I was asked to be a part of Dancing with the Stars — a local fundraiser put on by a local Relay for Life Team. Two years ago my cousin was a dancer while she was battling caner and I was the event photographer. I loved being apart of it from the comfort of behind my camera. This time was very different. This time I was asked to be one of the “Stars” aka a dancer. It was way way way out of my comfort zone. I know I’ve been saying that for a few weeks now, but really…it was so scary. I get major stage fright in front of strangers and I’ve never been a good dancer despite all my mom’s best efforts. I said a million prayers and took two anti-nauseous pills right before I went out on stage. We were up first because my partner had to go take a test. Lots of deep breaths. We made it about 3/4 through before I made my first, second, and third mistake. WOO. Then, it was over…and I could breath.
My first partner fell through so a week before the event I was paired up with another dancer. He and his wife spent one week creating and teaching me to dance a Viennese waltz. We started practice Tuesday and danced the next Thursday. At first it was nerve racking. Was I really going to be able to learn a dance in one week? I’m really terrible at following and remembering steps. (I stand in the way way back and Zumba ;)) But after a few practices it became really fun and I looked forward to it. I think what I loved the most about the entire thing was the sense of accomplishment. I really doubted myself, but I pulled it off. Definitely an answer to the million prayers. It was a worthy cause so of course it worked out.
I had a great support squad there. Thanks so much to my partner Jaison Hardman (and his lovely wife, Amanda) and all our friends and family that came to support. Love you guys.
video credit: Rachel Hudson | photo credit: Erin Holmstead Photography
“The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.”
Kylee started Kylee Ann Photography 9 years ago, and has since grown from a one woman amateur show to a full associate team. We shoot 50-75 weddings a year, and thrive on kindness and service. After a year of teaching Intro to Photography at the local technical college, she discovered that helping other entrepreneurs create thriving businesses is what fires her up! She hosts semi-annual Kylee Ann Sleepovers all over the US, speak at conferences and teach online courses about running a small business and marketing.
February 10, 2016
Kylee Maughan
