Our wonderful peeps.....

Only a week ago we were preparing for the big evening at Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars, seems like only yesterday and forever all at the same time. I am still overwhelmed at the support and encouragement and kind comments and notes I'm still receiving even after a week. The Carriage House and the wonderful committee should be thrilled with planning an event that can still keep a buzz going for so long!

Early reports sound like monies raised this year will top last year's, which is a wonderful win for the Carriage House. I've also had a few people ask about the dancers who performed Thursday evening—their names are Natalie & Andre Paramonov and you can see and learn more about these talented world dance champions at their website: www.Paramonovs.com.

A few more shout-outs—the Grand Wayne ballrooms were transformed by A Party Apart—events, tents and more (check out their online portfolio at www.APartyApart.com). Jim and Cheryl are wonderful community supporters and also helped us with the "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang" decor at our tables. Good folks and good friends! OXOX

And for all of our people who attended (some coming from very far away!), wrote checks, sponsored but were not able to attend, donated, sent regrets and more checks, voted, donated but missed it at the last minute, called, emailed, cheered and whistled, or simply asked on Monday "how did it go?"—we love you all so much and continue to be touched by how blessed we are to know so many fine people who truly CARE—about us, about our community, about all the right things people should care about. Our wonderful "peeps" make a difference in their daily work, their volunteerism, their philanthropic nature, their generosity, and their giving hearts.

"Girlie" details.....

Part of the fun of the event's preparation was the "girlie" part—I know you find this hard to believe, but becoming Miss Kiss Kiss Bang does not just happen overnight. You've already heard about the dancing transformation, but for the actually evening at Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars, it didn't just take a few others; it took an "army" of others!

So I wanted to thank April Antrim, co-owner of Trend Setters Hair Design (5723 Saint Joe Rd., 485-9434) for the "fabulousity" hair style (and the continuous therapy as we grew out my hair so we'd have options). Do you know I counted over 40 bobbie pins, and it took April under 40 minutes to do that divine do? That's a bobbie pin a minute!

Being blonde by nature (and enhanced by choice), we knew early on that in order to see facial features like eyelashes and eyebrows, it would take the work of professionals. The wonderful women at Merle Norman Cosmetics/Covington Plaza (6386 West Jefferson Blvd., 432-9315) have helped transform our Francine's Friends breast cancer survivors for their makeover debuts, so who else would I turn to? Pink Cashmere and Red in Love for cheeks, Tinseltown, Evergreen, Stay Steel, and Blackout for eyes; Diamond Girl dusting all over; their list topped out at over 20 unique products and steps to transform "pale blonde Donna" into "Miss Kiss Kiss BANG!" And again, in under an hour! I became somewhat attached to the luscious long false eyelashes—I think I could do those for other special occasions.

Julie Clancy, owner of Jophiel, a former Fort Wayne Dancing with the Stars celebrity, and one of the MCs for the evening, summarized it well behind stage with a few of the women dancers Thursday night—as women, we get busy with work, and family, and day-to-day routines, and responsibilities—all important and worthwhile. But to be able to step out of that and be a girl for a day—pamper a bit, try a new color, experiment with a look, and indulge in taking a little bit of time for me—did help the evening feel glamorous and added to the experience and excitement. As Julie says in her "Jophiel Style" column, "When we know we look and are dressed appropriately, we beam with confidence, our individual joy is expressed, and we share it with others." Oh so true!

And don't forget the fabulous "bling"—on loan from Arthur Murray. Diamonds—real or synthetic really ARE a girl's best friends.......;-)

And the high continues......

Whoohee; the rush and high still continues, and I apologize for not updating the blog earlier. But quite honestly, I am still so living in the moment of it, and I find myself thinking about last Thursday for no reason and just breaking into a great big GRIN from ear to ear! What a simply incredible evening!

It was one of those mountain-top experiences—the kind you'll always remember. You try to enjoy every minute as it's happening, you talk about and process it with everyone who was there the following day and weekend, you update all those who weren't there and try to describe it, and you go back to your regular routine. But still, I'll find myself humming "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang" and smile, or I'll receive a wonderful email, or a voice mail, or a handwritten note, or Dennis will run into someone at the grocery store and they'll send a message back to me—it's still such an over-the-top experience!

The official word—we made it to the three top finalists, which was wonderful, because we were able to come back out and perform again for the crowd. My incredible professional dance instructor and partner, Mr. Baeten, choreographed such a fun, high-energy dance routine and the crowd seemed to really enjoy it and the music. He was absolutely THE BEST, and magically transformed Donna Emley into "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang"—I was so lucky to have this incredible experience with him leading the way.

EVERYONE who participated (other local "celebrities" ) in Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars was incredible in their attitude and commitment; and all of the professional dance instructors were so giving and generous with themselves. It was as much fun to be behind the curtains as out in front. We would all sit around the big screen TV and watch each others' performances; yell, clap and applaud; laugh at the judges' comments, and then rush to the entrance to hug and congratulate whoever was coming off the dance floor. Great camaraderie and support!

And the best part—the big winner was the Carriage House. Hopefully this will be a banner year in funds raised as well as attendees—will keep you posted as final numbers are available and released. Suffice to say that THE place to be last Thursday was "Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars!"

Thank you again to all our sponsors, donors, attendees, friends, families—I cannot begin to express how much you all mean to me and to us, and how much you contributed to the success of this event and to my incredible experience. Here's Mr. Baeten and "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang" with attendees from our two Fox Trot sponsors—here's Pro Fed Credit Union in between our performances. Thanks again for your corporate suppport!

