friend from Michigan Avenue about how proud we are, and then before we knew it, it was time to head back into the ballroom.

American Smooth went great...KIT actually had a seat in the same section as well and joined us... everyone looked fantastic on the floor! I'm very proud of RTS and her partner as well as FAF and TSD of course!!! Rhythm was a tough one for me... I knew several couples on the floor, and this was the first time I'd ever seen Jackie Josephs compete. She's got that it factor...which you wouldn't know from talking to her... you can see it in some of the pictures floating around of her dancing with Jesse DeSoto... but to see it live on the floor... yeah that was a treat. Of course Largo was out there too with TNT, and HFC with STP, AND CWS with DWH... ACK!!! Every time I went to open my mouth to shout for a couple... I got hung up on what/who to shout for! I looked at KIT and I just said "Ok..that's it... there's too many of them! I'm going to stick with my pro." KIT glanced up at RT who was standing on my other side (she and I were seated). I looked at her again and said "Well I've got the two now!" and I preceded to shout for Largo and TNT for the rest of the night.

At some point RT and I were getting antsy.... watching dancing for so many hours, when you also know how to dance can be very hard. (He'll get out on the comp floor... he's assured me as such... it's just a matter of when) Rules being what they are, and instructor and student can't dance at a non FADS event...(special exceptions might be made, this wasn't one of them) it's silly I know.. but it's a rule... so because it's not an option... I don't think about dancing with him.... there was a Salsa/Mambo that came on... I don't even remember if it was part of the pro heats or a general dance... I was chatting with RTS and her partner about this and that... I do know that I always make note of any Salsa that comes on... Well RT started bopping around in his chair next to me... he took my hand and says "Chair Salsa!" I just start laughing...and moving my feet with his then suddenly he pulls me... but I've got my purse on my lap and I wasn't prepared... along with the tug I hear "Cross body lead!" HAHA! He wanted me to switch sides! I unfortunately wasn't that quick thinking...but I thought the whole Chair Salsa thing was very funny. Attempt at chair dancing over... We then went to the opposite corner of the ballroom with RTS to help her pick out some photos that the pro photographer had taken.... we all agreed that she needed to get at least one shot of her first Independent Competition. After offering my input (there were some very nice shots!) I went closer to the floor to shout for Largo and TNT a few more times. (The Rhythm portion had a quarter final, a semi-final, and the final... and by the time we hit the finals I still had three couples from FADS BG on the floor!)

I gotta be honest... FADS BG in particular... dominated the American styles of dance at the St. Louis Star Ball... I'm VERY VERY Glad I made the spontaneous decision to go down there. After all was said and done, I said good night and congratulations to all the pros... chatted a bit more with my friend from Michigan Avenue and then headed upstairs to my room. The next morning (outfit 4 of 5) I had breakfast....ran into some of the pros heading out to the airport (my flight didn't leave until later)... chilled in my room, watched a movie, checked out and headed for my 48 minute flight home.

I'm glad I've got some spontaneity in me... that was a lot of fun!

My Routine... Practice 2 and 3.

Hi gang! I am so sorry... silly things like work take me 1/4 way around the globe (well maybe not that much) and I run out of time and energy to update you!!!

Since my last lesson with Largo I have had two Routine practices with RT, so I'll just write about them both in one post so everyone can be updated appropriately.

My second Routine practice was rough. Oh MAN was it hard! I had a terrible week that week, and there was nothing in this world that could get me to snap out of my bad mood. I even forgot my DVD at home... I was fully prepared to have disappointed RT...I'm more responsible than to leave my DVD... the one and only copy... at home when I'm supposed to bring it to practice... Instead I get a quiet "That's ok...these things happen, let's see if it's still on the camera."

It only made me more angry that he was being so calm... It is very rare that I get angry, I do feel a lot of emotions a lot of the time I live my life "out loud" in more ways than one. But actual anger is something I don't often feel, and when I do it almost scares me... I have no idea what it does for those around me.

Turns out it is still on the camera, so we used that. I must have been flashing with neon lights all around me "DO NOT MESS WITH ME TODAY." Because RT was very calm with me... We opened with a bit of Salsa, per my request, and even THAT couldn't snap me out of my funk! Can you even imagine the funk I was in that a Salsa couldn't fix???



RT put his head on my shoulder a few minutes into it, "Can you please try to not be upset right now? Why are you upset?"

"I'm sorry, I really am... I'm just angry right now... just plain angry... I have no explanation for it. I will try to be better, *sigh* lets just keep dancing." I said with all the emotion of a piece of cardboard I was trying not to yell. (Even writing about it two weeks later I can feel the anger I felt that night... it was no good all around.)

