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During ABC’s season finale of “The Bachelor,” they announced the lineup of celebrities for the long-anticipated new season of “Dancing with the Stars.”  With this eclectic group of celebrities, this should be an interesting season, which begins Monday, March 22, 2010:

Evan Lysacek, 24, Olympic gold medalist, & Anna Trebunskaya
Erin Andrews, 31, ESPN reporter, & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Nicole Scherzinger, 31, singer/songwriter, & Derek Hough
Aiden Turner, 32, soap star, & Edyta Sliwinska
Chad Ochocinco, 32, NFL star, & Cheryl Burke
Jake Pavelka, 32, ‘The Bachelor’, & Chelsie Hightower
Kate Gosselin, 35, reality TV personality, & Tony Dovolani
Shannen Doherty, 37, actress, & Mark Ballas
Niecy Nash, 40, actress, & Louis Van Amstel
Pamela Anderson, 42, actress/model, & Damian Whitewood
Buzz Aldrin, 80, astronaut, & Ashley Costa

While the “Dancing with the Stars” series maintains its success, local dance studios around the country remain popular.  It seems, at least to me, that everyone has caught the “dance fever,” sort of speak.  I definitely have caught it, too, as I am in the midst of my third dance class.  I have just finished the third lesson in Salsa.

Photo credit: ABC

Since we have previously posted a lesson in the Rumba, http://www.12vspotlight.com/blog/2009/11/02/73/put-your-dancing-shoes-on/, I am now going to teach you the basic Salsa.

Salsa Dance Steps

Salsa is one of the most popular Latin dances, and it is definitely hot and spicy.  At first glance, it seems that this dance is very difficult, but it is actually very easy to learn.  In only ten minutes, you will learn this fun, energetic dance!

Salsa is danced in a closed position, partners facing each other.  The gentleman holds the lady’s right hand with his left hand.  His right hand is placed around her waist.  Her left hand is placed on his right shoulder.

The basic Salsa rhythm is very easy – quick, quick, slow; quick, quick, slow.  The slow step consumes 2 beats of music and the quick steps only one.

Salsa Basic Steps

There are various styles and variations of Salsa, but as a beginner, you should start at a beginning.  Here are the basic salsa steps for beginners:

Basic Salsa Steps for Men

The gentleman starts with his left foot stepping forward.  The man’s steps are as follows:

You need to start with both feet together. Remember, practice makes perfect.

1. Step forward with your left foot (first beat)
2. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
3. Step backward with your left foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
4. Step backward with your right foot (first beat)
5. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
6. Step forward with your right foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)

Basic Salsa Steps for Women

The lady starts with her right foot stepping backward. (My male dance teachers always joke, “The woman is always right.”)  The woman’s steps are as follows:

You need to start with both feet together. Practice makes perfect for you, too.

1. Step backward with your right foot (first beat)
2. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
3. Step forward with your right foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)
4. Step forward with your left foot (first beat)
5. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (second beat)
6. Step backward with your left foot (third beat + pause on fourth beat)

Source: http://www.dancing4beginners.com/salsa-steps.htm

Like I recommended before, you may want to search for videos of this on YouTube if this would make it easier to watch.  I always take comfort in that my father says, “It is better to have a strong male dancer.  It is his job to make the lady look good.”  Sorry guys, the pressure is on you!

Get lit,
Abigail Michelle
Spotlight Model and Blogger
http://www.abigail-michelle.com

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Don't be left in the dark on National Flashlight Day. The basic requirement for this day, is a flashlight and good batteries. Flick the switch, and you can put anything into your spotlight. We'd like to shed a little light on this special day. National Flashlight Day arrives on Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day...and longest night.... of the year. "Watt" that means, is that there's lots and lots of darkness. With all of those dark hours, your flashlight is apt to get a good workout. You never know when you will need a flashlight. National Flashlight Day is a good day to make sure you and your family know where the flashlights are. Test each flashlight, to be sure the batteries are good. When in doubt, replace the batteries with new ones. It is also a good idea to put a flashlight in your car.