And here is Indiana Michigan Power (yes, the boa was part of the table decor!). We had nine tables "decorated" in "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang" theme and everyone waved their fans, blew their "lip" whistles, shook their silver sparkle maracas, unwrapped their candy kisses, drapped and wore their boas, and enjoyed the table decor. I could actually see our groups when they stood and cheered on our second performance (too distracted the first time around, but I could ALWAYS hear them when they clapped and cheered!) And the two tables from Arthur Murray (filled with legitimate dancers thank-you-very-much) were over-the-top supportive to me personally—always ready with a hug, a touch, a smile, a comment. You all are just wonderful!

More pics and commentary to come soon!...;-)

D-Day......

It's here! D-Day: "Dancing Donna" Day. Butterflies? Of course! Restless night? Sort of—fairly keyed up after yesterday's dress rehearsal and all the last minute info. Wowed by the overwhelming responses that keep coming in? YOU BET!

But rest assured—this is THE place to be tonight in Fort Wayne, Indiana—with over 1,100 attendees, countless virtual supporters, an unbelievably capable and dedicated committee, 10 incredibly talented and gracious professional dancers, 10 incredibly nervous and excited local "celebrity" dancers, and a wonderful, worthwhile cause—it's going to be a very special night.

The entertainment value of the evening will be off the charts....see you all at Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars!
OXOXOXO—Miss Kiss Kiss Bang

I am blessed.....

Today we completed our last studio practice in preparation for Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars. Now it's all the other stuff—tomorrow is dress rehearsal at the Grand Wayne (finally will be in front of all the other "celebrity" dancers and see what everyone will be doing....) which will be fun and nerve-wracking at the same time. We'll get to see the room "dressed" and the actual dance floor—much different than the safety of the studio room with mirrors I've become so accustom to.

Did the dry run with the make-up, so I think we're set there. I came back from that appointment and shocked Dennis—he said "you don't even look like yourself—you look like an actor!"—whatever that means. I know you can see my eyebrows and eyes in the mirror at one end of the hallway from the other end, so I guess that means it's showing up and at least I'll have some "stage" presence. The make-up artist at Merle Norman did a wonderful job in about 45 minutes—like a painter with a brush working on her masterpiece.

But one of the things I'll remember the most about this week is all the encouragement and support and well wishes that are pouring in from so many of our friends and family and business acquaintances—emails, voice mails, personal greetings, hugs, handshakes, smiles, notes, donations before someone heads out of town; so much from so many.

I've been missing in action when not working a bit, and not necessarily been the best at staying connected, because I've been distracted with the extra details this commitment has required. But my friends still email me to ask me out for drinks, and then give me six hours of catching up; my friends still let me call them in a different time zone and wake them up to chat and find out they've rearranged major work schedules to come; my friends still let me go on and on about this in the middle of a committee or wrap-up meeting; my friends still call me in the middle of their work day to say they've checked the Amtrak from Chicago, but still can't make it, but there will be a video, right?; friends and family still stop what they're doing to read my blog or look at my funny photos and email or text back a comment. The wonderful people in our lives rush up at an event and ask about this, or hug me at their office or house, order extra boas, or stop me at church to ask or give me a check for buying votes, or demo a dance step. One of my friends, on HER birthday, will end up giving ME a card (redhead girl with shoes OFF) for inspiration. Dennis' family sits patiently through my latest updates when either of us see or talk to any of them; treating me like an expectant mother waiting to deliver her first child rather than an expectant wanna-be dancer waiting to deliver her first public performance. Gail sent me an email Sunday and said "I'm sitting here doing invoicing on the computer, watching 'Dirty Dancing' and thinking about you!"

I'm completely wrapped in this big comforter of love from so many people from so many places. The interest, encouragement, support, and care from all of you is definitely the icing on this 15-layer dance cake! OXOXOXO from Miss Kiss Kiss Bang!

Mr. and Mrs. Bohnke, I wish you were here.......

Of the many photos I have of my mom or my dad or both (and I do have many), this is one of my favorites. It stays on our refrigerator and I smile every time I look at it. It's how I like to remember them—this was taken as they were coming off a dance floor in Decatur, IN—and to me, it just captures their essence of how they tried to live their lives—they're having fun, they're in the moment, they're together, the night is young, and they just finished doing something they enjoy doing together.

To say I wish they were here to enjoy this experience with me is the understatement of the century. They would be COMPLETELY into this—they were dance parents, parade parents, neighborhood parents (all the kids ended up at our house, in our backyard, or in my playhouse), band parents—they were involved. My mom would be driving anywhere with me I wanted to go to look at dresses or costumes or shoes (with the requisite girls' lunch always thrown in—her treat); she would be watching every dance program on TV each week, taking notes and writing down tips to pass on; she would have MANY opinions about how I should wear my hair (I actually think she would like what we've decided); she would dance and practice with me at home if I asked her to; she would find five pair of fishnets that would work; she would act like it was not a big deal when she talked to me, but brag like crazy when she talked to her niece in Ohio or her brother in Florida. My dad would be proud—he would tear up talking about how I was doing with this, regardless of how I was doing. He would call me "sis" whenever he asked about dance practice, he would be telling his pool-playing buddies about it at the community center, or the neighbors, or a stranger at Walmart or Meijer's, or in later years, his new dancing partners from the various American Legions. They both would have a seat in the front row, would hold court and entertain all of our friends during the event, and clap and yell the loudest when I hit the floor and when I finished, regardless of the outcome.

But I will carry them both in my heart as I take the dance floor. This is for you, Mr. and Mrs. Bohnke. I hope I make you proud.

NewSome TwoSome Friday at Arthur Murray.....

