Well the final week before the October DanceSport Challenge is upon us... This Saturday and Sunday all in the Fred Astaire Chicago Region will gather at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare for what will surely be an exciting competition. Ellen is pretty much all set, we've been to the mall to get sparkly earrings (Swarovski Crystal no less!!) and makeup. She's got her Smooth and Rhythm shoes, false eyelashes, fishnets and the dresses should be delivered within the next day or two. I know she's anxious... Read Full Story

I believe it's time to take my dancing more seriously… to what end I'm not sure… but the joking around and being jovial is even becoming old to me…and I'm becoming somewhat cliché on the lesson floor. If "I want it" like I keep reminding myself that I do… (see post) Then I have to become more studious during my lessons, private and group… and save the cutting loose for the social dances. That's going to be difficult because my personality is very much on auto pilot most of the time...if... Read Full Story

Hi gang! Just want to drop you a line and let you know about the upcoming regional competition. This is a Fred Astaire "closed" competiton, which means that all the Fred Astaire Ballroom dance studios from downtown and the Chicago Suburbs are included. This is the same comp that my dance friend Ellen is debuting at! What: Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Studios Dancesport Challenge When: Saturday and Sunday October 11th and 12th. What to expect: Professional/Amateur (Pro/Am) competition in... Read Full Story

It's pretty rare that I get to be there when a new person starts on their ballroom adventure. I've officially helped 50 men and women start on their own lessons literally around the globe! (E-mail me and I can help you find a studio in your area too!) Last Thursday was a REAL treat for me because I was able to be there for a co-worker and her mum as they met the staff of FADS South Barrington and participate in a Fred Astaire Guest Party. I've actually never had the opportunity to... Read Full Story

So this week was a big revelation for me, both in dancing and in my progress in my lifestyle changes. All of which are intertwined to such a degree, I can't untangle them. I mean I can't dance without trying to constantly improve, and I can't improve without dancing. More appropriately this week was a big reminder for me on why I do this. Once again I was in the studio every night for a lesson or a group class. So I'm becoming more familiar with some of the students I don't normally see. At... Read Full Story

Hi gang! Just wanted to remind you about the Bonnie's Belle Gowns trunk show at FADS SB! It's tomorrow (Thursday September 18th). There will be gowns to try on, and Bonnie and Michael will be there to answer any and all of your questions! (It's worth a stop by just to see the talent and craftsmanship in person!) Also the studio is having a guest party at 7:15pm, I'll be there introducing a couple of gals to the world of ballroom! Come on out! Bring a friend! If you're competing soon NOW is... Read Full Story

Without a doubt, if my dancing has a home... It's dancing with RT. When my dancing wants to go on vacation, I head to dance with MSU and HBF at FADS South Barrington. Friday's "Crazy Hair" party at the South Barrington Studio was one of the most crowded I've seen there in a long time, which I was happy to see. It was exactly what I needed after completely beating myself up over my last lesson. Shortly after arriving, I was warmly greeted by the staff. I was a tad early so I commenced... Read Full Story

UGH! Tonight was one of THOSE lessons... one of THOSE lessons that makes the student question why they ever started in the first place... because it will never be right. Thankfully I'm experienced enough in these lessons that I'm not going to quit dancing... I'm just going to run to the corner for a minute, lick my wounds, and try and jump right back into the fray. We warmed up with Hustle, where I was told I was being too strong, that I should follow with just the pressure in my fingertips... Read Full Story

Just want to drop a quick note to let you all know about Bonnie's Belle Gowns' latest trunk show. Bonnie and Michael will be at Fred Astaire South Barrington on September 18th. Make sure you stop by and check out their fantastic dresses! Read Full Story

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