get lit,

Swisher

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1. It is easy to provide the energy for this clock, and it is functional all at the same time. Bedol – Eco-Friendly Water-Powered Clock. The handsome Bedol Water Clock works 100% on natural power.  Just fill the tank with natural tap water… add a splash of natural lemon juice… and you’re set for 6 to 8 weeks of accurate timekeeping before refreshing.  Measuring in at a tidy 4”x 3 ½”, this sophisticated item comes in a choice of four popular decorator colors.
$16.00

2. No shopping list would be complete without the Spotlight.  The Spotlight is cute, useful, and extremely easy to operate. 12VSpotlight -Rechargeable LED Light – Spotlight provides a convenient rechargeable LED light for work play and everyday life. Choose 12 vibrant colors to match your car, home or personal style.
$19.95

3. Nowadays, you hear a lot about identity theft, especially from infomercials from companies, such as Life Lock.  The Container Store provides a very economical solution to help protect your identity. The Container Store – Stainless Steel Shredding Scissors.  These shredding scissors are an easy, secure and energy efficient solution for destroying receipts, bills and other personal information.  Keep a pair by the trashcan to prevent junk mail from piling up. They’re a compact alternative to a paper shredder.
$8.99

4. If you live in an area that experiences cold winters, or if your office is a little chilly, this gadget is for you. The Sharper Image – Personal Tabletop Ceramic Heater.  This little heater is so cool, yet so warm. Standing at just under five inches, The Personal Ceramic Heater from The Sharper Image is perfect for a chilly workspace or a small room.
$39.99

5. Even though you may chuckle at the commercial, you secretly want one to keep you warm while you watch your favorite television show or sports game.  The Snuggie Blanket – It keeps you totally warm and gives you the freedom to use your hands.  The Snuggie Blanket is made with super soft, thick, luxurious fleece with roomy, oversized sleeves that let you do what you want while still being totally wrapped in warmth.
$19.95

6. This bacon jam is not your typical jam that you are used to having on your kitchen table.  Skillet Street Food – Bacon Jam.   This savory blend of bacon, onions, spices, and balsamic vinegar is perfect for your pork-loving oinkle.  Spread on grilled cheese, burgers, and toast.
$37.00 for three eight-ounce jars

7. If you do not live in Chicago, learn for yourself why many people wait in the cold just for this popcorn.  Garrett Popcorn was an item that was actually featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things.  Garrett Popcorn – Garrett Holiday.  The signature striped design in all it’s holiday regalia.  Deck the halls!
$26.00 – $189.00

8. Although this present is specifically targeted for children, adults would surely appreciate this unique gift, too.  Frog-O-Sphere Ecosystem with 2 Aquatic Frogs.   The Frog-O-Sphere includes 2 aquatic mini frogs, Living Gravel and a bamboo plant.  The Frog-O-Sphere includes 2 African dwarf frogs and 1 bamboo plant.  It also includes a 1-year supply of food, Living Gravel with decorative rocks, and a cleaning tool.  Simply feed the frogs 2 pellets each 2 times per week.
$39.95

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At this time of economic downturn and as the stores prepare for holiday shoppers, I recall an interesting article that I read last year on my way to my downtown office.  Chicagoans are very familiar with the “Red Eye,” the popular publication which you can obtain free from select locations throughout the city.  There was a two-page spread featuring Dave Bruno, a San Diego resident who realized that his family’s belongings were weighing them down.  As a result, he started the 100 Thing Challenge.

Throughout the year, Bruno has been documenting his journey on his website, http://www.guynameddave.com/100-thing-challenge.html, of trying to narrow his belongings and to live for one full year with only 100 possessions.  This upcoming one-year anniversary marks the official end of the project.

Little did I realize, Bruno’s project started a 100 Thing Challenge movement.  Devoted followers of his website were inspired to participate in the project, and some even started their own blogs.  In fact, Bruno’s project became so well-known that he was featured in Time magazine, http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1812048,00.html.  It is apparent that the desire to declutter is shared among many as TLC’s “Clean Sweep” remains to be a popular television show.