Okay, so last night was just one of the coolest experiences we've had in a long time. I was invited (Dennis came also) to the studio for "NewSome TwoSome"—part of the regular Friday night studio party experience (still general dancing in between) where select students do something new in a performance setting with each other or with one of the instructors—just the two of them on the dance floor. Mr. Baeten invited me so we could have a "dress rehearsal" of sorts with our routine in front of the group (each time I dance it in front of new people, it's a different dynamic for me), but I was also excited to be invited to come early and watch actual students strut their stuff.

What an incredible group of people! First of all, they certainly don't seem like students—such poise, such confidence; such wonderful dancing! There were students of all ages and levels (like the two "young at heart" dancers, right, who carpool from Columbia City to dance and have taken lessons for years). Everyone dances differently—there's many skill levels, but they all seem to switch partners seamlessly with such ease and move into each change in the music with such grace and boldness—dancing to everything from the Bolero to the Fox Trot to the Waltz; Lindy, Cha Cha, Rumba, Tango, Swing; the list goes on and on. I was dizzy just watching everyone.

And what a warm, supportive group of people—even though my heart was racing, my hands were fidgeting, and I felt like I could run out to the parking lot and throw up before it became my turn to perform; they continued to put me at ease. People came over and introduced themselves, asked about my experience, offered words of wisdom and encouragement, compared dresses and accessory tips—and when we finally did hit the floor (next to last), they cheered, whistled and clapped loudly at all the right places; making me feel for just a minute like I was worthy to be in the same room with them. It was very special to be given the opportunity to perform in front of such a gracious audience.

After that personal high and adrenalin rush, just when you thought it couldn't get any cooler, the last number was a formation routine, done to ACDC's "All Night Long." Eight couples took the floor to perform (here's the finale shot). OMG! If you don't understand how dancing can make you feel after seeing something like this; I don't know what WOULD make you feel it. It's been wonderful to re-awaken that feeling in me. We left on such a high for many reasons; two hours on a Friday night at Arthur Murray Fort Wayne definitely shook "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang" all night long!

Over 1,000 expected at Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars!

Late-breaking news from event chairperson Patsy Dumas—as of last Thursday, the current count for attendees is a record-breaking number of 1,046 (last year was 695)!

Next week is full of last-minute details - final practices, tweaking of costumes and accessories, hair and make-up appointments, finalizing of goodie bags and any extra table decorations (sorry, kids, we were nixed on the giant lips balloons—too much concern about audience visibility, which we completely understand and are sensitive to), and dress rehearsal on Wed. with all dancers.

Mr. Baeten is no longer is running a temperature, has just a few antibiotics left in his Z-pak, and was in top form yesterday for our afternoon run-through. His brief bout with bronchitis has left him with the ability, in his words, to "fit into my tightest, skinniest jeans"—just great—my already svelte and very fit dancing instructor now probably weighs less than I do! Luckily, black is slimming and the sparkles on me do seem to distract from the wrong things and attract to the right things. Here's a tiny glimpse of my "sequins and fishnets"...Miss Kiss Kiss Bang expresses heartfelt thanks to Mr. Baeten and the rest of the wonderful staff at Arthur Murray for helping me with "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" (well, almost blue actually, if you look closely—this is definitely NOT a bridal look!).

100 temperature.........

When I came into the studio on Tuesday for my regular practice, a deep voice greeted me. Seems the real "Dancing with the Stars" aren't the only ones with some symptoms - Mr. Baeten was speaking in a baritone and looking just a shade pale. We danced through the routine a few times, worked through a few areas to polish, and then I slathered on the anti-bacterial gel and left the building (after offering to do a chicken soup or OJ run for him).

His temp climbed later in the day and this morning he went to the doctor. We'll still work in additional practices this week, but right now it's as much rest in between as possible and an attempt at recuperation. My job is to stay away from anyone else with any symptoms - almost impossible to do with everything that's flying around. Not sure where Howie Mandel gets his plastic bubbles, but the thought did cross my mind!

Everything else seems to be moving forward with breakneck speed - more sponsorship, vote donations are still coming in, tables and seating charts are coming together (Connie Slyby is doing a wonderful job at reservations for what promises to be a record year), the committee for the event met to finalize their plans, Executive Director Andy Wilson is finalizing taping and editing for the "before" videos to be shown that night, our additional decorations are in the works, and I know via the grapevine that the other dancers are going through the same preparedness I am trying to, so we're all ready and deliver our best for a great evening of entertainment. Now we all just need to stay healthy.......Achoo! (bless you!)

Practice, practice, practice.......

Great practice on Saturday - no, I did not have to wear a costume (it was Halloween) and yes, I did have to skip having the trick or treat candy (again, it was Halloween). But we practiced differently; because it WAS a Saturday, there were other students there, so we worked on individual parts of the routine, honing and tweaking (me more than him, of course). Then he had us do the routine, and the other students, who were dancing, started to watch, and then I had an audience. That was new, and necessary - the dynamics change every time a person walks into the room. They were SO supportive, but believe me, it's still unnerving to dance in front of other students who know what they're watching, and understand what I'm trying to do.

Other than one little meltdown (saved by excellent coaching by my instructor and dance partner, Mr. Baeten), it went really well, and I'm over another hurdle. We're also much closer on the dance costume - so all the elements are coming together quickly as we enter this last stretch.

Thank you to the wonderful students and staff at Arthur Murray on Saturday for a Halloween that wasn't scary at all - just great support and encouragement to continue me on my journey!

Ding dong.......wait, could that be the doorbell and some trick-or-treaters? Gotta run.........

Feels like we're counting down............

