My First Dance

Reminiscing About My First Competition

By Ligaya Carlos

I'd like to send out a huge thank you to Donna Edelstein for another successful Snow Ball DanceSport Competition, recently held at the Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport! What a fantastic and wonderful time of dance!

Competing in Snow Ball 2016 made my second time for that event, and after doing silver American for a year, I felt more confident and determined that I belonged on the same floor as the other silver competitors. I enjoyed myself by mingling and getting to know fellow dancers on a personal level, (some are Facebook friends now), and was also inspired and humbled by kind comments and compliments from the spectators, fellow dancers, and pros. Watching the dancers, especially the pros perform, was stimulating not only because of the visual brilliance offered, but also because it gave me useful tips on how to improve my own dancing.

Living in Minnesota, I am so thankful this event happens during this time of year. Winter is not my favorite, but Snow Ball gives me something to look forward to during this season.

Snow Ball 2014 was my first ever ballroom dance competition. I have so many fond and memorable experiences from that very first time.

A few months before that event, I remember asking my instructor Jeff Halverson if after a few months of learning ballroom I was ready for a competition. When he said yes, extreme happiness ensued and thoughts of preparation flowed in my mind. The dress, the hair, the shoes…and of course, the dance training involved. I researched online and asked around regarding all of these, and I added more time to practice for this event. Over time, more excitement was brewing, since I found out two months before Snow Ball that I was pregnant. I was looking forward to dancing with a preggy bump! However, some things were not meant to be, and I miscarried after a month. Everything halted but I turned my thoughts to Snow Ball, and pursuing it helped me go through the loss easier. I focused on the competition and took my preparation seriously.

Snow Ball 2014 taught me a lot about myself as a dancer and competitor. I learned that my family understands my love of dancing and supports me in this endeavor. I discovered that my dance teacher is equally involved in my aspiration and will help me finish a dance (no matter what!). I learned, too, that having fun, whether in a competition or not, is vital in the pursuit of our love for the dance.

I can't wait for Snow Ball 2017!