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Dancing countdown:
1 day - @?!*#!
I cannot believe I will be on the Cascade Theatre stage tomorrow night.
Ding. Time’s up. I have only one more day to practice. The dress rehearsal doesn’t count. That’s a run-through.
I’m not nervous.
I’m freaked!
Or maybe that’s the wrong word. Here’s a better one: Unprepared.
I think I could pull this off if I just had another week of practice. I’m just now getting the hang of it.
I found two dresses (Ross’ Dress for Less) that I hope will work. They have to.
I have my new tan dance shoes, and an expensive underdealy called Spanx that basically keeps everything contained.
Someone will do my makeup, and even add things called “blinkers” - which, apparently, are eyelashes. Someone else will do my hair, and I feel very sorry for her because I’ve turned into quite the head-sweater since I started dance practice. Like Pavlov’s dance partner, my head starts squirting liquid the moment I walk through the YMCA doors.
I’m cramming and practicing my dance moves every chance I get. I watch the videos I made of Jake showing me our moves, in slow motion. I read his detailed dance notes.
I know that no other “star” dancer needs such special help to learn these moves, and I truly appreciate him for being such a great sport.
I owe ya, man.
What can I say except those of you who attend the Dancing With The Stars - Shasta County Style event are in for quite a show. It starts at 7 p.m. and goes to about 10 p.m. I believe a few tickets remain, but I’m not sure. (It’s open seating, so get there early to choose your favorite spot.)
Since I know you hate to hear me speak a discouraging word about my dancing, let me just say I’m sure it will be interesting.
Aside from practicing dance steps, the one other thing I must work on before Saturday is breaking a bad habit I’ve developed of cursing when I mess up.
To quote Matt Armstrong, one of the professional dancers (and Tracy Edwards’ partner - and oh my gosh, do they look great!): “Remember, this is a family show.”
I’m screwed.
Meanwhile, I will remind myself to do my best to have fun and put the whole thing in perspective.
After all, it’s not cancer.
It’s not a fire.
It’s two dances on stage to raise money for some great community causes.
I’ve said all along that I’m not a dancer. But come Saturday, I’ll be all dressed up, on stage at the Cascade Theatre with my dance partner.
I guess that makes me dancer.
Even if it’s just for one night.
In the meantime, enjoy these photos of Wednesday night’s practice, by Mike Burke.
Kurt Starman and Sarah Leavers
Chita Johnson and Logan Grimes
Don Burton and Julie Correia
Les Baugh and Kathy Babcock
Tracy Edwards and Matt Armstrong
Doni Greenberg and Jake Carver
123 views
You know, once the lights go out and you’re on stage, everything melts away. You dance, you have fun. Remember, it’s an honor to be chosen.
And, from me to you - kick-ass.
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“I’ve said all along that I’m not a dancer. But come Saturday, I’ll be all dressed up, on stage at the Cascade Theatre with my dance partner.
I guess that makes me dancer.
Even if it’s just for one night.”
You are a dancer for a night! Sounds like you’re all ready to have a good time, and remember - that’s what counts.
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Doni, you are once again making this community a better place. I stumbled on Dancing with the Stars just the other night on Ch. 11, and so enjoyed seeing familiar faces putting themselves at risk for a great cause. Have fun, and remember that any of us watching would do a whole lot worse! You will win first place for “Greatest Smile” !
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Psyche yourself up to have fun. Don’t dwell on making mistakes…no one will know….know that we will all be in the audience cheering you on!
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You go girl!!!!
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As a little girl sitting at the Cascade on a Saturday watching a movie, did you ever in a million years dream one day you would be a Star up on that very stage???
You are an inspiration to all of us to throw caution to the wind and try new and challenging things!
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I love “Pavlov’s dance partner.” Don’t worry - you’ll be great! Just have a blast and knock ‘em dead.
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You’ll have to post a video on your site for those of us who can’t make it tonight. Good luck!! We’re cheering for you!
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Doni,
Have a great time. It looks like it is shaping up to be one really fantastic show.
Tammy
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Dear Doni, This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you, so make the best of it. Put on the biggest smile you have, stand tall, and no one will notice if your feet make a mistake. We are all cheering for you - what a brave lady you are!
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I admire anyone who can learn dance moves, even if it takes a while. I hope you will be able to post a video clip of the event since Lynn & I are too far away to attend. Have fun.
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Doni…As a dancer, myself,with two left feet, forget it and have fun. You’ll be the dancing queen young lady. We love you! Break a leg, well not litterly.
Go give em a big Cascade show!
—————————- > Budd :>)
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You are the bomb and you will shine! Happy Birthday!
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Cute photos! You look like you’re having a ball, and that’s the idea! I can’t wait to see the show.
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YOU are a winner! YOU are great! YOU are filled with the love of life. YOU will have fun and fill us with smiles to reflect your smile. Remember how much we all care. We love your determination and willingness to take on this challenge. Do your best! Smile! And don’t indicate in any way that a step didn’t go the way you planned. We’ll never know if YOU don’t indicate otherwise. YOU are a woman of power. That’s why we love YOU.
Smooch,
Janel
Hey, to the men in your life!
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I am so excited! This will be such a great event! Keep smiling and break a leg.(such a mondo bizarro saying, don’t you think)?
Diana
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You were BEAUTIFUL! You did such a great job, and didn’t look nervous at all. I’m so proud of you, because I know it was way out of your comfort zone. Hooray for you and Jake!
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Hey Doni,
You did a fine job last night. No nerves showing, only that great big smile of yours. Everyone was having fun. I was amazed at the ages of the partners…such young kids and such a fine job they did! What a great experience for all of you!
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I’d like to second GrammaLyn - you were BEAUTIFUL! and did a great job. What a powerful message you embodied for us all - It is good to step out of our “comfort zone” and have some fun while we do good things. That’s frankly inspirational.
I Loved your version of “I Will Survive” - it was so perfect on so many levels! (My hands were wonderfully sore from clapping.)
It was also a privilege to “vote” for you as you helped two very worthy causes. Well Done, Doni!
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Oh my gosh, thank you all so much for your support and encouragement through this dwts era of my life.
From the first moment I mentioned dwts here, through today, the day after, you’ve cheered me on. I feel so lucky in so many ways. You’re the best.
Of course, I’ll write about Saturday’s dwts for Monday’s Food for Thought.
See you then.
xodoni
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