I cannot believe how fast the time is flying, now that we're in the home stretch. It seemed like a million days away a month ago, but when you start to think about everything still needing to be addressed between now and Nov. 12th (which is right around the corner - did I mention that already?), it's crazy!

The LIST: Dance partner - check! Dance song - check! Routine - check! Lots of lovely people in the audience for support - check! Sponsors and donations coming in - check! Hair style at least discussed -check! Costume - no check!......we are still considering our options and in my mind's eye, I need to be able to envision how I will appear that evening, so need to move that up the list (not to mention the appropriate undergarmets, etc. - I know, I know, TMI!). I have tried on what seems like a million dresses/outfits/costumes, and brought in for review only a handful. If I was independently wealthy, there would be no problem - it's incredible the price of the dresses the professional dancers wear. Gorgeous and absolutely breathtaking in their quality and construction (at least from what I've seen on about 20 websites), but wow, I could buy a used car instead of a heavily beaded (but stunning) performance dress. Dilemma, dilemma..........and one simply must look like "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang!" - no easy feat!

Let's see.....back to the list.....Take advantage of the free offer for a full body tan? - no check yet! New Haven Tanning has offered to donate a full body spray to each of the couples (very generous on their part - thank you!). Do I do it - we've all seen that episode of "Friends" where Ross turns around at the wrong time while in the spray booth, getting two doses to one side, and no doses to the other? That would be my luck! But maybe I should........hmmmm.......will have to still think on that one......Goodie bags and cheering support for tables in process - check! Eliminating Halloween candy from my current diet - check! Practicing each day at home - check! Practicing more with Mr. Baeten at the studio - check! Appropriate meltdown two weeks before the event - check! Driving Dennis crazy with my constant chatter - check!

Yep, seems like we're on track.................

THANK YOU to our Fox Trot Sponsors!

Heartfelt thanks again to our sponsors to date — Dancing Donna is simply THRILLED to have the support of two wonderful Fox Trot level sponsors - Indiana Michigan Power and Pro Fed Credit Union. We have been fortunate to have enjoyed professional relationships with both organizations during our twenty years in business with Emley Design Group, and have met some wonderful people while working on various projects together. Both are also very community minded and do much in our community already. We're thankful for their support of The Carriage House through Dancing Donna and this event.

Please take a moment to visit their website and learn more about what they do and what they're involved in - you can visit any of our sponsors by clicking on the links to the right.

We also want to thank Design Collaborative as a Waltz level sponsor - thank you, Ron and Pat. And remember — anyone who gives us a donation goes into the "Everybody Dance Now" sponsor level - which helps vote for Dancing Donna that evening. So every donation, dollar and vote counts! We appreciate your support - and couldn't do it without you!

OXOX from "Miss Kiss Kiss Bang!"

Keep those reservations coming!

To all our great "peeps" out there - thank you for signing up for a "Team Dancing Donna" table - we LOVE how many of you will be in the audience cheering us on! Remember, all in attendance for us will receive official "Dancing Donna" goodie bags, and detailed instructions on how to clap, yell, whistle, shout and basically bring down the house when Mr. Baeten and Ms. Emley are on the floor.

For those of you who haven't checked your schedule, there's still time, but TIME IS RUNNING OUT! This event is expected to sell out, and if early ticket sales are any indication, it will, so if you want to be at one of our "official" tables, please let us know right away (436-9039 or 402-9118, or email us at Dennis@edg-dmc.com or Donna@edg-dmc.com). Remember, all checks are made payable to the Carriage House - you can send to us and we'll forward it on, or you may mail your check directly to them - just note somewhere you want to be a part of our group. And what a GREAT group it will be!

Mr. Baeten, my fabulous, patient instructor...

With so many of our other fall community commitments completed for the most part, I'm more able to gear up these next 30 days for the "BIG" event. Over the past few weeks, I've been encouraged to practice, practice, practice - hand positions, certain steps, posture, key parts of the routine - all so I'm better prepared for when I do show up in person and spend an hour or so with my wonderful instructor and partner, Troy Baeten.

The time just flies, and in the middle of deadlines and projects and photo shoots and communication plans and schedules and ad layouts and design and production and web strategies and updates and powerpoints and keynotes and eblasting and emailing, it has truly been a wonderful respite in each of my weeks.

We are formal at the Arthur Murray Dance School, and it's somewhat refreshing to be addressed as "Mrs. Emley" (although I do admit, I still periodically turn around and look for Dennis' mother). I wanted to share this lovely formal shot of "Mr. Baeten" and his wife "Mrs. Baeten" (Anna) - also an instructor at the studio - this is the look I aspire to and the one they so easily achieve. The beautiful lines, the exquisite carriage, the elegance and old-world styling is evident.

This, on the other hand, is how "Mr. Baeten" looks when dancing with me! The furrowed brow, the intense concentration and deliberation, the indecision.......just the other day, he reminded me "this is not a speaking part, Mrs. Emley - no talking!" as I mumble and berate myself through the errors and omissions. How many of my bad habits will he be able to break? You won't know unless you show up for the big event!

What we've been doing when I'm NOT dancing...PART 2

The second big event was not one, but two events - a weekend actually. We have been helping with the "Seeds of Faith" mission discernment, capital campaign and $5.5 million new addition and improvements project for Trinity English Lutheran Church. This wonderful downtown church has a rich heritage and foundation of faith, and the new addition and improvements recently completed will not only help them fulfill their mission, but it also earned them the Lugar Energy Patriot Award for October, for their many energy saving updates, including geothermal heating and cooling and solar panels.

