And so it begins for 2010

At the beginning of the year it's only natural to look back to the beginning of last year and see what your life was like compared to what it's like now. And it's fun to find it's completely different than you would have predicted. At least as long as you dance through it and allow yourself to embrace it.

This year, in addition to dancing, I'm getting the opportunity to use some of my other training and stretch myself in new directions. One of the new muscles I'm flexing concerns, ironically enough, helping people to reach their fitness goals. I've joined the team at the Satori Method Academy as part of their Fitness Bootcamp Classes. It's a unique mind-body-spirit program that not only helps people achieve their fitness goals... but helps them retrain their subconscious identity and mental image of themselves so that they can maintain their results!

It's a lot of fun and we're getting a lot of great feedback. So, if you're in the mood for a new you in 2010, stop by and take a look around or call us for more information. The next bootcamp starts January 9th.

Dancing With the Stars Austin 2009: A Winning Evening!

This year's Dancing With the Stars Austin 2009 event took place on Sunday night (Dec. 6) and it was, again, a huge success! I've heard unofficial estimates that the event raised upwards of $600K for the Center for Child Protection.

Other winners of the evening included Dave Steakley and Jolie Generalov, who won the Mirror Ball Trophy. 1st runners up Sheriff Greg Hamilton and Lindsay LeBlanc. 2nd runners up: Holly Mills-Gardner and Shaun Bruno.

These were the recognized winners of the evening but in my mind everyone was a winner. I can't tell you how proud I was of all of the contestants, STEPPING OUT of their comfort zone and STEPPING UP for a great cause. I saw the months of preparation that each contestant put into their performance and it totally paid off!! Thank you all for your hard work and big hearts!

(Here I am at the event in my dance with Richard Garriott)

If you were not able to attend the event this year, I'm told that the performances will be available exclusively on Time Warner Cable beginning on December 15th through the end of January. Look for it on Central Texas On Demand (cable channel 1400) and for each view, Time Warner will donate $1 (up to $5000) to the Center for Child Protection!

3rd Annual Dancing With the Stars Austin

It's almost time! Dancing With The Stars Austin - 2009 is only a few weeks away. As most of you know, I'm the Director for the event and everything is shaping up so that it looks like it's going to be a great show again this year. I think most of the tables are sold out but if you want to be added to the waiting list or to find out about any remaining event sponsorships that might be available, please contact Emily Jansen Payne at (512) 472-1164 for information.

Date/Location for this year's event:
Sunday, Dec. 6 2009
Hilton Downtown
500 East 4th Street

Event Timeline
6:00 PM Cocktails and Silent Auction
7:00 PM Dinner and Performances
9:30 PM Live Music by Trish Murphy and Skyrocket

Dancing with the Stars Austin presented by Lexus of Austin features Austin celebrities paired with professional dancers for a ballroom dance performance and a unique evening of entertainment. Enjoy live, semi-live and silent auctions, a drawing for a luxury Lexus vehicle, and live music so that every guest has the chance to dance the night away! To see highlights and photos from previous events, click here. Video of the 2007 and 2008 performances are available through the Center for Child Protection's YouTube page.

2009 Celebrity Dancers
Joanie Bentzin, Energetic Austin Promoter and Social Networker
Gigi Bryant, 5th Generation Austinite, Community Volunteer & Businesswoman
Eloise DeJoria, Actress & Paul Mitchell Systems Spokesperson
Charles Duggan, Broadway and Greater Tuna Producer
Richard Garriott, 1^st Second Generation Astronaut / Computer Game Developer
Sheriff Greg Hamilton, Travis County Sheriff
Stacey Hammer, Local Business Owner & Community Volunteer
Susan Lubin, Austin Lyric Opera Supporter & Volunteer Extraordinaire
Holly Mills-Gardner, Miss Texas USA 1998 & TV Personality
Dan Neil, Former Denver Bronco & 2-Time Superbowl Champion
Dave Steakley, ZACH Theatre Producing Artistic Director
Michelle Valles, Local News Anchor & Community Volunteer
Mitchell Zoll, Lawyer with Strasburger & Price & Community Volunteer

Featuring a Special Performance By:
Chief Art Acevedo
Tammy Buckman
Katrine Formby
Linda McCaul
Laurée Moffett
Jeanne Parker
Ann Schneider
Robin Segesta
Deanna Serra

2009 Celebrity Judges
Ed Clements, Talk Show Host for KLBJ-AM
Carla McDonald, Founder & President of Dynabrand
Evan Smith, CEO & Editor of Texas Tribune

I can't wait to see you there!!!

Article on Dance Event at One World

Remember that dance event I told you about at the One World theater? They just sent me this article that appeared in the Westlake Picayune about the event. Those of you that were there, know it was a lot of fun... such a great facility! Anyway, I thought I'd post the article for you in case you haven't seen it (you can click on the article if it's too small for you to read):

Two New Dance Shows to Check Out

Lots of stuff going on that I'm excited to share with you... but no time right now. However, I wanted to let you know that if you are missing So You Think You Can Dance now that it's over (and congratulations to everyone on that show this season... truly beautiful routines) you can catch two new dance shows if you have cable:

• Dance Your *ss Off on the Oxygen network
• Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew on MTV

Dance Your *ss Off combines Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars for a dance/weight loss competition. It's nice to see a show where the joy of dance is celebrated by everyone of any shape or size!

Randy Jackson's America's Best Dance Crew (what is UP with all these TV shows with their long long titles?!?!?) returns to let dance groups battle it out with original dance routines.

Whether you're dancing or watching... for the rest of the summer, enjoy the dance!

Salsa & Swing Event @ One World Theatre

If you need a break from a full, busy summer, you're in luck...

Wednesday, Aug. 5th marks a big Salsa/Swing event at One World Theatre.

At 5:30, the evening begins with a complimentary wine tasting. Followed at 6:30 by an hour of Sals and Swing lessons.

Then, from 7:30 - 9:30, Charanga Cakewalk will perform with Big Band music spun by DJ Trey Lopez.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

The Official Trailer for Nine (The Movie)

I have posted previously about movies coming out this year. Some trailers for them have been released now.

Nine:



Fame:




Every Little Step: