. . . to help me get right back up in the saddle.
After a year of competing Pro-Am (I'm the Am) in UCWDC competitions in NC2S, Waltz, Cha, 2 Step, ECS, and WCS, I went to World's the week before last.
Throughout the past year, I placed 1st Overall several times, taking no less than Gold, moreover, Gold with Honors or higher in each of the above dances.
World's was a different place to be. I was not a bit nervous - I was ready. I danced nearly every dance to perfection, with a bobble or two in ECS, but my scores were the lowest I have ever received. I KNOW I danced as well as the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place winners (I watched), but I came in 10th. I was devasted, nearly in tears, and have not yet recovered.
I realize that judges are just that, and most look for certain things. I must not have done those things that they wanted to see during my dances.
I am not a quitter, but that's what I feel like doing. I cannot practice any harder than I did - privates nearly everyday, practice everyday, watched what I ate, got up and ran at 4:00 AM almost everyday, watched tapes, read inspirational/motivational items, and yet I did not have what it took.
Right now, I just want to social dance, yet I know that I have "competitor's" blood surging within me. I love competing. I'd rather be on the floor versus sitting in the audience just watching.
Do any of you teachers, competitor's, or Pros have any words that may help to get me going again. My wife wants to also compete as a couple for the first time this year, but I'm afraid I'll let her down.
This has really got me down. I am good, and I know that. Even that doesn't get my feet moving.
Help???
Vince
