MY FIRST COMPETITION

When I first mentioned to Maxi that I wanted to enter a dance competition, I had no idea what I was signing up for. Like most crazy ideas, it sounded like a good idea at the time. You see, as a teen I had taken a few lessons in my home country, South Africa. I had even entered a couple of competitions. It had been no big deal: there were no costumes or hair and make-up. You literally showed up at a town hall wearing a leotard and skirt, paid your entrance fee, and danced with about 50 other beginner couples in a social, amateur-amateur format. No one even asked if you had an instructor. It lasted a couple of hours, and you were on your way home again. No prizes or medals. If you made it to the top 4 of the competition, you might get a mention, but it was really just a chance to dance and meet other couples. The real experts showed up after all the novice sessions were over in their costumes and full make-up doing their amazingly technical routines, but I never even imagined ever doing that. Reflecting back, I realize that what I thought was a competition, was more of a social dance party than a competition at all. The competition I was about to enter was in an entirely different class to the one I had in mind.

Although, I am a decidedly social and outgoing person, I’ve never really loved being the center of attention. I’m happy being “at” the party, I just don’t want to “be” the party. I’m most comfortable supporting and cheering for the natural performers in the world from the sidelines. 

So why then would I sign up for this? Frankly, my drive for personal development and my competitive and impulsive spirit often overshadows my desire for anonymity. I love the fear and adrenalin of a challenge.  After years of being a lawyer routinely dealing with crisis after crisis daily, in a practiced, cool and calm demeanor, I need to find new (safe) ways to get my adrenalin fix and push my boundaries. 

When I made the decision to enter, I had just performed in my first ever dance showcase and it had been one of the best experiences of my life. There were so many firsts: my first real dance costume, my first time performing in front of an audience as an adult, and even my first set of false eyelashes  – ever. Mostly, I’d enjoyed the camaraderie and support of my fellow performers backstage at the showcase and the challenge of trying something new and overcoming my fears. My drive to constantly challenge my beliefs about what I think I can do, has this inexplicable habit of getting in the way of my rational thought process: kind of like the time I thought that bungee jumping would be a good way to overcome my fear of heights. So when I signed up to do my first competition here in the States, still reveling in the afterglow of the showcase and all the precious friendships I’d made, I simply didn’t think it through at all. By the time the reality of what I’d gotten myself into started to dawn, it was too late! Besides, quitting is even more scary to me than performing. 

To compete, I had to learn 3 new dances in 3 months: the Bolero, West Coast Swing, and the Hustle. I’d been dancing for less than a year, was only beginning to remember the basic steps of my other dances (and learning more steps at the same time), so it was definitely pushing me well beyond my comfort zone. I was dancing more often, too and an old knee injury started acting up, which eventually contributed to a foot injury which stopped me dancing for a while – all this at a time when the competition date was quickly approaching. In hindsight, the injury was a good thing for my mental state: I was under no illusion that I was as prepared as I should be, and didn’t expect to be a serious contender, so I decided to simply do my best, relax, and have fun.

I loved preparing for the competition. Until then, I had taken most of my lessons with Maxi. Maxi is not only a talented dancer and teacher, but he is so much fun to be around. My week doesn’t seem complete without a lesson with Maxi in it. Just 10 minutes dancing with him, and the stresses of life seem a million miles away.   Even on days when steps just don’t seem to come easily, I always leave my lessons much happier than when I arrived at the studio. 

Now that I was preparing for the competition, I needed a full time secondary instructor. Each instructor has a slightly different focus, so having two points of view really helps you improve more quickly. At that point I had taken a few lessons with Antonio in addition to my lessons with Maxi. Antonio is not only a great instructor, but as owner of the studio he oversees the business in addition to studying toward a degree. Getting our two busy schedules to synchronize was a challenge, so Mario became my secondary instructor. Mario is an experienced instructor with an eye for technique, so he is the perfect complement to Maxi’s artistic flair and passion. Mario has the patience of a saint, and can break steps down into movements that make sense to me.  Although he seems quiet at first, I’ve learned that he has a wicked sense of humor and we laugh all the time. Maxi and Mario both worked so hard to prepare me for my first real competition. I am so glad I had them along for the journey.

Before I knew it, the preparation was behind me and competition weekend had arrived. From the moment we arrived in Tampa, Florida for the competition, I didn’t stop having fun. Maxi and Mario treated me like royalty all weekend. They went above and beyond all expectations to ensure that my every need was taken care of. I didn’t have to think or plan. If I wanted anything, it would magically materialize – even when I asked for the seemingly impossible breakfast (cold, cooked oatmeal). Maxi and Mario even showed up at my room to escort me, unexpectedly serenading me with “We wish you a Merry Christmas”-- in March! They accompanied me to my hair and make-up appointment at the crack of dawn when every other instructor was probably still sound asleep. I haven’t felt so taken care of in years (if ever). I didn’t want the weekend to end! And I hadn’t even started dancing yet.

Not only were Maxi and Mario attentive and fun companions and hosts, but the event itself was fantastic. Flawlessly arranged.

Dinner the night before the competition, with our hosts Anna and Andrew Smart at an enchanting restaurant nearby (where we even ran into Patrick Dempsey from Grey’s Anatomy  -- yes, he is as dreamy in real life!!!!) gave me the opportunity to get some advice from other more seasoned competitors. My favorite piece of admittedly terrifying advice was from Andrew. He said "Whatever you do, just don’t fall”. Until then, it had never occurred to me that I might. Eek!

Happily I managed to dance over 50 dances and stay on my feet. An achievement in itself when you consider it was my first time dancing in costume in front of a packed audience who were watching my every move.

Maxi is the consummate professional. He did an expert job of leading me, keeping me calm and quiet. I babble when I’m nervous and I was under strict instructions not to talk during the competition. Before I knew it, I relaxed and was loving it! I learned so much from watching other couples. The whole experience was fabulous, but it was also great getting recognized for all the practice and preparation at the awards ceremony. Maxi and I placed second in both the smooth and rhythm challenges we entered. 

I was also overwhelmed by all the support from our friends back at the studio. I loved reading the words of encouragement on the pictures and videos Mario posted.  Although I still find it slightly traumatic watching myself dance in videos, I’m glad I have a video record of all the things I want to work on and improve. The visions in my head of how I look are far more romantic, and I’ll cling to the memories of how I thought I looked for my next competition. Yes, that’s right – I’ve signed up for another competition in Scottsdale, Arizona in December. 

You should sign up too. Enjoy the ultimate dance experience at the same time as deflecting some of the attention from me. I can highly recommend it!

By: Heidi Braniff (04/18/2018)