My journey to the
ballroom.
I like to dance. I like to feel graceful. I like to feel
beautiful. Dance does that for me.
When I
walked into the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Mokena in November of 2013, I had
no idea how ballroom dancing would change my life.
Last
fall, I was invited to participate as a local “star” in Guardian Angel Home’s
annual Dancing with the Local Stars fundraiser. I had attended the event in
prior years and secretly envisioned myself as one of the dancers. When I was
asked to participate, I agreed because as I mentioned I like to dance and I am
a big supporter of Guardian Angel Home and its mission.
As soon
as I learned who my professional partner would be, I called the Mokena studio
to book my consultation appointment with Ephraim. (I must confess I asked to be
partnered with Ephraim because I saw him dance in the previous events.) When I
arrived at the studio I was welcomed and immediately put at ease. I was very
nervous and afraid of making a fool of myself but as soon as I began dancing
with Ephraim, I felt this was something I could do. We began our rehearsals and
created an awesome dance for the competition.
During
my lessons, I became intrigued by the world of competitive ballroom dancing. I
attended the Freddy Ball in March of 2014 and remember vividly Kimi Mabry
asking me if I would ever think of competing. I literally (and sad to say,
rudely) laughed out loud – never in a million years would I think of myself as
a competitive ballroom dancer. But the seed was planted. At my next lesson, I
inquired about more lessons and learning other dances.
I was
eager to learn all the graceful and sexy moves the other students were dancing.
Ephraim was very patient and careful to slowly add new steps all while helping
me perfect my dance for the April fundraiser.
During this process I began to notice a change in my body – I became
leaner and taller and dropped 20 pounds!
While I
did not win the trophy at the fundraiser, I did win a great benefit to my life.
I look and feel better than I have in 20 years. In less than one year, I have
danced in two local competitions and the annual showcase. Each week, I
anxiously look forward to my lessons. I have two wonderful teachers, Ephraim
and Chris, who have both seen my potential and taken me out of my comfort zone.
I am so excited to learn new steps and push myself further than I ever thought
I could.
I have
always loved dancing – since the age of six when I began ballet lessons. I
danced all through high school and also joined the pom pom squad. I was very
active until a serious car accident in 1982 almost ended my life and my dance
career. After a month in the hospital and a long, painful
rehabilitation process, I was able to return to the dance studio but at a much
reduced capacity. I became very frustrated with my limited ability and decided
to leave the dance studio permanently.
Joining
the Fred Astaire family brought me back to the dance studio and rekindled my
love of dance. I am so thankful to find an outlet to express this love and
share it with others. My confidence has soared. I feel much happier and
successful in my job and my personal relationships. And I have maintained a
70-pound weight loss.
Dance
has become a big part of my life. I have invited many of my friends to the
studio, anxious to share my passion with them. A few of signed up for lessons
but all of them have enjoyed themselves.
Dance has improved my health. I no longer face the threat of high blood
pressure or diabetes which are part of my family history. I have developed nice
friendships through dance and I look forward to seeing students from other
studios at various events throughout the year.
I feel
truly blessed to be alive and able to dance.
I am so happy I took that “leap” into the studio and this amazing
chapter in my life. My only regret?? I
did not enter the ballroom sooner!!
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