(It seems my first post may not have gone through). After almost three years of dancing, with the last year including private weekly lessons, next weekend I have my first comp. I'll be doing a Freestyle of Tango, Waltz and Fox Trot with my instructor. My Tango is definitely bronze, but we had to bump me up to pre-silver as my other two are into low silver. Thanks to ballroomchick I've got a terrific dress I blinged-out with Swavorski crystals, so I'll at least look the part.

I'm determined to smile and act confident while keeping my frame--at least that's the plan. Any other suggestions to calm my nerves? It's a mid-level competition, drawing some very good dancers, but a good venue for newbies like me. You all helped so much back in December when I did my first showcase, so I'll go back and re-read those tips too.

One thing that I noticed is that once I got out there and did my first couple of dances, the nerves were gone. Have fun!!

Sigh, as I didn't want to overload myself (and save a little money) I only entered that short multi-dance. Last night I was wishing I had entered more. I knew that shortly after we made the decision to sign-up, I was going to be out of town for about 4 weeks. I was afraid that gap would cause a real problem.

The good news is that during that break I was able to take 8 lessons at the studio of a 5 time national, world champ and Blackpool winner in Cabaret. I had one lesson with Eric and 7 with one of his associates, which was incredible and helped prepare me.

It's probably better I'm starting out slowly.

Sounds like you're prepared. I always sign up for some single dances before a multi-dance. I'm usually quite shaky for the first few dances until I settle down and start enjoying myself. Also, I have a pretty good idea of how the floor feels after a few dances and if we have to change anything to fit our routine on the floor. If you can afford it, get your hair and makeup done professionally. As everyone says, have fun!

That's a good tip about the hair and make-up, but I have to pass on it this time. I've got shortish hair so I'll hair-spray the heck out of it, so it doesn't move and go a lot heavier on my make-up, but that's about it. If I keep this up, I'll consider it.

I'd love to have done a single dance, but there wasn't time to work on a choreographed routine in addition to improving my tango. I'm at an interesting point in my "Learning Journey". I'm finally able to absorb new information more quickly and correct errors, but that's relatively new for me. Three months ago I was still feeling overwhelmed and that's when we had to make the decision on the dances. What really has me very nervous is not being able to warm up. Going out cold and doing three different dances in a few minutes will be tough.

Wear a jacket while you stretch and warm up. Keep it on the keep your muscles warm before you go out on the floor.

Walk out on the floor with confidence and SMILE. Once you set up to dance, it's only you and your instructor on the floor. Listen to the music and be part of it - nothing outside of that matters as you feel the lead of your partner. Enjoy the thrill of moving across the floor.

Would love to see photos of the dress now that you have given it a makeover.

Have a good time at the comp.