Did you know Sarnia has it’s own Dancing With The Stars competition? It’s coming up January 19th at the Quality Inn in Point Edward and yours truly is one of the “stars” lucky enough to have been asked to dance.
My dance partner is Brian Slaughter – the self proclaimed “Zumba Guy”. There’s a good chance if you live in Sarnia, you’ve been to one of his classes or you’ve seen him around town. It’s his passion for sure. The guy is talented. If you’re interested in joining us for a Zumba or Pound Class – you will find us at The Studio (new location).
So the two of us are working together on two dances for the upcoming Sarnia Dancing With The Stars – Hot Latin Nights. Brian has a love of life that I admire. He has a desire to help people, especially kids. Nobody should ever believe they can’t do something. Which is what I am telling myself every time I show up to dance practice at the Studio.
One dance will be Latin themed, the other traditional ballroom. Think waltz, foxtrot.
I have never taken a dance lesson in my life. This has already been an incredible experience.
We started practicing in the middle of October. Brian and I had never met before then. Now I already feel like he will always be one of my best friends and supporters for the rest of my life.
I never realized dancing was so much work. The basic steps, the choreography and the endless attempts to get it right. At this point we are starting to dance TOGETHER which is very unusual for sure. I’m not used to having to step in sync with anyone.
Step, half-step, flick, swing, turn, elbows up, fingers pointed. I will never look at a dance the same ever. Every step, every movement, is so precise. It looks flawless when you watch professionals dance. I never realized just how much work and practice and love went into it.
I am practicing the steps around the house and around the Fox studios. I am hearing the song lyrics in my sleep. I am hearing the movements. It’s amazing that you don’t even really pay attention to the song when you are first learning to dance. You are so focused on your feet and your movements.
It is coming together and it’s starting to get a little easier. But every time I say that we add another routine (ha). A new set of steps to work on. I can say I have never had more fun and laughed so much.
At 47, I’m surprised I can do half of what I’m doing. Confidence was an issue in the beginning. I had none. And there are wall size mirrors every where and if you aren’t careful you can stand and over analyze yourself and pick your body apart. Looking at YouTube videos to learn some of the moves, you compare yourself to the professional dancer. So not only am I learning to dance a dance I have never done before, with someone I have only just met, but I’m learning to accept and love myself a little bit more. On those days when I get frustrated with the world, and then frustrated with learning new steps, I walk away from dance practice feeling so happy, and so good about myself. It’s good to push yourself out of your comfort zone sometimes.
The night promises to be an amazing and fun night out to benefit Community Concerns for the Medically Fragile. Sparkling reception, Hors D’oeuvres through the night, live music and a silent auction.
Others that are dancing you may know include:
Donna Hogan–Owner Mucho Burrito
Mike Thompson–Eastern Canada Business Development Manager at Rally Engineering.
Digna Victorino–Steeves & Rozema Afton Park Place
Brian Vickery–Owner Alternate Grounds
If you would like to donate a Silent Auction item or sponsor the event, or sponsor the dancers: (yes, we are hoping someone sponsors us) dwtssarnia@gmail.com.
I have never done anything like this in my life and I would love your support and to see you there! Dancing With the Stars 2019 – click for more info and for tickets. Great Christmas gift idea! A night out! Supporting a great cause!
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