Today was dance lesson day. Its always a challenge to dress for a day at the studio and errand running before and after. Pants are not comfortable to dance in when practicing technique and learning new concepts.
Workout clothes are fine if I'm not doing other things before or after, but those days like today, where I have other errands to run, I need to look a bit more pulled together and yet have freedom, flexibility and coverage when I dance.
I change a number of times today before settling on a navy blue Max Studio flared skirt and a navy blue Ralph Lauren tee. It was breezy and in the 60's so I topped it with a thrifted Dress Barn white denim jacket that is surprising soft and non-constricting.
.....and my ever trusty Lia Sophia jewelry. This piece is called 'Waterlily'
Lia sophia earrings. I have these in matte gold also and I reach for them all the time.
After the studio, we stopped at the wondrous Albanese Candy Factory, which is a candy factory and wholesale candy store. Much of the candy you buy comes from Albanese...including Gummy Bears!
This place is like a modern day Willie Wonka's chocolate factory! This is the chocolate fountain. The chocolate fountain is surrounded by a large display of candy and gifts and it soars up to the top of a vaulted ceiling. The first time I was here, I was checking out the display, unaware of the fountain above me. I heard what I thought was water running and asked my son..where is that noise coming from. He pointed to the fountain and said "its a chocolate fountain mom!!!!"
This place is magical and HUGE. All kinds of novelty items hang from the ceiling, like this lovely giant sunflower.
Chocolate!
A small view of one of the candy counters....
The place is always packed...I just happened to snap this photo when the area was clear...in the blink of an eye, it was filled with patrons. There is a real party atmosphere here.
The factory is behind the selling floor and customers can watch the candy making through viewing windows but photos and video are not permitted.
Needless to say...we walked out with far more candy than we intended to.
American Smooth Waltz. You can see the wrap on my injured left leg. I am still struggling with it; I wear a leg support now when I dance. Healing is slow, but it has improved.
This is silver Smooth Waltz.....a higher skill level than the Bronze level in the previous picture.
Silver Smooth 
Silver Smooth Tango
Silver Smooth Foxtrot. Remember when I first posted this dress and wasn't sure if I was totally sold on it. I love it.
American Rhythm style
American Rhythm
American Rhythm. I have to be very blunt for a moment; dangerous curves indeed.....Yikes!
Cha Cha
East Coast Swing
International Standard
Tango
My favorite dress
Marcel made the lineup for top ten teachers. Out of 100 teachers present; he made it! He's number 10!Thank you for indulging me!
I hope your weekend is going well.
Thank you for sharing your dance photos and labeling each style of dance. Fantastic! You're making me realize I really need to MOVE my body in some way or other.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa. Dance is the most fun and joyful body to get moving.
DeleteYou look totally gorgeous in your dance photos - so alive ! And well done to Marcel too! X
ReplyDeleteThank you. I really enjoy every moment I'm on the dance floor.
DeleteYour outfit is stunning and your dangerous curves are delightful ... love your dance photos and it just struck me, you must be really fit ! Love the dance dresses ... hugz
ReplyDeleteI'm not as fit as I should be Wendy. I need to tone up and lose 10 lbs!
Deletep.s Send congrats to Marcel too :-) Awesome achievement.
ReplyDeleteI was just telling Kristen (of Low Fat Dressing) how much I loved the outfit at the top of the post. What a cute way to wear a white jacket!
ReplyDeleteThank you.....I'm kind of thinking we might just skip right over the jacket wearing weather so I'm glad I was able to wear it!
DeleteFirst, I love seeing your dance photos! Look at your legs...woot woot!!
ReplyDeleteSecond, that candy factory looks dangerous! Don't get me started, or I'll be walking out with a giant bag!
Third, you look GREAT in your simple navy & white outfit! Pretty jewelry as always!
The candy factory was dangerous. Sigh.
DeleteThank you...I think navy and white is a really good spring combination.
I love your ballroom dresses; you are clearly having a great time and lookin' great doing it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynne.....I definitely have a good time dancing.
DeleteGreat photos, we need a mini video:)
ReplyDeleteI know, Joanna...I do need to get some video, but most comps don't allow it because the pro videographers don't like the competition, but they are way too expensive!
DeleteI wondered what you needed to wear to dance lessons, a skirt makes a lot of sense if you have a ton of things to do afterwards. (And wow, you get the best jewelry through Lia Sophia, every item you showcase is just stunning. That abalone flower necklace is so striking and pretty looking.)
