Highlights Desert Classic 2022 with Tjasa Novak

Desert Classic Highlights
Cha Cha Rumba Swing Bolero Mambo

Tjasa and I competed in the Open Rhythm category.

Open competition is a major step up from Full Bronze because all levels of competitor and all choreography can be part of this category.

Think of the Open Category as more like what people might see in Dancing with the Stars. However, in Ballroom Rhythm competition it is done uniquely for five dances; Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero and Mambo. And, we never know what songs they are going to play. We have been adding one dance at a time and now only have Mambo to add.

We’ll be doing our new Mambo choreography right here, locally, in Phoenix, Arizona, to the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort on September 15th at Galaxy.

Many people ask about the "shape” I'm in. Well, 65 LBS ago it wouldn't be a lot of fun for me to do this. For four years now I’ve been in the 190’s and I am happy to still fit into these dance clothes. Feeling this energy and feeling confident in wearing the clothes is my strongest motivation.

For me it's 10-15% walking, stretching, some light weight resistance 3x per week for 30 minutes in the gym, and, of course dance practice 3-4 days per week. The remaining 85-90% is balanced nutrition at the right times in the proper portions and not depriving myself of the things I like.

I always encourage people to keep learning about new health habits. They are never too old and they have NOT tried everything yet.

Once I got healthy and felt this energy, the competitive dancing became a passion because I was back in the game of my former, younger active life.
In September (2022) I will be tagged a Senior Citizen. Bring it on, please. It is just a phrase and a number.

Our dance studio: Imperial Ballroom Dance Company
@ImperialBallroomDanceCenter