In The Spotlight with Lee Gresham

Lee Gresham is what you would call a real gem!  She has a personality that just sparkles!  Every time she walks into the studio she greets everyone with a smile like she’s known them all her life.  I asked her to share a little about herself with us.

Where are you from originally? 
I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but my family moved to Atlanta, Georgia when I was ten.  They owned a restaurant right on the Gulf of Mexico.

What do you do for a living? (career)  I’m a paralegal for a divorce attorney.  I’ve been in the legal field for several years and for the most part I enjoy it, although it can be stressful dealing with people going through such an emotional time.

How did you end up coming to Go Dance?
I first heard about Go Dance through someone who had taken lessons here.  I live close by, so when I made the decision to begin taking lessons, Go Dance was my choice.  I have to tell you that it was hard for me to come in.  Like a lot of people I wanted to take dance lessons, specifically ballroom, but being in front of others is painfully difficult and, unfortunately, I allowed my fear to get in the way of pursuing something I wanted to do.  I put my desire to learn ballroom dance in the background for a long time and then a couple of years ago I happened to run across a television show called “Ballroom Bootcamp.”  Each week, three people would train for five weeks with a dance instructor and then compete in a dance competition.  After watching for a few weeks I thought, why can’t I do that?  I first came to Go Dance in October 2005 and remember meeting Mylie at the front desk and she introduced me to Paul Skogen.  I began taking one lesson a week with Paul, as well as attending group classes.  One private lesson a week turned into two and so on – I was hooked!  I’m not sure I realized how much I would love it, or how technically difficult it would be to do it extremely well.  That’s the joy of it, and the challenge that keeps me coming back.

Your showcase routine with Gary was very memorable and extremely entertaining!  How is it that you chose a comedy versus a serious dance number?
Thank you.  In the end I have to say I had a wonderful time (although I was scared to death!)  The comedy routine was Gary’s idea.  He thought something comedic would be unexpected and show others another side of me, although I’m not sure that’s a side I should have shown!  I agreed and thought that it would be fun, although there were times during the preparation and practice, especially when I began to use “the teeth,” that I felt I’d agreed too quickly.  Gary, however, is a wonderful instructor who is encouraging and supportive -- he kept telling me I could do it and to have fun with it.  I’m highly critical of myself and wish my dancing portion of the routine had been stronger (more practice!), but nevertheless I did have a blast.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working or dancing?
Well, honestly, lessons and practice take a large portion of my time now.  Before that I was doing a bit of amateur photography and took piano lessons for a couple of years.  I also enjoy aerobics, weight training, reading, estate sales, and old movies.  I collect decoys, (yes, duck decoys), and ‘Blue Willow’ china.  I also love animals and from time to time participate in fund raising for various animal causes, including the Austin Humane Shelter.

What are your personal goals for the future?
As far as dancing is concerned my goal for 2008 is to try and participate in at least three competitions, including the Ohio Star Ball, and with continued consistent work, and some luck, perform well (better) each time.

You’ve made tremendous progress Lee, since you have started dancing with us!  We are so proud of you and look forward to hearing about your triumph at the Ohio Star Ball!