. . . 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

hi!

It sounds like you absolutely love dancing and want to do it as well as you possibly can. I assume when you say that you danced the dances "to perfection" you mean that you did them better than you ever did before, or at least just as good, as I'm sure we'll agree not even the top 10 couples of the world dance everything to perfection!

Do realize how wonderful it is, however, that you could feel like you danced as perfect as you possibly could and that it felt "perfect" to you! After all, we dance because we have fun doing it and to feel good, not for someone else (who isn't perfect either!) to decide that we did better than the other couples who happened to turn up to the same competition...

If your dancing made you feel good you shouldn't let anyone else's dancing get you down!!!

twnkltoz:

We've gone to the Ballroom of Sacramento once or twice . . . and will probably attend and (maybe???) compete at the Capital Swing convention.

Quite a few Pros hit Two Left Feet late Friday and sometimes, late Saturday.

How did you do in the J & J's in Frezno?

Linda I, as in Infante (not sure of the spelling), but she is a DJ, right?

I'm sure that we know several of the same people. When I told my wife of our E-mail conversations, she too, said that "twnkltoz" sounded familiar!

Small world! I didn't make the first cut in the j&j...I'm primarily a ballroom dancer, so I didn't expect much!

Yes, Linda Infante is the dj. She didn't go last year, and we're not sure if she'll be doing it this year or not.

Feel free to email me personally...twynkltoz@yahoo.com

Sara (UK):
I agree . . . no one is "perfect," especially on the dance floor. It was the "best I have ever danced." It was the performance of my dance career, thus far. There will be more and better ones yet to follow. Thanks.

twnkltoz: (his name sounds familiar???)
You hit the nail right on the head. I am taking a month off from privates and routine practices. Only social dancing. My wife and I are headed to "Two Left Feet" in Danville tonight and then to Palo Alto On Sunday to watch the USABDA comps . . . although the Raiders game is starting to really starting get my attention.

And yes, I (we) go to Frezno. We've been married for just over 2 years now. I've been going there for about 8 years now, my wife for 3. You said you go there . . . to compete??? Where do you go dancing in Sac???

I dance (and teach ballroom) at The Ballroom of Sacramento. We have WCS dances every thursday, country dances every 2nd and 4th friday, and Capital Swing Dancers has their WCS dance every third Sunday (their convention is next month here in town). I've never been to Two Left Feet, although my husband used to go (before he got married and lazy!). We went to Frezno last year to watch, although I did the Novice Jack and Jill (WCS--I don't do country).

We probably know some of the same people! If you've been going to Frezno for 8 years, you know who Linda I is...she's our studio manager and a good friend of mine.

I'm not sure i have the right words, but i hope these will help.
Your bad feelings will pass. I've been through this (in another sport) and wanted to quit. But you know you have the ability, so don't, because you will look back on this incident and if you've quit you will regret it.
This experience will make you stronger.
Dance with your wife. How could you let her down? You're an excellent dancer - let other people see you and enjoy it all.
Can you believe i started dancing at the age of 45 and started competing in my 50's. I've danced rubbish sometimes, and also danced well and been placed last. But dancing is my life now (as i'm sure it is yours) and there's NO WAY i'm going to give it up unless a leg falls off.
I hope by the time you read this you're feeling better about your dancing anyway. And i hope this has helped

phil.samways:

Thanks. Some of the words you used actually did help. We're very similar with the "age thing." I started dancing very young, but only WCS, ECS, Hustle, Waltz, Cha, and NC2S since age 46.

I'm 56 now, and began competing 15 months ago only because my wife competed, and she was leaving me behind.

We are going to attend the competitions in Palo Alto this weekend, so maybe the "itch" will get all the way back into me. I'm with you on the keep dancing and not quit unless "a leg falls off." Maybe I needed the setback, because I did acquire an attitude after back-to-back 1st Overall wins.

I agree, I love to dance, more so than just about anything. I've even installed a dance floor in our garage.

I'll print out your email and read it from time to time . . . just in case.

Many thanks . . .. have a wonderful year.

Vince A

At Worlds, you likely had a lot more competition than you're used to. It's a whole different ballgame! If you have to, take a couple of weeks off...don't take lessons, just social dance and have a good time. With some time and perspective, you'll be ready to try again!

I see you're in Cali...do you go to Frezno? I went last year for the first time...lots of fun!