Powered By Blogger

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Showcase!


Last night, I danced in the "Snowball Dance Trilogy" showcase with Marcel. 
 Three independent studios produce this showcase every year at Christmas time and students perform with their instructors.  The instructors also perform, and there is an elaborate dinner, door prizes and a "snowball fight". (See snowball fight story later in the post.....its typical Lisa dork-ness).
I danced a Tango/Rhumba fusion (sorry for being repetitive, I know I mentioned this in previous posts) to Joe Cocker's "Unchain My Heart".

I had such a great time; it was a beautifully planned showcase.  Unfortunately, I forgot to photograph the gorgeous tablescapes!  
In this photo, I'm wearing a pretty black velvet Jones Studio dress that I thrifted just a couple of days ago ($8.00).
This dress was so comfortable to wear and to dance in.  Wearing velvet feels festive and 
Christmas-y.


For the dance performance, I changed into this chiffon dress that I also thrifted ($6.00 for a performance dress!)  I thought hubby was taking a head to toe shot, but as you can see that was not the case.  I really wanted to show you the bottom of the dress; it has a high low/hem with a flounce at the bottom that is very Tango-y.  It suited the dance perfectly.  To simplify the process  of changing into my "costume", I wore my costume pearls with my party dress and my performance dress.  I want to keep preparation for showcase events simpler and less elaborate than competition preparation.  I still want to capture the spirit of the song and the dance, and I think this dress was perfect for it.  


I really love this shot. I like that my gloved had is visible by my partners face and my expression captures the essence of Tango;  the "come here--go away" tension between the man and the woman.  
It's not surprising that Tango is my favorite dance.

There were 130 guests at this showcase, which is a very nice turnout.
The food was fabulous....again another photo op that I missed.
The menu included a tender and tasty apple cider pork and red velvet cupcakes.  

The "snowball fight" is a blast.....the spectators are divided into two groups and each person is given a styrofoam "snowball". 
 The goal is to pelt the other team with snowballs and end up with the least amount of balls. 
 This is a grown up snowball fight and its such a lovely site....grown-ups indulging in childlike glee.  I learned that styrofoam balls, when whipped with a small degree of force by the opposing team, hurt when they hit you on the top of the head!

The loud "thunk" was heard across the room.  It echoed inside my head.  Yep, I got nailed.....right on the top of the head.  It left a nice bump on my head.
OUCH!



The most entertaining performance of the evening was a team formation dance......a sassy Merengue.

Here, the men are being "drummed" by the ladies!  One spectator commented that he felt like he was watching a live performance of "Dancing with the Stars".

Last night was definitely a night to remember....Peyton won a door prize; an "I love ballroom dancing" hat.
 I won one of the big prizes; a $100.00 gift certificate to "Gaucho's Brazilian Steakhouse"!

I really enjoy ballroom showcase events; I love the glamour, the good food, watching performances and performing, but most of all I really love seeing my ballroom friends and meeting new ballroom friends. 

What a lovely night it was!


31 comments:

  1. That dress is so immensely lovely. Classic, gorgeous, and endlessly elegant. I adore that you partnered it with opera length gloves. I've been reaching for them more and more often as we tumble into winter, too.

    ♥ Jessica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was going for a classic look...I'm glad it worked!

      Delete
  2. A tango to Unchain my Heart sounds wonderful! I love the dance pose shot! This is a stunning dress - $6?? Are you serious? You should wear this outfit with the gloves and pearls off the dance floor too - you look like a Hollywood starlet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got very lucky with the dress! I need to have a retake in a head to toe shot...so you can see the pretty hemline.

      Delete
  3. Both of your dresses are gorgeous and you got some wonderful deals! It sounds like a perfect night of dancing, good food and friends. I always love seeing your ballroom/dancing photos :) Heather

    ReplyDelete
  4. Both dresses are gorgeous - I can't believe you thrifted them! You look so elegant and beautiful; just perfect for the holidays. I hope your head is feeling better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL...it is feeling better; it was kind of funny actually.....the attendees all loved it!

      Delete
  5. How exciting! You really lead a great life. Even if it involves getting plunked in the head. Love the dresses.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for that. I feel very blessed in many ways; although we all have things that challenge us and cause us pain. If you are interested in reading about my cross to bear...family dynamics and such....take a peek at one my very early (Jan 2011) posts, titled 'Not in My Family'.

      Despite all of that, you are right, I do have much to be thankful for. I make an effort to reach for joy....and do things I love. I have learned that if we do not do so...the trials in life weigh much heavier on us.

      Delete
  6. It looks like you had a great time, Lisa! Thank you for sharing this fun night.

    ReplyDelete
  7. First, you look so glamourous! I love these photos. And second, good for you for finding those fantastic deals at the thrift shop. I love a good thrifty find...even if it's not my own :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank You Adriennne! There are about 8 thrift shops within a 10 mile radius of my home.....! Its easy to get lucky because of it.

      Delete
  8. You look sensational. And whata fabulous showcase it looks. I wish I could dance so I could go.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha......you must go see Blackpool...one of the largest and most prestigeous ballroom competitions in the world. It's on your side of the big pond.

      Delete
  9. Oh my goodness, I've been really excited to see you photographs from this event! You and your pair seem to be a really good pairing, you both look like you have so much fun dancing and it's really joyful and fun to look at your pictures. (I love the face shot you mentioned, with your hand by his face! It's very dramatic looking!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Katie...my partner is my instructor and it is fabulous to dance with him. He's just a great dancer.

      Delete
  10. Again, you scored with the terrific dresses. Hubbys can be so funny when they take pictures, so "what are feet?" lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's funny, Lynne.....I asked him before he took the shot "Do you see me head to toe" and of course he said yes!

      Delete
  11. oh how fabulous for you
    you are looking quite chic and fabulous yourself
    brett

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Brett......I'm always happy when I'm dancing!

      Delete
  12. What a blast that must have been! You look amazing in the photos! I only hope your head feels better. Ouch!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha...yes, my head is fine now! It was a very fun event and thank your for the compliment!

      Delete
  13. I love the velvet dress Lisa and you look fabulous in it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you...that dress was so comfortable to wear!

      Delete
  14. You look so pretty, love the hair and pearls!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Looking great Lisa !
    Pearls always add that magic touch.

    ReplyDelete

"When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect"--Mark Twain