I have spent quite a bit of time perusing the internet for inspiration for costumes. Two of Elena Slikhova's (partner of Charles-Guillame Schmidt) costumes definitely caught my eye. I find the first black number to be quite sexy, while the second yellow number is really playful.
In addition to these, I fell in love with Dariya Chesnokova's costume that she was sporting at the Embassy Ball earlier this year. The second costume of hers is one she was wearing in November 2009. I really like the use of strings of stones - though upon enquiring, it looks like making a similar costume may require hours upon upon hours of stringing!
*Images of Elena and the second one of Dariya are courtesy of dancesportinfo.net.
It is true that had it not been for my ex-boyfriend I would not have discovered my love for latin ballroom. However, we had made the wise decision not to partner together. We would often that get questioned - isn't it weird to watch your boyfriend dance with someone else? To be perfectly honest, it wasn't always easy to do so. But hey, I was pressed up against someone else too - so it was all fair.
Usually after a break-up one never has to see their ex again. Unfortunately, that is not the case here. But now that our relationship has ended, I can truly say that our decision to dance seperately was the best one we could have made for our dance career. I don't have to find a new partner! I am not saying that this is the case for everyone. There are many couples who have been able to have both a successful dance career and relationship together.
However, there are cases of successful partnerships coming to an end due to the relationship factor. If Karina and Slavik had not fallen prey to the breakup curse, they may have very well become world champions. Slavik is once again partnerless (at least for the time being) after his recent break up with Anna. Anna has since partnerered up with her new boyfriend Justinas Duknausko (who recently split up with Ekatrina).
Dancing is hard enough on its own. Furthermore, maintaining a positive relationship with one's dance partner is a challenge in itself without the stresses of being in a romantic relationship. But on the other hand would anyone else really understand my obsessive 5 days a week practice schedule and dancing provocatively with a dance partner? I guess it really depends on the individual. It's all a double-edged sword.
Check out Anna's rumba with her new partner Justinas:
As I have mentioned before, we were at Grand Ball in Vancouver this last weekend competing. It was a great competition and an excellent opportunity to watch some very talented couples from Europe and New York compete. But the most exciting part of the competition was the mini makeover I got.
This was a spontaneous decision and somehow I managed to find someone help me execute my master plan on a Sunday morning. I decided to cut my hair! Not just a trim. About 8 inches of it. Check out the before and after pictures below. I realize its an odd look for an Indian girl, but I really like the way it looked on the dance floor. And I sure felt ever so Anna Melnikova-ish.
Sorry for being MIA for the last little bit. I have been keeping busy preparing for the Grandball competition in Vancouver. It is coming up really soon - just next weekend.
I have been getting a costume made for Grandball. I picked it up today and we just need to stone it at this point. However, a fellow dancer stopped by the studio with some of her costumes for sale. I, of course, ended up purchasing one. Check out the pictures below. I'm thinking of wearing this one at Grandball instead. I'll post pictures of the other as soon as I finish stoning it.
I went to the Alberta Ballet last night to watch Sleeping Beauty. It was a truly beautiful production - with gorgeous sets, costumes and talented dancers. The male lead was of course Kelley McKinlay, and Princess Aurora was placed by Hayna Gutierrez - a new addition to the Alberta Ballet company.
What I really enjoyed about the production was that it was a classic ballet. Every detail was steeped in tradition. The choreography was challenging and the score was glorious. In spite of his smaller role, Yukichi Hattori, was still my favourite. His dancing is so incredibly effortless - the height in his jumps and his grace is unrivaled. But Yukichi aside, the entire company came together and the production was delightful.
I could go on and on about the choreography and amazing dancers, but what really struck me was the number of parents that brought their little girls to the production. One little girl was wearing her Sleeping Beauty dress (I asked if I could take a picture but her mother kindly declined)! It is reassuring to see parents encourage their children to cultivate an interest in the arts. I applaud parents who do so and give their children the opportunity to explore the arts. Had I been give the same opportunity, dance may have found me 18 years ago.
This quote really resonated with me. I'm sure all of us dancers realize the value of determination and persistence when practicing and preparing for competitions.
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence, Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
I am a young working professional who discovered latin ballroom about a year ago. So I am an account executive by day and dance in the evenings or when I have a spare moment. I do latin ballroom and dabble in ballet (scary!).
