Well today I spent the day at the Fred Astaire in Burr Ridge. Lovely group down there! I was there to help Bonnie with her Trunk Show..which is when Bonnie packs up all her dresses and brings them to a studio for everyone to come in and try on and see if they'd like to rent or buy for any upcoming competitions.It was a lot of fun! I always do love to observe studios in action. This studio has five professional instructors, all very clearly garnering the love and respect of their students. The... Read Full Story

As our video of the week this week we have Bonnie and Michael performing their Cha Cha open routine at a studio party on October 30th 2009!Way to go! Read Full Story

Hi gang! Sorry for the late post this week, I'm pleased to report that I've been BUSY!!! Busy is a wonderful thing! I leave for Captain's wedding in Pensacola Florida on Friday, and as as part of the wedding party I have my duties to happily attend to. As well as a writing gig that I picked up along the way that is due very soon! (Yep, that's right...this girl is getting PAID to write!) Before I leave however, I have been assigned with a very special task. On Thursday November 5th I will be a... Read Full Story

Hi gang! Well, I have to admit.. I'm a little saddened that I have yet to receive any ballroom video's for my new Video of the week segment. So SEND THEM! We want to see you dance! I will however take this opportunity to introduce to you another aspect of ballroom that really isn't explored too much in my ballroom world. It has appeared recently in audition episodes of So You Think You Can Dance though... Same Sex Ballroom Dancing. (SSBR)I'm actually very interested in this genre... I have fo... Read Full Story

This past week has had it's typical ups and downs, but with the help of a few things and a few people, I'm finding my way again. My biggest issue when I get off track is the food thing. I have the HARDEST time making good choices ALL the time. I honestly don't know how people do it, and I'm constantly finding new and unusual ways to keep my choices on the healthy side, and keeping in my extreme budget too. Conversely I slip into the old ways very easily.... However....I've now got a kitchen f... Read Full Story

Hi gang... I've decided to implement a new feature here... video of the week! What I'd really like is for you all to send me links to your dance vids (doesn't have to be ballroom) for me to post here... show the world what you're all about! To kick things off.. this being Halloween month and all.. I thought I'd start with a little theatrical ballroom.Besides, I think all of us ladies have danced with a guy that ACTUALLY dances like Frankenstein have we not? :-pE-mail links to your dance video... Read Full Story

I told you all... I might not be dancing... but I'd still be around! Actually Harvest Moon is the last independent Competition I get to see in the year, so I usually try to attend. Many people have asked me how, on unemployment, I still go to ballroom events... they aren't cheap (typically around $50 to walk in the ballroom). Well, I tell you what, it's not easy... I usually have to beg, borrow, and plead with my checking account weeks and sometimes months in advance just to make sure I have ... Read Full Story

I am VERY pleased to report that my workouts at the gym have been paying off... over the last two weeks I have had a few pick up lessons with one of my favorite city pros. I've known this pro for about two years now... I almost always go to his studio parties, and love any time I get to have a lesson with him. He owns a very small but very reputable studio that primarily deals with my all time favorite in the whole world SALSA! I just couldn't go another day without dancing with a partner... ... Read Full Story

Well, maybe not always... but I am right now. As I've mentioned before I am a bridesmaid in Captain's upcoming wedding. I am VERY excited about this... but with the excitement comes trepidation. Not over getting to Florida where the wedding is held, or weather I'll have to maybe prepare a speech. Nope, my severe trepidation comes over the dress.I'm very fortunate that Captain is sensitive to the idea that different dresses look better for different body types. She picked about five dresses fr... Read Full Story

Well I'm still going to the gym.... I'm starting to get really bored by it, but it's important that I do this. I've started to go once a day for a longer period of time rather than twice a day for shorter bursts. I have altered my cardio by going in 20-30 minute segments, going to work on some weights, or some core elements, then going to another machine for another 20-30 min. Back to the cardio equipment for a 20 minute stroll on a treadmill. It takes a long time to get this style of work ou... Read Full Story