For the last five years, I wanted to compete. The stars did not line up exactly as I wanted to get to the big stage for the first time, but I made it! My partner, Tshon the Gentleman lives in Dallas, Texas and being more than 1,000 miles apart was challenge number one. I am thankful to The Most High for realizing this experience for both of us. On this journey, I learned more about myself, had some unforgettable moments, faced some crucial decisions and was surprised by new fears.
What I learned about myself. First, in the post 8 Qualities to Look for in a Partner, I have to remember that my partner is also looking for the same qualities in me. I have some work to do. At the same time, be less critical of myself and don’t let opinions about me or my partner get the better of my judgment. Openness and honesty are key to success with my dance partner. Most critical in growing up in this experience is knowing to take the complaints off the dance floor. When I am on the wood, it’s time to dance and have fun.
The best moments. Since without my partner I had no chance at this, Tshon showing up dressed to the nine and ready was the highlight. “We made it!” On the day before the contest, Shani Johnson arranged a private workshop with Charnice Simmons and Tyk Man Ali and of course I was there. The camaraderie was comforting. The gesture of contestants working and learning together, even if competing in the same category dispelled all the months of negative, competitive banter and shit talking on social media. At Dre & Company’s Pre-Party on Friday night the Chicago gentlemen gave me a workout. Some asked if I was competing and before I knew it I was in the middle of a “workout, practice, let me see what you got” session. Thank you for the support Chicago! After my Milwaukee prelims performance, some folks warned me if you are nervous when you get on stage don’t look at the audience. When I got on stage I looked around and swept the room remembering Ashley Armstrong’s encouraging words, “This audience paid all this money to come see me, I am gonna give ’em a show.” I was not afraid. I could say a whole lot about where our performance did not go as planned but I won’t. Thank you to the steppers that afterwards offered a kind word even as simple as “good job” and for the masters in this dance Donnie Davis and Maurice Thomas who acknowledged and congratulated me.
The tough decisions. Time was against us for critical decisions. There are so many songs, how do we choose the perfect song? There were still many uncertainties on the day of WLSC. What is going to be comfortable for us to dance in? I thought at least my outfit would be okay and in the middle of my performance when my belt was riding up to my boobs and I had to pull my dress down, I wanted to die, “this should not be happening.” I went to Donnie Davis’ class on Saturday morning and really wanted to enter the grab bag contest but did not. I still cannot fathom a reason for that decision.
My biggest fears
- When the contest registrar said to sign a waiver that was the first time I considered that someone could fall off the stage. Oh dear!
- Freezing up. I did not want to repeat the Milwaukee prelims experience.
- In the contest briefing, we learned contestants would dance two at a time and so we were only dancing to two songs. That’s a change. Then I was praying please don’t let me get on the stage with Ed and Amanda. They are likely gonna choose some weird, fast song that it won’t be easy to catch a beat to.
- Then hoping to fight building nervousness from waiting I hoped not to go first, but not to go last.
I laugh now because I realize that a lot of the skin in this contest is mental. I have total control of what is going on in my head. That’s my biggest takeaway. Although I know this was not my best dance, I don’t regret this achievement and am ready and prepared to get on stage again – soon.