The hubby and I have started taking ballroom dance lessons. (Have I mentioned that? I can't remember.) Well, we have for about 2 months now. Yesterday the studio had a "Showcase" or what I like to call "A grown up dance recital where grown ups don't want to go around telling other grown ups they have a 'dance recital'." I admit, "dance recital" does conjure images of pink tutus.
The morning session (yes, this was a 2-parter) had all the students dancing. You dance with other couples of your skill level to dances you previously chose. I danced to the rumba, foxtrot and tango. They have all beginners dance with pros so I danced with Vlad. The hubby was out of town at his first regatta so he missed all this fun.
Our normal instructor is Natasha. Picking up on the theme? ALL the instructors are Russia. (One is from Moldova. close enough.) Hey, they're all fantastic dancers!!! It's GREAT!
The evening part was a gala where the some of the amateurs danced by with their partners alone on the floor, a true showcase, (like my new-found friend The Young 'un) and the pros. It was really exciting to see the pros dance (and extremely humbling.)
I admit, I really, REALLY hate getting my picture taken. I'm not going to break it down psychosis, by psychosis but I'm sure you or someone you know can relate. So recently I decided I just needed to get over it, especially since we have not one, but TWO family weddings this summer and there will be lots of snapping going on.
One of the things I noticed is I really do the "super-dooper smile" for photos. While this is great when laughing at a friend's joke it is not always the best camera pose. Turns out I have married into one of the photogenic families I have ever met. (insert mix of admiration and jealously here.) So I have been studying their photos. (yes, really) to see how they get that perfected look. I've been concentrating on my brother-in-law since he's an actor, has amazing head shots and spends, by far, the most time in front of a camera.
My conclusion, aside from the fact that their whole family is just naturally camera-ready, is that my BIL doesn't always go for the biggest smile he can muster. It is a canned smile. But damned if it doesn't look good!
So I've been practicing a smile that I think is more camera-appropriate. Not a big cheesy grin, but one that still shows a little teeth, but not too much. Don't want to be an open book. I want to play a little coy. ; )
Last night's gala was my first chance to use my practiced smile. The Young'un's boyfriend took a picture of the two of us and one of the instructors. We were kind of laughing as we setting up the shot and I was trying to get my practiced face on. Annnnnd, this is what came out:
"Extremely confused and disoriented" was not the look I was going for, just for the record. But hey, it was my first attempt. And at least I didn't ruin wedding photos with this look. yet. Clearly more practiced is needed. (In my defense my 'look' was not entirely set up when the camera went off. I just need to figure out how to hit my mark faster. Yeah, that's it. Hit it faster...)
BTW - The instructor, Roman from Moldova, and The Young'un did a fantastic solo together during the evening!!!) And yes, y'all have seen this dress on me a million times on FB. It's one of 5 I own. I suppose I could get a new one.... I don't know. Not sure I'm ready to brave the mall again.
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