While I highly doubt that I would be able to whittle down my possessions to the magic 100, I have always kept Bruno’s amazing project in mind.  Because of modeling, my clothing and makeup products alone would probably disqualify me from the project.  Moreover, I inherited my mother’s “pack-rat” genes, so I am constantly challenged in throwing away things.  However, I draw inspiration from the idea.

It has been my experience that my material belongings weigh me down, too.  Not only do you have to keep them organized, but merely looking at them can add an element of stress.  A quote from the movie “Fight Club” says it best: “Then you’re trapped in your lovely nest, and the things you used to own, now they own you.”

I have really started to narrow the number of my possessions.  My younger cousins have inherited some of my clothes that I no longer fit, used for photo shoots, or never wore.  This summer, I participated in two garage sales, and things that I really did not need benefited those who were down on their luck or those just in search of a bargain.   In this digital age, I do not own CDs anymore as all music I own are housed in iTunes and my iPod.  Also, I made frequent trips to Goodwill in hopes that my items could be useful to others.  Plus, I have rediscovered Ebay, and I am constantly looking around the house for items I should sell.

This is still a continuous journey for me.  Nevertheless, I have learned not to place so much importance on material things but value experiences more.

Get lit,
Abigail Michelle
Spotlight Model and Blogger
http://www.abigail-michelle.com

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My father is quite gifted on the dance floor, and he advised me to take ballroom dancing classes.  (He was never a fan of the ever-popular “let’s sway side to side,” and since we are Filipino, it is almost imperative that we dance.)  With his encouragement and his rhythmic genes, I recently started basic ballroom group lessons.  I have six classes under my belt, and I already feel like somewhat of an expert after learning the basic Rumba, Waltz, and Jitterbug.

I have been having such a good time, and I would like to share a dance lesson with you.  The Rumba is such a basic dance, and it is a good foundation for other dances:

Rumba Dance Steps

Rumba, also known as the “dance of love”, the “Latin Waltz” or the “Waltz with a wiggle”, is a spot dance which means the couple does not travel around the dance floor like in Waltz or Foxtrot, but rather stays in one location. The basic Rumba step is a very simple box step.

Rumba is a very sensuous dance that can be either danced as romantic or as very showy and coquettish. The great rhythms and sexy movements make it one of the most popular dances for weddings.

You start dancing Rumba in a closed dance position. The man’s left hand is holding the lady’s right hand with the elbows almost touching. The man’s right hand is placed underneath the lady’s shoulder blade. The lady’s left hand is placed right behind the man’s shoulder, flat on his back.

The basic box step for Rumba consist of three basic steps (a pattern of two quick side steps and a slow forward step) in one measure of music. The rhythm of the steps is slow-quick-quick, and is danced to a music written in 4/4 time. A Slow step is danced over two counts of music, while a Quick step is danced over one count.

Rumba Basic Steps

The basic Rumba step is very easy – it’s a simple box step, with the lady mirroring the man’s steps.

Basic Rumba Steps for Men

The gentleman starts with his left foot stepping forward. The man’s steps are as follows:

1. Step forward with your left foot
2. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
3. Move your left foot to your right foot
4. Step back with your right foot
5. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
6. Move your right foot to your left foot

Basic Rumba Steps for Women

The lady starts with her right foot stepping backward. The woman’s steps are as follows:

1. Step back with your right foot
2. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
3. Move your right foot to your left foot
4. Step forward with your left foot
5. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
6. Move your left foot to your right foot

Source: http://www.dancing4beginners.com/rumba-dance-steps.htm

If you think it would be easier to learn ballroom dancing by watching others perform, please feel free to find videos of it on YouTube.  According to my father, you can find some quality teachers on there.

So next time you are at a party, you are sure to impress the other guests with your new moves.  In the meantime, I begin to learn Latin dancing tonight.  Who knows?  Maybe we will meet on the dance floor some time, and I will ask, “May I have this dance?”  And you’ll be ready…

Get lit,
Abigail Michelle
Spotlight Model and Blogger
http://www.abigail-michelle.com

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