On Oct. 11th, the "Seeds of Faith" FEST weekend kicked off with a community celebration in the new Washington Blvd. parking lot and entrance from noon-5:00. On WOWO that morning, the construction partners and myself talked with Rick Wolf about the uniqueness of the project, while everyone else was busy setting up for the ribbon-cutting, exhibitor displays, food, fun, and festivities. At 2:00, along with the ribbon-cutting with representatives from both the offices of the Mayor and Senator Lugar, 500 balloons were launched with return cards (three have already been found in Ohio!).

On Sunday, the celebration continued with the dedication and laying of the cornerstone, followed by a worship service with special readings and music, a reception and tours. Click here to see more - take time to look at the various video and photo gallery links from this incredible downtown revitalization project.

What we've been doing when I'm NOT dancing...

Each week, I tell my wonderful instructor, Mr. Baeten, that he is the highlight of my week (no pressure). But we've had a wonderful fall because of two other very important landmark community events we've been helping with.....

Francine's Friends mobile mammography coach celebrated its 5th anniversary with a "5 Days with Friends" and our annual fundraiser breakfast on Oct. 9th. To date, nearly 10,000 women have been screened on the coach. The mission of Francine's Friends is to make early detection of breast cancer available to EVERY woman in Fort Wayne and the surrounding area, regardless of her ability to pay. Check the current schedule of the coach by visiting www.FrancinesFriends.org.

This year was a special celebration for our all-volunteer board, our community partners (Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center and Breast Diagnostic Center), our presenting sponsor (PHP Foundation), all the breakfast sponsors past and present, our wonderful survivors and the over 500 women who were in attendance at the breakfast. This year we raised over $120,000 to help fund mammograms.

Also, always on hand to MC the breakfast was Linda Jackson, a Francine's Friend and a fellow dancer. We compared dancing and costume notes, plus practice scheduled. Remember, she's originally from Peru - that circus town - YIKES! What a great person she is.......she always hosts us on her community program and helps get the word out for us.

Elena and Tony Announced!

No, this is not me and my dance partner — it's two of the OFFICIAL ABC Dancing With The Stars — and they're coming to Fort Wayne for our event! How exciting is that? Although Troy, my partner is certainly no slouch, it would take more than just brown hair coloring for me to look like Elena! What a night full of glamour, glitz and good times it will be — and all to support a wonderful cause.

For those of you who don't know who all of the dancers are for this year, here is the list: In addition to me, the other local "celebrity" women are Linda Jackson, Indiana's News Center; Jill Nichols, Vera Bradley; Dr. Christine Tremper, Summit Radiology; and Julianne Lassus, Lassus Handy Dandy. Local "celebrity" gentlemen include Tom Didier, City Councilman; Wendell Bontrager, Tower Bank; Joseph Cohen, Barrett & McNagny, Tom Lapsley, Thistle Group and owner of the Plex; and Mark McKibben, Glenbrook Hyundai.

But the real stars are the professional dancers who have been so wonderful working with all of us. First, there's my talented partner and ultimate professional, Troy Baeten, owner of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. Also that evening, you'll see Jeanne Cross, Patric Didier, Jennifer Schnorr, Tony Didier, Chad Rice, and Joshua Savage of American Style Ballroom; Stacey Root of Tiffany & Co. Studio of Dance, Cristina Ray of K. Monique's Studio of Dance; and Sheenah Johnson, of Sheekristyle Academy of Dance Arts. We are in such good and capable hands, and regardless of the outcome, the audience will be in for a treat.

Another previous dance partner........

I'm so excited - we learned recently that one of my best friends from high school and the person I danced with at our Pops Concerts all four years is actually going to be able to attend Fort Wayne Dancing with the Stars!

Stan is coming up for another event in Indy that just happens to be the very same weekend. So I'll really be having my "peeps" in the audience to help support and cheer on "team Donna"! We're so excited - Stan said on the phone recently, "well, we were going to surprise you, but I thought that would freak you out!" - and it completely would have.....I love surprises, but not on a night when I should be concentrating 100%. Here are a few photos from 1976-1979 - the dancing years of Dancing Donna and Dancing Stan - a ballroom dance with the jazz band backing us up live (Glenn Miller lives on!), a disco number (it was the 70's - what did you expect? And I would kill to have that waist size again!) and a crazy dance with black lights and an Electric Light Orchestra mix by the late Larry Reed (those are icicles that are sparkling that my mom sewed onto the end of white gloves as part of our costume - and those are fishnet hose). We had so much fun back then - and it's incredibly special that Stan and Kent will be "in the house" and there for me!

A previous dance partner.......

My sister-in-law Gail and I exchange frequent emails due to her living almost 12 hours away in Wisconsin, and recently she sent me what she called a "motivational photo" (shown) for me to think about as I practiced my dancing. This one is of me dancing with her husband John at their wedding.
Now John is a big fan of most types of music - Frank Sinatra, standards, and he and I love to belt them out at a moment's notice when the family is together. At his wedding, he sang "On the Street Where You Live" to his lovely bride during the reception. We cook and eat and laugh a lot when the four of us are together. But John has another side to him that is even more interesting - check out Major John Plaster's website at www.UltimateSniper.com. Major John has a bio too lengthy to recount here (but definitely worth the read on his website). He is a national media source for sniping information, a highly regarded author, a great American, a wonderful brother-in-law, and a DGD (darn good dancer!). Do check out his website when you have a chance.

Sponsorship and Table Reservations Needed Now!

Reservations for "Dancing Donna" tables are now being accepted and we still are looking for a few sponsors!

