Brandy’s ‘Dancing’ Blog, #2 – Treasuring This Journey

Up and down… up and down… All I have to say is it’s the best way to describe my emotions all day on Tuesday. I was concerned because of my mistakes the previous night on the dance floor and the judges’ scoring reflected it all. I spent the day wandering around the studio area and the tremendous support that I got from my fellow cast members was amazing!!!

I had the chance to chat with both Florence and Jennifer and I have to say that they are two of the most gracious women that I have ever met. Florence and I spoke about the ‘toughness’ of the dancing and the tremendous toll it takes on you physically. Since I had a slight ache in my ankle all night on Monday, I was happy to hear her advice on how she continues to move through it all and keep smiling while she’s doing it!

Jennifer and I spoke and she reminded me that we are all a part of this wonderful journey and that some of my best memories will be made here….with my partner Maks and the whole “Dancing with the Stars” family. Overall, everyone I spoke to just reminded me more and more of why I signed up to do this. It really was more than just about conquering my fear. It was also about grabbing the chance of a lifetime to try something different in my life with a completely new group of people with whom I might not ever otherwise have the chance to work.

You see, I’ve realized something — What you see on the show is really only part of this journey. My life and my memories are filled with great experiences and amazing people whom I’ve met along the way. The opportunity to broaden my horizons and try all of these different types of dances (while learning from the Masters, they truly are ‘Pros’) is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. Life really is about these special ‘moments’ and maybe I just needed a reminder about that to help calm my nerves and really make me see the ‘fun’ in being a part of all of this.

Not that I wasn’t nervous while waiting for the eliminations. When they called my partner and I up for the first round and we were told that we were NOT safe, my heart began to beat faster and my legs almost turned to jelly right there on the stage. Thank goodness, Maks was there to hold me up. As the evening continued, we saw some amazing performances by really great artists and I absolutely loved the Macy’s Dance Group with all of the aerial acrobatics and the ever so talented Seal! At some point, I just let myself go and got into really enjoying the show and the general atmosphere with my cast mates. It wasn’t until the very end of the show that they then returned to the final eliminations and being part of the last three on that stage put me right back on that roller coaster. I prayed, wished, and thought all sorts of things until they finally said that Maks and I were safe. We were the last ones saved and at that moment, I was completely overwhelmed. I think I may have even gotten a bit teary because I was so happy to be making it on to the next round. I know that it really was the fans (both mine and Maks) that voted, voted, and really saved us to go on to the next round.

So, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you who love what we do and who are being patient with me as I continue to learn and grow from my mistakes – week to week.

So, now I’m done with the 2nd round and the wardrobe person has come and left with my outfit. My trailer is cleaned out and I’m on to having dinner with my family. I’m looking forward to Maks teaching me our new routine tomorrow. Our next dance is the Samba and I am already excited to begin learning the new moves. Maks assures me that we’re planning something very cool and I’m hoping to get back on track with the judges next week and give them something to really smile about!!! I know it’s early on in the competition but it is my personal goal to at least score a perfect 30 (big smile) with at least one of these dances… but for now, I can live with the scores knowing I can improve.

So, be sure to keep on the lookout for my next AH blog where I will be letting you in on how the rehearsals are going so that you can continue to follow in our footsteps in my brand new dancing shoes!

Much love to all my fellow stars and the fans,

brandy