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Dance the Night Away

Well, it's been a while, but today just seemed like a good day to write.I mentioned before that I adore dancing more than most things. This past weekend I had a lot of that beautiful activity, and I am so uber happy about it that I am full to bursting, so I thought I'd share. ^_^

So, I just had a crazy and wonderful weekend. I went to the Michigan Classic, a west coast swing dance weekend. It was the first time I've gone to one of those, and I even competed in newcomer's competition. My mind was so blown, more than once with all the incredible dancers that were there. It was definitely a perfect way to star off my summer.



Okay, so first and most exciting, I GOT TO DANCE WITH PRO DANCERS!!! Like, I'm not sure if I can even express how much of a dream come true that is. They were so nice, too, and had me doing moves I wasn't aware I was capable of. I walked away feeling like a star, even though I know that I am a new dancer with a lot to learn. These were people I had watched dance on Youtube videos with awe and wonder. And when I tapped them on the shoulder and asked timidly, "Would you like to dance?" they smiled and said "Yes, let's go." GAHHH!!!! Okay. Okay. I think I'm good now. Actually, no, I'm really not, but I'll move on.

Next was that I got to perform/compete for the first time. I was in a newcomer's level Jack and Jill, which basically means that I went in without knowing who my partner would be or what music we'd be dancing to. There were 12 couples on the floor at a time, and we were all nervous and excited- it was thrilling. Plus I also got to wear a super fun outfit, with a sparkly dark teal top under a sheer drapey black top and mint blue dress pants. I felt like a real dancer, which was really cool. I was there with three of my swing dance friends from school and also my older brother, and the three from school also competed. The two boys actually got into finals! They didn't win, but placed 5th and 6th. So proud of them. I cheered so much I thought my throat would get sore. Competing was one of the most exhilarating things, even if I didn't get into finals, and I can't wait to do it again.

And of course, the other dancers. HOLY CRAP! The performances I was able to watch... I couldn't believe my eyes half the time. Some of the pros competed with some gorgeous routines, with beautiful lifts and moves, and I was just so in awe. Then there was this one competition, called Top Gun, and I didn't even know what to do with myself afterwards. Me and the others in our little group just kept looking at each other  being like, "Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Did that just... that was the most incredible thing... oh my gosh," for like ten minutes. It was pretty spectacular.

There were also some really great workshops. I unfortunately only got to go to the beginner's track, but it was so beneficial. The instructors were so great, too. They were helpful and understanding and great teachers. I'm so happy  I was able to be part of that.

The social dancing was fantastic, too. I met and danced with so many people of all skill and experience levels. It was some of the best fun a person can have, in my opinion. There were dances between competitions, and then at the end of the day after all of the events were over. I have never danced so much in a weekend- the first night I danced until 4:30 in the morning and the second night I danced until 5. It. Was. Amazing. Oh my word, was it amazing. I was totally dead by the end of it; I got maybe nine hours of sleep the whole weekend, but it was more than worth it. Dancing the night away has never felt quite so literal before.

Okay, well that's the basics of the awesomeness that was my weekend. I absolutely cannot wait until the next time I can do a dance weekend. I was told beforehand that once I got a taste I'd get hooked, and they weren't kidding. I loved it. I totally recommend it, people. Go to a dance weekend; it's a spectacular experience. You learn so much between watching, workshops, and even the social dances. Okay, well that's all for now. OOH! Here, a taste of what I got to be part of this weekend. It's not the exact performance, and not the same event,  but here is one of the routines I got to see. The woman in this video- Melissa Moy, who is wonderful- was one of the instructors I got to learn from. : )

                                  
Here's another beautiful and awesome routine, and HE'S ONE OF THE PROS I GOT TO DANCE WITH!!!!!! I was so thrilled. You have no idea. After I saw this routine (again, not the same event/performance) I had the opportunity to dance with him O_O. Anyway, enjoy this, cuz I know I did. ^_^

                                 


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