One...Two...Cha Cha Cha (3/1/09)

I have a new respect for the Dancing with the Stars celebrities you see learning new moves every week on the popular show. On March 13th, I'll be performing in Chicago's version of Dancing with the Stars and have been taking Cha Cha lessons with an Arthur Murray professional dancer! Ballroom dancing is a whole different ballgame than the dance training I've had and I almost feel at a disadvantage for having dance experience! I'm "un-learning" things like keeping my heels down (instead of always up!) or arching my back when my ballet teacher always wanted it straight! It's great fun and I can't wait to see the finished product in competition!

I drove five hours to Collinsville this week to perform at the Collinsville Area Recreation District's Daddy Daughter Dance. The event brought tears to my eyes when over 300 dads and their daughters dined, danced, and had fun together at this great event. Thank you to CARD for hosting me overnight and for your warmth and hospitality during the dance. I learned that Collinsville is, not only, home to the world's largest ketchup bottle, but also home of the national horseradish festival.

I had the privilege of attending, emceeing, and performing at two great pageants this month and I am proud to announce Denise Hibbard as the new Miss Champaign Urbana, Jamie Johnson as the new Miss Central Illinois, Jennifer Carr as the new Miss Heart of Illinois, and Molly Smith as the new Miss Heart of Illinois Outstanding Teen! It was a pleasure meeting all of the contestants and a huge "Congratulations" goes out to Troy Escamilla and Roni and Renee VanAusdall for a successful first pageant!

February 24th, was IHOP's National Pancake Day and I spent the morning and afternoon signing autographs and thanking patrons for their donations to Children's Miracle Network. I loved meeting IHOP's corporate team and, of course, enjoyed the free pancakes!

I visited Elk Grove twice this month to speak at Queen of the Rosary school and model in their fashion show! The students were some of the most respectful and well-behaved groups I have spoken to and I loved getting to see them again at the fashion show later in the week. I modeled fashions from Vanessa's Bridal in Arlington Heights and Sassy's in Bloomingdale and signed autographs on everything from cocktails napkins and place cards to helium balloons and skateboards. Thank you to Lisa, Debbie, and Larry for including me in this wonderful event!

Stay warm Illinois!
KT :)