My 1st Dancesport Competition

Earlier this week, I participated in the pro-am latin competition at the Emerald Ball in Los Angeles.  Since it was my first competition, I was a bundle of nerves!  I woke up at 5am the morning of the competition to take a quick shower, dry my hair, grab my pre-packed bag and drive to the Hilton at LAX for the competition.

The morning started with a hair and makeup appointment.  I think, next time, I will be able to take care of this part of the process myself.  The hairstyle they chose for me was very simple.  And while my makeup was well done, it was no different than the stage makeup I have done for myself hundreds of times in college.  On top of all of this, I nearly missed my first heat because of a scheduling issue with the hair and makeup lady.  Not worth the stress or the money for me, but a fun thing to do if you have a flexible budget and probably a must if you don't have experience with stage makeup or hair.

As I stepped out of the elevator on the lobby level, I was whisked into the ballroom to quickly strap on my shoes and head out on the floor.  I was a little flustered and would have benefited from a legit warm-up.  All in all I was just happy I hadn't missed my opportunity to dance!

In between my first and second set of dances, I started to get a lot of work emails.  Could I get on the phone to discuss a partner's comments to an agreement I had drafted?  Could I call a client and respond to their urgent need to receive some additional documents?  *sigh*  In between heats, in my costume and heels, I got out my laptop, remoted into the firm's system and emailed documents to clients.  After my second round of dances I went to the lobby to call a partner and revise an agreement.  I missed watching most of my studio-mates compete.  This was disappointing--I had really hoped to take a true vacation day and enjoy the competition.

Nonetheless, it was a fun experience.  I placed first in cha cha, samba, rumba, paso doble and jive in my division.