ReplyDeleteIt's always so fun to see your dance photos, you look so graceful and joyful in them. (I know I said it before, but that green dress you wore for the American Rhythm dance looks amazing you, you have such beautiful legs!)
Thank you, Katie. I wish that AR dress was mine! I rented that one....I really need to buy it when the owner is ready to give it up!
DeleteLovely to see the dance photos! Your posture in all the photos is so graceful. And the chocolate - OMG, it must have smelled like heaven!
ReplyDeleteIt did smell chocolate-y delicious, Val!
DeleteThank you for noticing my posture. That is probably the single most critical element of dance....because everything develops from proper dance posture.
You look so happy and in your element whenever you post your dance photos. I love them all! So envious of your grace and determination to do what you love. : )
ReplyDeleteThank you.....I feel very comfortable on the dance floor and I never get nervous before a competition, so I suppose I am in my element a bit. Its fun and it makes me very happy.
DeleteWhat great dance photos. It looks so fun and exhilarating!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Adrienne...it is the most fun thing I've ever done in my life!
DeleteLisa, it's so wonderful seeing you dancing, seeing that you are dedicated with every fibre. Your pretty black dress suits you well and seems with that wide swinging skirt the best outfit for training.
ReplyDeleteDangerous, very dangerous to see pics of the chocolate fabric. I have have to scroll down to withstand :D
I agree that chocolate is dangerous! I have to walk by it and pretend I don't see it!
DeleteThank you for the compliments!
You look fabulous in classic navy & white & love love your dance photos! Oh & I so love a candy store too!
ReplyDeleteDenise
Thank you, Denise. This candy store is like a fantasy candy store!
DeleteI love the ballroom pics .. the dresses are so lovely. I love the flowy ball room gown.
ReplyDeleteCandy! Oh, yum .. I cannot set foot in a place like that ;-)
Monica
www.pear-shaped-gal.com
Monica....I don't go in to that store often because I over-do it!
DeleteAlways love to see you dance costumes and who wouldn't love to go to that cool looking candy factory
ReplyDeleteHave a great week
Brett
Thank you, Brett. The candy factory is a major supplier of candy all over the United States!
DeleteI hope to add a new dress to the collection soon!
Wow. Stunning dance photos!! Your costumes are beautiful, and I love each one for the different attitude it presents. You look amazing!!!!! I actually dreamt last night that I was learning Argentinian tango. We have a friend who hosts dance nights and I was terrified when I visited!! I have two left feet and I felt so out of my element. However, I think I may have to conquer my fears and step out on the floor. It looks like so much fun. Thank you for sharing your passion!!!
ReplyDeleteJean....it is so much fun and once you learn a bit of it...I promise you will experience a transformation. You will love it. Many people say they have two left feet...but its only because you haven't had training. Do you know when you are the dance "follower" the way to follow is not anticipate the next step and just hesitate a hair longer so that you can feel the man's lead.
DeleteArgentine Tango is a blast! I love it....I keep trying to get Marcel to work on an Argentine routine for our next performance. I have a song in mind too. If you would like I can send you some links to really amazing AT dances!
I always like a classic outfit such as your dance outfit! The Candy factory looks like a very dangerous and fun place! As a child Charlie and the Chocolate factory was one of my favorite books! It is always fun to see your dance photos Lisa! Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteThank you Anna. I like the simple classic style of outfits like this too.
DeleteYes, the candy factory is dangerous. I try to not look at it when I drive by...too tempting! So glad you enjoy my dance photos. I think there will be more soon....I'm considering adding and amazing new (used) ballroom gown to my collection for the competition in June that I may participate in!
Looks like you had a blast!
ReplyDeleteMally
xox
By the way stay in touch with me on instagram! Username is "Maldwani".
Thank you....I did have a blast!
Deletethe candy factory sounds like a fun place to visit - and i love max studio, definitely a fave brand.
ReplyDeleteChic on the Cheap
I don't have too many Max Studio pieces, but I like the ones I have!
DeleteLove this post! You look great!
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Thank you!
DeleteLove the dancing photos! You look amazing! Any excuse to wear such great dresses....
ReplyDeleteThe dresses are at least half of the fun!
DeleteWhat what fun pictures! I'd love that candy store and the ballroom dancing looks great!
ReplyDeleteGinny
mynewfavoriteoutfit.blogspot.com
Thanks, Ginny. I pass the candy factory every time I have a ballroom lesson...and its a struggle not to make a stop there!
DeleteLady, you are the working all of those amazing dance outfits, that green short one in particular is to die for. You are talent and it's show that you have a true passion for dance.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dancing!How did I miss this candy store post??? cool,very cool!
ReplyDelete