MARCH PARTY RECAP

I was as excited as Antonio was teaching this evening, and the dance to be taught was the East Coast Swing- I love to Swing!! The step being taught was the shoulder check, even though this is a movement in my showcase routine I approached the class with a blank slate. By opening my mind I got some tools to improve my shoulder check. Something clicked this evening with the footwork during class and I got really confident, in fact Antonio called me out to demonstrate the step with him. I felt very proud as I have come so far in almost exactly 11 months; on April 13^th I will have been with the studio a year. Antonio also spoke of my commitment to go to Argentina and how proud he was of me. Feeling the encouragement from everyone in attendance was humbling.

Two students that I really admire, Bonnie Emerson and Paige Williams were there and completely electrifying on the dance floor. Antonio spoke of how Bonnie was the first student to go to Argentina and how fantastic she was in the competition taking home first places in both Smooth and Latin dances. I look up to Bonnie as a dancer and as a person, she is a truly beautiful leader in dance and in spirit. Likewise I remember very clearly the first time I saw Paige and how elegant I thought she was in a stunning black gown during the mini match. She had just started competing and was on her way to the Vegas competition and later to Argentina. Seeing how these two ladies flourished under the positivity and encouragement of the studio inspired me to continue dancing and see how far I could go.

Antonio also acknowledged Maxi for being in the US six months and for being ranked number 3 in Argentina with his dance partner. I was cheering for Maxi because he is an incredible dancer and even better person.

I had several favorite dances of the evening, and as usual got to dance with every coach. I danced Rumba with Mario that was sophisticated and elegant. My next dance was a Swing with Antonio that completely covered the dance floor and took my breath away with a surprise at the end that almost felt like a quick step. Cha-Cha with Maxi was just pure fun at one point I got so excited he had to remind me of the rhythm. Finally I danced a waltz with Antonio that was beautiful and peaceful. 

I missed Masha during the Bachata Line Dance tonight. Usually I am usually right behind Masha, but in her absence I felt brave enough to move out front. I started dancing and I was in the zone! I was feeling it! About halfway through the song all of a sudden I hear Antonio yell out Kamaria!! And he burst out laughing. I realized I was moving in the wrong direction and then I burst out laughing- I could not gain my composure for the rest of the dance. Masha is the reigning Bachata Queen for a reason!

Tonight we had a fun time doing the Merengue- everyone formed a Soul train Line and at one point everyone was dancing together in a circle. This was a physical example of what the studio is all about - Coming together as family in a spirit of joy in an environment of encouragement. Lastly of course was the Samba line dance. I wanted to give it my all as it was the last dance of the evening and I could feel my heart sinking as I knew the evening was coming to an end. What a wonderful night! I left with more energy than when I arrived and was truly happy.

By: Kamaria George (03/14/2016)