So I wanted to share some updates on my ballroom dancing. Today was a very good day for me dance-wise. I managed to get my completed dress from Valentina, a Russian dressmaker well known in the NYC community, and I got it for about half of what I think a lot of other ProAm International Latin competitive dancers pay for their dresses of equal quality and style. It is based on an idea that I saw on Pinterest - of a beautiful blond professional dancer in a rhinestone body suit with pink draped material running across her body in an asymmetrical but very flattering shape. So I showed the picture to Valentina a few weeks ago, and we decided to make me something similar but in blue. I met with her so many times to get the exact sizing of the body suit and the cut of the draping just right. Then today she appeared with the finished dress and accessories, fully studded with bright rhinestones! I am so excited to dance in this new dress, which I did for the first time today! I went to a lesson with my main teacher, Brook, where we worked on jive and our cha cha routine. I'm going to perform the routine on Friday. I really felt more confident dancing with my special dress on! I think it really is a stunner - I got a ton of looks and compliments. And some girls who work at the studio said that I'm a great dancer tonight - I think the dress affected their opinion! But the routine just feels so right when in costume, and with full hair and makeup I think it will be even better. I feel great about my improvement in straightening my legs, having balance and form, using my arms in a more fluid and balletic way, engaging my core and back, and also with the facial expressions that come when you really enjoy your body's movement. And cha cha cha!!!
