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!)