So we kept up with the Salsa, and we worked on the Miami Special AGAIN! Which did not help my mood at all... I HATE HATE HATE it when I have to keep reviewing what is apparently so simple and I just can't get it right at full speed. I rush though it... I know exactly what I'm doing...but I can't seem to stop it. Oh... I was angry!! RT just kept calmly explaining what I had to do for the millionth time... I took a deep breath and did it AGAIN. I did show improvement, and we did it again so that I could continue my improvement... This was turning into way more Salsa lesson than I had intended... I was growing frustrated at every single little thing. I was supposed to be practicing my routine! At one point RT got forehead to forehead with me and asked me very quietly to calm down, while that did keep me from seeing red, I was still upset.

I showed some improvement, but I must have still been radiating anger because I could feel RT keeping to himself, we then turned to watch the recording of my routine. I hadn't practiced...not one second... I told him as much. I was angry that I hadn't practiced, I was angry that I was having a bad week... I really should have just walked out....but we plodded on...

After the first few measures...that I only barely remembered... I don't know exactly when it was... I seem to remember a rush of what bits of my routine I did remember coming back...and something clicked... we tried it again...and it felt better.... I made it a little farther into the routine...and the dark cloud suddenly broke and I was dancing with RT... I wasn't on cloud nine...but at least I was smiling. We made it to about the same point as in my first practice, but this time got it up to some actual Cha Cha speed which was GREAT. Now I really have an idea of where this routine is going! I left the studio promising to rehearse more before my next practice.



Practice #3 was a mere three hours after I had landed from another business trip to Alaska, and I was in a MUCH happier mood. I hadn't had the opportunity to practice much, business trips are like that unfortunately. I did however review the video for nearly two hours straight on the plane ride home. It's definitely not a good way for me to learn something, but review can't hurt.

This time we started right away with the routine and RT and I both remembered a good portion of it without reviewing the DVD first. We then pretty much sailed through the first few measures and worked on the bit where I put my leg on his hip. We've decided that rather than have me place my leg on his hip, we're going to do more of a leg crawl up to his hip... fine... but before I do this leg crawl I have to shift my weight back and forth while he spins in front of me and once he gets in front of me I quickly draw my leg up to his hip... Well I was working out the timing in my head for my shifting back and forth... I thought I heard the count for me to put my leg up...only I must have spaced out because instead of leg to hip...it went a lot more like knee to butt.

I knew what just occurred wasn't right but it took me a second to realize what just happened... I didn't see the look on his face, man that must have been priceless...but he did kind of jump forward and we both just started laughing hysterically!

"You kicked me!!!" RT says between laughs

"No... I kneed you, lets just be glad we're both facing the same direction there." I retort.

We actually found our composure very quickly, mainly due to time constraints and practiced that move a few more times. RT keeps telling me that bit is going to be fast... I need to make sure I've really got this down or that whole leg crawl is going to be one of the weak spots in the routine.

Then we picked up on learning some of the new measures, there's a part where I bend back slowly and then pop up real fast, and a cha cha box kind of thing we do backwards where we're both worried about my stepping on his feet... we drilled that one a lot. I think it won't end up being an issue.

We worked all the way up to the part where I'm supposed to do this little split kind of a thing and my head just went NOPE NOT HAPPENING. Not that I can't do the splits I can... most days... but more that I don't like the way RT would have to support any part of me while I do them... I was thinking it would be more of using him for balance, but no... if this particular move goes wrong...and with my balance anything is possible... RT is going to come crashing down with me. Nope...not happening at all.

"Ok...we're not going to work on this right now." I tell him as we get up to that point.

"Why not?" He asks.

I start to think that maybe we can... and I say "Ok look..if we try this and I slip, because I currently have no traction in these shoes, you have to PROMISE to let me fall." I tell him.

I know I can recover crashing to the ground...it wouldn't be pretty, but I can do it without damaging myself...but RT is the kind of lead that looks out for his follows... even if he promised to let me fall I don't actually believe that he would do it. Which means I'd go into a split way too fast because he'd be keeping me from falling forward and he'd likely wrench his lower back because I don't care how much weight I've lost... I am still a good bit heavier than RT can safely carry.

We discussed exactly how the step would work, which muscle groups would be working where... (You've never heard a more serious discussion about squeezing thighs together I promise you) ... we even danced into position a couple of times... and nope... I couldn't do it. Then to prove my point I showed him where I was losing control with the traction of my shoes... I started to do the splits and almost immediately had to recover because I was sliding to fast... THEN he understood and didn't ask me to do it again. It also happened to be the end of the practice session.

RT and I sat on the bench for a minute, I told him when I said I could do the splits for a routine, that move isn't exactly what I had in mind. Of course I didn't have that conversation with him... I had it with TNT... and I think something got lost in what I said I wanted. RT said we could change it, which I declined for the moment. I don't want to make any rash decisions about changing big parts of this choreography. Perhaps next time I see him I'll ask him to come up with a few replacement options that still look cool.

The best part is, we've almost made it to the end, and I think I almost have it memorized. Of course don't ask me to do it in front of you...but when I'm being lead through it (which is the only time that counts) I'm remembering it quite well. So far... I'm pleased.

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!