Alana Albertson's Blog, page 9
November 14, 2013
September 20, 2013
Dancing under the Stars week #1 Season 17
Author Alana Albertson, Derek Hough, Roger Albertson
Wow – I can’t believe we are on season 17! I remember talking to Louis Van Amstel just before the first season when he was cast on the show. We had no idea if it would be successful. Back then - the only people who knew competitive ballroom dancing existed were other ballroom dancers.
If this is your first time reading my blog – I’m a former professional ballroom dancer. I trained for 12 years and competed in amateur Latin and briefly had a professional Latin partner. I quit when I got married and started a family. My best friend, Giselle Peacock, is probably one of the best ballroom dancers in the world. I’ve also taken lessons with many top coaches and used to be friends with Cheryl Burke. I’m the author of a series of ballroom romances. Love Waltzes In is out now.
Dancing under the Stars Book #1
Here are my thoughts on week one.
Brad & Peta -
Brad’s a cutie! I love him on Army Wives – even though I hope Gloria chooses Hector over him. Peta is another Burn the Floor alumna. She is absolutely gorgeous and she and Brad looked great. I think Brad had a great stage presence, good control of his body and really seemed to enjoy himself which is key. Their cha cha was great to Blurred Lines – it even sounded like they had the rights to use Robin Thicke’s version instead of the cover the band usually does.
Tony & Leah
Uhm – okay. Leah has had a rough few months leaving scientology. But what was that dance? It didn’t seem very foxtrotty to me. And her arms were so stiff.
Karina&Corbin
So Karina is the best dancer on this show. Or in the universe. I’m borderline obsessed with her feet. Several times when I’ve watched her dance, I scream to my husband – OMG – did you see her FEET! He politely reminds me that no one is looking at her feet. Except me. And maybe Len.
But I digress. Corbin is cute and all. And he did a great job – but Contemporary? Really? This is supposed to be a ballroom show. When did this become SYTYCD? Drives me crazy!
Cheryl and Jack
As I mentioned earlier – I love Cheryl. I used to drive her to dance classes in Redwood City. She is very sweet, her family is wonderful and I’m so happy for her success. Cheryl looked AMAZING. Cheryl was a Latin dancer and over the years on the show her smooth has really improved. I loved their foxtrot. And Jack has such a great smile and attitude.
Amber and Derek
I met Derek – as you can see by the picture at the top of the post. He was guest starring on Burn the Floor on Broadway. He’s gorgeous and insanely talented. And nice. Their Cha cha was great. Amber has amazing rhythm and showman ship.
Val & Elizabeth
Val is another amazingly talented dancer. I am also know to stare at his feet – especially during the jive. This full segment was hysterical. Val - “I learned English by watching Saved by the Bell. Honestly I was a fan of the other one. With the Russian/Polish type of name. Kelly Kapowski.” Tom Bergeron – “Val learned English from Saved by the Bell and etiquette from The Simpsons.” Love it. Again it was contemporary so that just makes me mad. They did that beating heart move that Chelsea made famous during SYTYCD. Elizabeth was great. But can you please wear some shoes? Those floors look dirty.
Bill Nye & Tyne
Uhm okay. Apparently, as my husband said, I’m the only one who doesn’t know who Bill Nye is. Or Tyne for that matter. Does she have a ballroom background? I think I read somewhere she dance for Michael Jackson – but I wasn’t impressed with her cha cha. Her knees were bent when they should’ve been straight and her feet were too far apart on the turns. Overall their cha cha was a mess. Loved the song, “She Blinded Me with Science.” His shoulders were high and he needs to work on his arms.
Sharna & Keyshawn Johnson
Sharna is also a Burn the Floor Alumna. Whoa gold pants! She has a killer body. Keyshawn was great and I think they will do well this season.
Mark & Christina Milan
Mark Mark Mark. I love Mark. He is brilliant. Just like his parents. Another one that I stare at his feet. Christina is gorgeous, and sexy. She’s a great dancer. Another Contemporary number. Umph.
Emma & Bill
Emma is great – another Burn the Floor Alumna. Bill was surprisingly great. Beautiful classic foxtrot.
Valerie & Tristan
Tristan also was on Burn the Floor. Valerie is gorgeous and inspiring. I loved their foxtrot and am excited to watch them dance.
Snookie & Sasha
Sasha! Also from Burn the Floor. Perfect height for Snookie. Snookie looks beautiful. She seems to be a great mom.
Overall a great first show. I’m excited to watch this season – especially with the new format. What did everyone think of the first show? If anyone wants to read some behind the scenes ballroom romance – check out my book Love Waltzes In. Available now!
August 17, 2013
Lofty Coffee
All writers have their arsenal of tools: a computer, a lucky pen, candles, an inspirational photo. For me there is only one thing I need to write: the perfect cup of coffee.
Luckily, San Diego has some of the most amazing coffee houses. I know you’re thinking, San Diego has great coffee? I mean we’re no Seattle or even San Francisco – but we definitely can hold our own.
Lofty coffee is in my favorite beach town – Encinitas. Just minutes from Moonlight Beach.
I love their Aztec mocha – a divine concoction of cinnamon, mexican chocolate, and the perfect espresso. My other favorite is the iced Salted Caramel Latte.
They even have this cool looking steampunk contraption that cold brews their iced coffee so it isn’t bitter.
Where’s your favorite non-chain coffee house?
August 16, 2013
August 15, 2013
Welcome to my new website!
Thank you for stopping by my new virtual home. I will be updating my blog weekly about dancing, reality shows, writing, rescue dogs, and much more.
August 8, 2013
August 6, 2013
FAQs
1. How do you know so much about ballroom dancing?
I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer. I started dancing (ballet and tap) at age three. When I was nineteen, I became obsessed with the movie Saturday Night Fever and wanted to learn how to Hustle. Shortly after, I attended my first ballroom dancing competition and I was blown away. After that, I started training up to forty hours a week in the Latin style. I had a professional Latin ballroom partner but our partnership didn’t last.
2. What’s your ethnicity?
My mom is Mexican-American and my father was Czech/Polish. I consider myself a biracial Latina.
3. Any advice for aspiring writers?
Find a writing group, attend writing conferences, get a critique partner, and hire a good editor.
4. You’ve won many writing contests—any secrets you’d like to share?
Listen to the contest judges even if you don’t agree with them. Consider them beta readers. If they dislike a part of your writing or plot, chances are a reader might agree. Take constructive criticism and always try to improve your writing.
5. Who are your favorite books?
On the literary side, I was an English major at Stanford, so I love 19th century tales of the supernatural and science fiction: Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla, Matthew Lewis’ The Monk, Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. I also have a penchant for Arthurian Literature (Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Mists of Avalon) and Literature of Passing (Charles Chestnutt’s The House Behind The Cedars). I love Theodore Dreiser’s An American Tragedy, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, Vladimir Nabokov’s King, Queen, Knave and Herman Wouk’s Marjorie Morningstar.
As for contemporary books, I love Alisa Valdes Rodriguez’ The Dirty Girls Social Club, Lauren Willig’s The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, Kristan Higgins’ Too Good to be True, and Kiana Davenport’s Shark Dialogues.