As a sponsor, you can receive viral marketing for your business or organization, have fun at the event and pre-event party, or secure additional votes for Donna - depending on the level of sponsorship you select. All sponsorship money goes directly to support the Carriage House (make sure your check is made payable to Carriage House, but mail to Dennis in care of Emley Design Group so we're sure it gets applied to "Dancing Donna"). Sponsors may be companies, organizations, or individuals. Call or email Dennis at 260-436-9039 or dennis@edg-dmc.com for more info. See additional details for each category listed below.

If you'd like to buy individual tickets to the event, doing so through us ensures you sitting at an official "Dancing Donna" table. Tickets are $100 per person, and we need your check in hand before we can secure the reservations. Seats are filling up quickly, so call or email Dennis at 260-436-9039 or dennis@edg-dmc.com for more info. We'd like to have all table reservations made by 9/25/09.

SPONSORSHIP CATEGORIES:

FOX TROT Sponsorship Level - $1,000
• 2 tickets to the event, including two seats at a priority table
• Invitation to special “Encore Party ” after the official event (date TBD)
• Your ad, logo and link to your web site on DancingDonna.com, DancingDonnaBlog.Blogspot.com, and CreativeFortWayne.com
• Your ad, logo and link to your web site in each issue of the DancingDonna e-newsletter (multiple issues) and your company/organization/personal profile in one issue of the newsletter
• Your logo and link to your web site in press release in "Of Interest" news area on theEmleyDesignGroup.com web site
• Logo on official "DancingDonna" t-shirt
• Two "DancingDonna" t-shirts
• Logo on recognition table tent on table at event
• Photo with Donna and dance partner the evening of event

WALTZ Sponsorship Level - $250
• Invitation to special “Encore Party ” after the official event (date TBD)
• Your ad, logo and link to your web site on DancingDonna.com, DancingDonnaBlog.Blogspot.com, and CreativeFortWayne.com
• Your logo and link to your web site in each issue of the DancingDonna e-newsletter (multiple issues)
• Your name acknowledged in press release in "Of Interest" news area on the EmleyDesignGroup.com web site
• Name on recognition table tent on table at event
• Photo with Donna and dance partner the evening of event
• Note - does not include tickets to the Carriage House's Dancing With The Stars event

"Everybody Dance Now!" Sponsorship Level - any donation amount
• Your name listed as "Dancing Donna" supporter and e-subscription to DancingDonna e-newsletter (multiple issues)
• Note - does not include tickets to the Carriage House's Dancing With The Stars event

MIA.......

I know, I know, if you have a blog, you're supposed to, well, blog......and I've been missing in action. But it's not for lack of thinking about it all, it's just that I've been busy with things......including dancing!

We were in Chicago for a long weekend with friends in late August and took in two concerts at Ravinia - the wonderful outdoor theater up on the north shore of Chicago. If you haven't ever been, you simply must go sometime - concerts every night all summer long, great diversity of performers - truly something for everyone - and you can sit and enjoy in the covered seating area, or picnic on the grounds.

Even when jamming to George Thorogood and the Destroyers (Bad to the Bone), Bonnie Riatt, and Taj Mahal, my mind still was doing some of the new steps I've been learning in my mind. Visualizing and that sort of practicing right now has been approved.

Practice each week continues to be a blast!

Dancing partner.........

At long last — I found out who my partner is, and now have enjoyed two "sessions" with him. Troy Baeten is owner of the local Arthur Murray studio, and is an absolute delight — a very talented dancer and excellent instructor. At our first meeting, I thought we might just chat, and we did, but then went out to the dance floor to "get a feel for it." It's been 30 years — save for a few wedding receptions and fundraisers (and the Community Center with my 80-year-old father a few years back) since I've truly danced. It was so much fun to reconnect with that part of my past and something that can be so much fun. Troy has won World Championships and still dances and competes with some of his students as partners. And his oldest student is 92!

My challenge? Following, because I'm used to leading. Troy says he'll have that taken care of shortly and claims he's a bigger control freak than I am. We agree to just making it fun and having a blast with it — and so far it's been just that. It is the highlight of my week so far — and I'm lucky enough to have much to look forward to each week, so that's saying something. Let the adventure begin...........!

Check out their site here at www.ArthurMurrayFortWayne.com. They teach over 16 types of dances — from the Argentine Tango to the Cha Cha and Jitterbug/Swing — and everything in between. Plus, they have studio parties every Friday night. You should be dancin'!

A brief respite.......

Dennis and I had really been looking forward to our upcoming week in Wisconsin - and we had so much fun. When you get to hang out with a two-year-old, a three-year old, and a 7th, 8th, and 9th grader, your regular life disappears completely and you forget about business, yard work and dancing - if only for a week.

We drove to northern Wisconsin (11 hour car trip) to meet back up with his mother and his uncle who were already up there, and then spent time with his sister and her husband (and their darn good dog Ruby) plus her two sons and their wives and children. Everyone up there spoiled us rotten — and we had a blast giggling and laughing and sightseeing and eating cheese curds (extra dance classes or walking required now!) in the beautiful north woods around Superior/Duluth before heading back through Milwaukee and Chicago and on home. Although we had email access and cell phone service, it really was a chance to unplug and unwind. In the meantime, while we were gone, we received our first sponsors! Two wonderful donations — one at the "Waltz" level and one at the "Everybody Dance Now" level was a lovely surprise when we returned! Dennis is psyched now and ready to "pump of the volume" on asking for additional support.

What to wear; what to wear.......

Still browsing those old photo albums, I find some shots of the various costumes I wore when dancing at a younger age. My parents must have shelled out some bucks for some of these wonderful outfits (check out the fishnet hose with the black seams in the first one!). From the "Ohh la la" of the French black and pink tutu with black brimmed hat and feather for a toe class performance, to the "Bluebird of Happiness" bird costume (I kid you not - I remember this performance like it was yesterday - I had gum in my mouth before I went on stage and the lead male dancer took if from me so I didn't have to swallow it!), to the VERY cool, VERY hip jazz outfit in black, white and lime green with fringe, we were always decked out from head to toe.

