I think I TRIED to be good at sports. But, when I was put in soccer at 4 years old and all I did on the field was cartwheels, pick flowers, and dance, I think my family realized the whole hand-eye coordination/sports thing wasn’t going to work out for me. I would run, skip, and play with everything except for the soccer ball. So, instead, I was put in my first dance class. I traded my cleats & shin guards for tutus, tap shoes, and leotards. Secretly, I wish I could wear an oversized T-shirt and giant hair bow again right now:
Now, 25 years later, I am no better with hand-eye coordination, but I am still finding a way to dance my heart out. I will forever be grateful for dance and the joy it brings me! Read on for more reminiscing on my dance journey…
At age 5, I started dancing in “combination” classes of tap, jazz, and ballet where our recital outfits changed from ballet to tap by exchanging tutus for fringe. Eventually, I got pretty bored of ballet because the music was too slow for my energetic self (some things never change), and instead picked up hip hop. I will never forget my first dance recital with Expressions in Dance: in my hand, a perfect mint green balloon. These early dance days are so funny (and kind of adorable) to reflect on. We were always looking to the side of the stage, behind the curtain, where our dance instructor would be doing the moves for us.
When I was older, I tried softball, but all I wanted to do was make jokes with my friends and sing “We want a batter not a broken ladder,” or “G-O-O-D-E-Y-E, good eye!” I even tried basketball, but I couldn’t seem to put the ball in the hoop (even though the hoop is DOUBLE the size of a basketball… that’s bogus!), so I ended up being a sassy defense player. My fierce competitiveness was an over-compensation for my lack of skills on the court, but I still had fun with it. After many failed try-outs in high school (kickline AND softball), my friends invited me to check out spring track. When they told me all I had to do was run in circles, I figured I could handle that. I started running in circles until I was dizzy and it just so happened that I was really good at it. My fast metabolism made me quite aerodynamic. Soon enough, I was involved in year-round competitions, running everything from 1500m to 2000m steeplechase (my FAVORITE).
Sadly, my success as a track athlete eventually swallowed my dance life and I stopped taking lessons. Yet, dance remained an important part of my life, and I’ve found myself in various dance classes and groups though all my travels. My body craves movement and music… and I just can’t stop my happy feet from moving!
Auditions Week TWO
#TASTETHERAINBOW
Audition tape!
Photobooth with some of my most favorite ladies!
Auditions Week THREE, #MERICA
After four weeks of auditions (interrupted by some snow storms), our teams were announced. DeAnna Lee made the announcement that EVERY WOMAN who had auditioned would have a spot on one of the three teams: The Boot Boogie Babes, Boot Girls, or Boot Chicks!
EVERY. WOMAN.
The inclusivity of this organization and supportive atmosphere is something unparalleled.
I haven’t seen so many women pushing each other to be greater.
I was blessed to be selected onto the Boot Boogie Babes as a rookie for the 2019 season, alongside incredibly talented dancers.
Our new team is announced!
We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at our first team practice!
Happy Kristen!
All the hair whipping
We love Aaron Crawford! Dancing to his song “Timebomb”!
Group Photos
All the 2019 teams being SILLY!
Follow us! Our first teach dance:
We have an INCREDIBLE year ahead of us. I haven’t yet been to a performance, but my FIRST one will be on Memorial Day Weekend and I can’t wait to be on stage with my pink sparkle top.
Thank you, DeAnna and the entire DeAnna Lee Dance organization for giving us a supportive, safe space to learn and form lasting friendships. I can’t wait wait to see where we all go together!
With gratitude,
Kristen ॐ
