04/08/2025
You know I was speaking with one of the owners of Dance Alive National Ballet and she asked a question “What do you do?” And the first thing that came to my mind is occupation. But what actually makes you feel alive, whooo are you? And art, it’s a lost human experience of creativity and expression. We pass it on as an extra curricular or luxury thing, but can you imagine a world if we lost it? I mean what do many people do when they retire? They paint, they dance, they turn to creative outlets…. It’s what makes you feel alive.
And this is what Dancing With the Stars this did for me. That heart sinking, pit of your stomach, nervous peeing feeling that you may just blank out completely. But then we did it. And I overcame it. I did this to bring a little life back into me, to do something for myself because I’ve exhausted a lot of myself the past decade in other pursuits (well worth it and would never take anything back). But I’ve grown tired physically and mentally and lost a little of myself. I wanted to bring something back to myself and in hopes to inspire others and raise awareness about how important arts are to us as humans and in our community. And for that I’m so grateful for Dance Alive and everyone I’ve met in this process.
I wanted to specially thank a few people who have inspired me in various ways. Kim Tuttle for allowing me to be apart of this and all her support and reminding what a beautiful part of life dance is.
Jose Ramos, my professional dancing partner, my coach… he choreographed our routine beautifully and taught me how to dance it in our short time rehearsing. Jose, he also got the Guiding Star award for great choreography. He was definitely a patient and encouraging guiding star! And Carla Amâncio, she at every rehearsal supporting Jose and I and helping with all the details. She’s one of the lead dancers for Dance Alive and just a beautiful soul.
Jose and I got the “Heart and Soul Award” which was so special, and we got the “Judge’s Award!” I’m blown away! I was terrified lol, but also extremely excited to have such an experience as a grown adult who never pursued dance but always loved it!
I also want to acknowledge how HARD and disciplined these dancers of Dance Alive National Ballet are. The demand on their bodies is unreal, I can’t imagine waking up and doing this hours after hours every day and maintaining your health so meticulously. It truly is unbelievable and it’s given me a new appreciation for my own body and made me realize I better take care of it while I have these capabilities that many people aren’t blessed to have.
Also super proud of all amazing Stars who stepped completely out of their comfort zones and spent these last few months working hard practicing and to raise funds for this amazing organization. What a treat to meet and share this time with them!
Thank you thank you THANK YOU to everyone who has watched this experience through social media, all the supporters who donated and voted on the day of, everyone who watched the live stream, my cheering section at the show, and my family and friends!!
Cheers to Dance, human creativity, human connection, heart and soul, good health, and leaning into the life on earth. 💫✨🌟