The thing I love about this photo series the most? The photo "shoot" was taken in our living room - with curtains drawn to look like a stage - my mom art directing and my dad taking the photos. Guess I received some early training for my future career in advertising after all.......

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZumba......!

O.K., so now I was able to somewhat reverse-engineer it the way I should have in the first place - taking a Zumba 101 last week BEFORE my regular class, so I can get used to the basic moves and steps. Still a blast, and Mollie was very good and also patient as I learned to navigate through her prompts and demonstrations.

The next night, I took the other "advanced" class - back out on the Lutheran Campus. They promise me each time my hips will move better, my feet and arms will work in synergy, and my face will only be bright pink instead of red!

We're headed up to northern Wisconsin next week for some time with Dennis' sister and brother-in-law, and our two nephews, their wives and families (5 wonderful kids in all!) and also Dennis' mother and uncle. I was concerned about missing my "routine" so over the weekend, I searched the internet for a fix to this. Well, on You Tube, they have Zumba routines! No, it's not as wonderful as the classes, and no, you don't have the personal instruction, but it will be better than not zumbaing at all. I practiced in the kitchen (tile floor) on Saturday and was able to work up a sweat AND make my face red.........we'll see........

Ditch the Workout, Join the Party!

OMGosh! Remember, I said I needed to get busy and do something out of my routine to get the body moving? Well, at least two people have mentioned zumba to me - my friend, Cheryl, actually cancelled drinks on me after work one night not to miss her class (that says something) - and a woman at church also mentioned it.

So I searched online - first of all, the official zumba site is a blast just on the opening page (www.zumba.com) and makes you want to move your body. You can search and find a class near you anywhere in the country, and surprisingly to me, there are quite a few in Fort Wayne.

Then my sister-in-law, who works at the Heart Center, sent me a copy of a brochure she had from the Kachmann Mind Body Institute on the Lutheran Hospital campus. I was already familiar with Dr. Kachmann, the surgeon - he removed a tumor from my mother's spine when I was in grade school and we attended the opening reception for his gallery downtown, plus I had visited their website earlier in the year for other reasons . So I went to their site to look at the class offerings and zumba specifically (www.kachmannmindbody.com). They had a class on Wed. night, so I decided to try it.

Back to my opening comment - OMGosh! It is absolutely a blast! The time really does fly and the moves and music are so much fun! You can feel like you're a mass of un-coordinated arms and legs, but that's part of the fun of it. Our instructor, another "Dancing" Donna, was fabulous - I couldn't take my eyes off of her as she moved like a pro, hips in constant motion and arms and legs coordinated in perfect rhythm always. The studio at the Institute was very nice, and one wall in the room we danced in was floor-to-ceiling mirrors (another reason to not take my eyes off my instructor!). We did steps that included salsa, tango, and merengue. My face was BRIGHT red after the first two dances and stayed that way until the next morning!

The other good thing was getting back into the flow of dancing in general, and getting used to hearing another person's voice instruct me. I think that's good practice for what's to come.

Going back this next Wed......join the party!

Happy 4th of July!

More great old photos - so only fitting I would share an earlier Fourth of July with you on this patriotic day - this in 1967. You saw the great costume earlier - the gold one - here I am wearing it and walking in the parade in Marion, OH representing the Martha Douce Dance Studio. The second photo shows our instructor, Martha Douce Maniaci and her "dog gone" mascot, also in costume. Our signs wish you a safe Fourth of July - 42 years ago!

I love the access the internet sometimes affords us - and here's one of the reasons why. Last Christmas, I was reminiscing, looking through a photo album my mom had put together for me, and found some wonderful photos of us in Marion. One was of my dancing teacher, Martha Douce, and her husband, Joe — looking glamourous and fabulous in their "dancingly yours" poise. In this day and age it's easy to go back in time over 40 years via Google — so I googled "Martha and Joe" and "dancing" and "Marion, OH" and a website came up! Instantly I was transported back to a very happy time in my life — what little girl doesn't love to dress up and dance? I sent an email to the contact address, and to my delight received a response! According to her daugher, LuAnn, Martha is "77 years old and is teaching private ballroom classes — She is amazing!" All three daughters have studios in the Martha Douce Dance Studio name. Visit the website at www.DouceDanceStudios.com.

The photo with me and the giraffe halltree "Genevieve" is at a performance at Harding High School in Marion at a pancake program. That's Martha in the background with the "dance" sign - and in the shadows you can barely make out my mom and Joe Maniaci sitting at the sidelines.

Such good times and good memories............

Blessed Fourth to you and yours.

Dancing with the Fort Wayne Stars

We've had questions about the specifics of the event, so here are the details:

“Dancing with the Ft. Wayne Stars” will be held on Thursday Nov. 12, 2009, at the Grand Wayne Center. Cocktail Buffet begins at 5:30 p.m., with “Dancing with the Ft. Wayne Stars” beginning at 7:00 p.m.. Local "celebrities" will dance with a professional provided by local dance studios. The celebrity is required to have had at least 8 weeks (2 – 45 minute classes/week) of dance instruction prior to performing. The audience will choose their favorite by ballot. Each person is entitled to one free vote. Additional votes are $10 each. A panel of 3 judges will be on hand to make comments.

Proceeds go to benefit The Carriage House. To learn more about The Carriage House, visit their website at www.FortWayneClubHouse.org or by contacting Andy Wilson at 260-423-4301 or awilson@fortwayneclubhouse.org.

