Embassy Memories

September 6, 2021October 23, 2022Leave a comment

Embassy Ball, home of the World Championships under the NDCA and WDC, took place in Orange County, CA this past week. Seeing so many social media posts with photos and videos from the event had me waxing nostalgic over my own Embassy memories. I’ve competed at Embassy Ball three times – 2017, 2018 and 2019. Embassy Ball has been a place of highs and lows for me, each triggering a significant turning point in my dance journey.

I thought we’d take a trip down memory lane, if you’ll indulge me!

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A Review of Embassy Ball 2019: Back to the Beginning

August 31, 2019May 20, 20218 Comments

I’ve officially made it back to the competition floor after an entire year and debuted at the Open level in Smooth! It was quite a day at Embassy Ball, full of emotions high and low.

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Countdown to Embassy Ball 2019: 4 Days -Final Preparations

August 25, 2019May 20, 20212 Comments

Seeing “4 days” written out feels a lot sooner than just thinking “Thursday” in my head. It’s so close! After a year of financial roadblocks, physical injuries, and training at a more advanced level all at the same time, I’m finally returning to the competition floor. My last competition was Embassy Ball 2018, where I took the World title at the Closed Silver level. Now I return to try my hand at the Open level.

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Countdown to Embassy Ball 2019: 10 Days – Solo Practice and Stress

August 19, 2019May 20, 2021Leave a comment

I’ll just tell you upfront that this isn’t one of those “do this because it works” posts. This is one of those “I’m freaking out and writing about it helps me process” posts.

I’m officially in the high anxiety part of my pre-competition journey. Less than two weeks to go!

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Countdown to Embassy Ball 2019: 18 Days – Highs and Lows

August 11, 2019May 20, 20213 Comments

18 days until Embassy Ball, and the emotional rollercoaster ride is in full swing. Confidence comes and goes depending on how my solo practice or lesson went. I know it’s all part of the process, but geez, can’t I just skip to the end when I’m super confident and balanced in my routines?

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Countdown to Embassy Ball 2019: 25 Days – Pulling the Pieces Together

August 4, 2019May 20, 20212 Comments

I’d like to start this piece by sharing that I practiced for about two hours this morning and the ache in my knees only got up to a 1, maybe a light 2 on the pain scale, which is awesome!

I can officially say I’m competing at the end of this month. Entries have been submitted, makeup has been booked, and I’m pulling together some final accessories for my dress. Pieces are coming together. It’s happening!

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Countdown to Embassy Ball 2019: 33 Days – Let’s Do This Thing

July 27, 2019May 20, 20212 Comments

Only a month until I return to the competition floor!

20180830 Embassy Int Slvr Amer Foxtrot DSC_5537 (1 of 1)

Let’s do this.

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More Than a Guide to Practicing Ballroom

December 9, 2018May 20, 20211 Comment

If you follow me on social media, then you probably noticed I was on a lot more than usual this past week. I went live on Facebook almost every day to tell the story behind the Solo Practice Guide. The funny thing was, as I was sharing the story so others could learn more about the Guide, I was realizing that my solo practice strategies have had a much greater impact than just improving how I practiced.

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Does a Champion Title Really Matter?

November 4, 2018May 20, 2021Leave a comment

I’ve been pondering this question a lot this week, inspired by a comment left on a social media post that was promoting the Solo Practice Guide. I’ve been celebrating my World Champion title as much as the next dancer, but how much significance does it really have?

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A Review of Embassy Ball 2018: A Cinderella Story

September 2, 2018May 20, 20218 Comments

I’ve always loved movies about underdogs. Those characters who come from difficult circumstances and have a dream that goes seemingly beyond their means. They don’t quite fit in, but their passion drives them forward anyway. They struggle, suffer defeats, come close to giving up, and ultimately rise to victory. I love a good underdog story because I can relate. I’ve always been a bit awkward, never quite fitting in but also not really wanting to.

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