Tracy Edwards is the Redding Rancheria CEO.

Q: How have you prepared for our first practice?

I have not prepared (at all) for out first practice. Wait, I take that back. I bought shoes yesterday while I was running from one meeting to the next.  I fully intended on preparing.  When my high school son was wrestling last season we both took an interest in doing “Dance Dance Revolution” on the play station in the evenings.  I intended on making him practice with me at nights, but didn’t quite get there.
 
Q: We will each dance a disco and waltz number. Do you have any songs in mind?  

Waltz, none.  Disco, I have thought of all the Bee Gee’s songs, and the favorites like “Car Wash,” etc.
 
Q: What is your previous dancing experience?

No previous dancing experience at all, except for an occasional night out at Elements to go dancing. I especially like the ’80s bands. I wish we could do an ’80s dance.  Although I must admit I was the head of the Anderson High School Cheerleading squad exactly 20 years ago. Go Cubs.  But trust me, cheerleading back then was nothing like it is today.
 
Q: Do you have a recurring Dancing with the Stars nightmare?  

Yes. The recurring nightmare is that I am waltzing, only to trip and fall off the stage.  And my disco outfit rips after doing many disco moves.
 
Q: Which couple do you think will be the toughest to beat, and why?

I think Don Burton looks like a dancer.  And I heard Chita mention she was a cheerleader; I am guessing that was only a few years ago.  Of course sometimes the quiet ones surprise you; maybe Kurt is a real Fred Astaire.

Q: Any idea what you’ll wear for your dance numbers?

I have no idea.  I am hoping the waltz costumes are supplied. And I would love to wear funky boots, but don’t think I will be able to dance in them.

Q: Would you like to share a before-practice message for your professional dance partner?

Yes, the message would be that I am completely in his hands.  I feel lucky my partner is currently teaching at the Kids Unlimited summer program, and I saw a dance he choreographed last year that my daughter performed for the show and I loved it. It was to the song “Blue” - I don’t know the artist.  (But he needs to know, my daughter is a MUCH better dancer than I am.)

Q: What’s your winning strategy?

SMILE, SMILE, SMILE, no matter how ugly it gets.

Q: Have you had any moments when you’ve had cold feet?

Definitely. When I agreed to do this, I figured it would motivate me to get in shape, and maybe lose a dress size. ( I mean, if dancing on the stage at the Cascade Theatre in front of friends and strangers doesn’t motivate you, then I don’t know what will.) Haha. That was weeks ago.  I was mortified when I got the e-mail about my dress and pant size. I realized that I wasn’t going to be able to lie about it or risk those disco pants splitting down the back.  And the event is in three weeks.  I guess I am stuck in the size I am.

Q: Anything else you’d like to say about this event?

I am so excited. Many friends and co-workers are rooting me on; some think I am crazy.  It was a big commitment for me as I am raising three active children, trying to be a wife and trying to hold my own at the job.  I had to think about the number of practices we will have because they definitely conflict with soccer practice, baseball practice, dance practice and whatever else may come up. 

But the reaction from my daughter was enough to make me want to do it.  I am always telling my kids to try new things and even if it seems scary, you might actually end up having fun.  Especially things that you might never have a chance to do again. I definitely think this falls into that category. 

Matt Armstrong is Tracy Edwards’ professional dance partner.

Q: What’s your dance experience?

I started dancing 12 years ago and I haven’t stopped since.

I started training in Jazz and later moved onto Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, Ballroom and Contemporary.

Q: Tell a bit about yourself, please.

Well, I am a native of Redding and a 2004 graduate of Enterprise High School.

I currently work with Kids Unlimited Institute of the Arts for their summer performance camp.

I love to dance, sing and spread my knowledge of these arts through the Redding community.

I also currently attend University of California, San Diego, majoring in biochemistry and minoring in dance.

I also compete in ballroom collegiate competitions and placed first in the Open Latin 3 dance category (Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba) at the Orange Blossom Ball (in Riverside, California).

Q: Do you have a recurring Dancing with the Stars nightmare?

I do not have any nightmares whatsoever.

I fully believe in Tracy’s ability and I know we’re going to give a great performance.

Q: What couple do you think will be the hardest to beat, and why?

Each couple is bringing something different to the stage this year so I’m worried about everyone!

Q: What’s your plan to help your partner dance well?

Practice, practice, PRACTICE!

The more time you put into your dancing and your routines, the more it will show in the final product.

I can be pretty tough so if I don’t like a rehearsal, I’ll keep running it until I’m satisfied.

Q: What advice do you have for your partner, especially since he/she might have limited dance experience?

Nobody expects anyone to be perfect at a dance style in just three weeks.

Practice, smile and have fun.

If you feel great during the rehearsals then it will show in the performance.

Q: Anything else you’d like to say?

I wish all other couples the best of luck!

This is a fabulous group we have this year.