Sponsorship Opportunities…

My "handler" — my husband and business partner, Dennis — asked me to tell you about some unique sponsorship opportunities currently available. As a participant, we're "strongly encouraged" to make a commitment at the $5,000 sponsorship level. We've developed two levels of sponsorships in order to help fund this commitment and raise additional money for the charity. We want to make this a win-win for everyone willing to join in and participate. As a "Dancing Donna" sponsor you will receive viral marketing for your business or organization, have fun at the event and pre-event party, and best of all be helping to support Carriage House. All sponsorship money goes directly to Carriage House (make sure your check is made payable to Carriage House, but mail to Dennis in care of Emley Design Group so we're sure it gets applied to "Dancing Donna").

Sponsors may be companies, organizations, or individuals. Call or email Dennis at 260-436-9039 or dennis@edg-dmc.com for more info. Here are the details:

FOX TROT Sponsorship Level - $1,000
• 2 tickets to the event, including two seats at priority table
• Invitation to special “Encore Party ” after the official event (date TBD)
• Your ad, logo and link to your web site on DancingDonna.com, DancingDonnaBlog.Blogspot.com, and CreativeFortWayne.com
• Your ad, logo and link to your web site in each issue of the DancingDonna e-newsletter (multiple issues) and your company/organization/personal profile in one issue of the newsletter
• Your logo and link to your web site in press release in "Of Interest" news area on the EmleyDesignGroup.com web site
• Logo on official "DancingDonna" t-shirt
• Two "DancingDonna" t-shirts
• Logo on recognition table tent on table at event
• Photo with Donna and dance partner the evening of event

WALTZ Sponsorship Level - $250
• Invitation to special “Encore Party ” after the official event (date TBD)
• Your ad, logo and link to your web site on DancingDonna.com, DancingDonnaBlog.Blogspot.com, and CreativeFortWayne.com
• Your logo and link to your web site in each issue of the DancingDonna e-newsletter (multiple issues)
• Your name acknowledged in press release in "Of Interest" news area on the EmleyDesignGroup.com web site
• Name on recognition table tent on table at event
• Photo with Donna and dance partner the evening of event
• Note - does not include tickets to the Carriage House's Dancing With The Stars event

"Everybody Dance Now!" Sponsorship Level - any donation amount
• Your name listed as "Dancing Donna" supporter and e-subscription to DancingDonna e-newsletter (multiple issues)
• Note - does not include tickets to the Carriage House's Dancing With The Stars event

Marion, Ohio 1966 - 5 years old

Here I am in front of our house in one of my dancing outfits. It was made by the same company who made the dancing costumes for the June Taylor Dancers (remember them on the Jackie Gleason show?). This costume had gold sequins and feathers on the body suit and matching arm "mitts." This outfit was for a tap class - and I thought I was truly a "Fancy Nancy" in my sequined suit, tall head dress, tap shoes, and fish net stockings...

The other photo is of me on stage in Columbus, Ohio performing in "Tales of the Vienna Woods." This is cropped from part of our recital photo — notice I'm almost hitting the other little girl dancer in the head as I "strike MY pose" in position and look directly into the camera. What a ham!

Lots of fun and wonderful memories looking back at some of these old pictures...will have to share a few more after I dig through the countless albums and boxes...and also tell you about my wonderful dancing instructor, Martha Douce.

Modern Day Musings.......

I'm very honored to have been asked to participate in this year's "Dancing with the Ft. Wayne Stars" but being able to actually DO so, and do it well will be another story. While I did dance in grade school, middle school and high school, that was a long time ago (30 years to be exact — my high school reunion is this July). My tap shoes wouldn't fit anyone over the age of six; my tutus are all TOO, TOO small; and I haven't been able to lift my leg past my hip since an aerobics class in the '80s.

Today is the day of reckoning — it's summer, the weather is nice, and I need to start conditioning and training — if not with dance classes yet (we'll schedule those later when we're assigned our professional dance partner) then at least something to get this old body moving in directions it hasn't been moving in for awhile. I walk now, but maybe adding a pilates class or zumba class too is in order? And maybe just one less glass of wine a week..........

An Early Memory......

My mom liked to listen to the stereo during the day and dance around the room holding me (no, not ALL day long — she would sometimes cook, clean and take care of the animals too!). When I was old enough to start trying to walk, she would prop me up by the sofa in our living room and then move a foot away and encourage me to come to her. If the stereo was on, I would laugh and bounce up and down to the music instead of trying to walk.
I eventually did learn how to walk, but apparently still liked bouncing to the music. One day she came in the room and found I had crawled up on TOP of the hard-top record player that was on the floor with the lid shut, and was doing my version of dancing on top.

First, some background...

I was adopted when I was three days old. My parents were about to turn 40, and had been married for 12 years, so they had waited a long time to finally have a child to call their own. We lived in Indianapolis at the time, and my mother, a full time wife and homemaker, couldn't wait to send my father off to his job as grain buyer for Central Soya each day so she could stay home and "play" with me.
My mother and father enjoyed going out dancing on Saturday nights and actually first met at a dance after World War II. They met in Middlebury, and one of the local bands that played there would play the song "Candy" when my mother walked in wearing a particular red and white striped dress. My dad and a buddy came one night, and the buddy liked my mom, so my dad decided to try to "steal" his buddy's new girlfriend. He got up enough nerve to ask her to dance, sang "It Had To Be You" into her ear, and the rest — as they say — is history.
So dancing and music was something my mother and father enjoyed very much and exposed me to at a very early age. (Don't you love the seams in her hose — and how skinny his tie is?)