Special Thanks
Well friends, even though we didn’t win, I’m going to own it and say I at least made us proud. Joel and I were the first ones to get an 8 and the first to get a 9 from the judges Thursday night. No one fell and I did “own” that stage even if it was for simply five 8-counts all by myself.
I don’t often feel satisfied as a surviving perfectionist, but I am satisfied and proud of the work we did up there. That feels good. And it feels good to be done! I’m excited for the next journey and what is to come. But before I move on to that, I couldn’t have done it without the support from the following…
Joe McFerron
Who was always there to make sure I had a healthy meal to eat at home, bring me things from the house when I forgot them, and was most importantly the shoulder I cried on when I really thought I couldn’t get up there and do this.
Mitchell and Dalton Turner-Woodrum, Capitol City Cinema
These two put on our most successful fundraiser, a drag show, at the Cinema raising $1900 for MCB!
From start to finish, Mitchell made sure to be present for every moment, big and small, and was my MVP the day of. From changing flights to running and getting my dresses from the car, I couldn’t have done this without you - and wouldn’t have for that matter. Thank you for thinking of me for this and for never letting me down.
Jack and Jennifer Su and Bev at Capital Ritz
Dr. Su and her team at Capital Ritz were so generous and donated their space to Joel and me so we could practice in Jefferson City every Friday. We are forever thankful! And Dr. Su brought me the prettiest flowers that are still bringing me joy at home. Also thank you for all the lovely teas and lavender oil. Your support means so much!
Erin Bidlack, Studio573
Erin also lent us the hot barre/yoga room on multiple occasions so we could sneak in more practice in town. Erin helped me kick it into gear leading up to the event to make sure I was feeling my best on stage and is always a fabulous cheerleader! We thank you!
Joe Bonnaroo
Joe made us this kickass Proud Mary cut and even though we didn’t end up using it, we still thank him for all the work that went into it. If you’re ever in need of a house party DJ, look no further. Check out his sound cloud here.
Brinn Thorsten, The Backdrop
HOW I didn’t get a photo of Brinn and me is absurd, but we do have some great memorabilia from the most colorful fundraiser that we held there. Brinn, thank you so much for letting us come in and play and for your donation! We had so much fun!
Sarah Bohl & Janelle Haley, Campus Coworking Space and Jefferson City Magazine
To my business partners that supported me all the way. Thank you for always being understanding when I take on big projects outside of work and for your sponsorship!
Beth McGeorge, The Beth McGeorge Team, Re/Max
To my fellow dancing queen, your confidence inspires and your friendship means the world! I so appreciate your generosity to the cause and for showing up for me!
Mark Randolph, Courtyard Marriott
Thank you for jumping on board and supporting our cause with your table purchase! Even though you couldn’t make it, your support will never be forgotten!
Brandon Scott, Haute Salon
I pulled Brandon out of bed and into the salon early so he could spend almost two hours curling this mane of mine. I think people know I have a lot of hair, but once you really get into it, it’s like wha-BAM, dis girl got a lotta hair! Brandon, thanks for taming the mane! Always a pleasure!
BenLee and team, Ell & Co
This wildcat reminded me to trust the process! The biggest compliment, when he was done, he looked me square in the eyes and said, “bitch.” I’m like, “it’s that good?” And sure enough, it was. I thought all this talk about a fro was a joke. I did not wake up imagining walking out on the stage with a fro, but I did it, baby! And BenLee was the fierceness behind it all! Rawr!
Cheering Squad
It means so much to me that these people got dressed up and drove to Columbia to see me perform for a total of four minutes. Incredible and I’m so grateful for all the cheering, clapping, words of encouragement, voting, and presence. You all are THE BEST!
Joel Hathaway
I said it before, but Joel was hands down the best partner for me. The entire time he was patient, met me where I was, and most importantly, taught me how to shake my hips! There were times when I was so scared to move my body in front of so many people, but Joel knew from the beginning he was going to push me outside of my comfort zone and it would all be ok and he was right. He had only the best of intentions in the way I was presented and it was above and beyond all my expectations in a dance partner. Also, the best part was sometimes we wouldn’t even practice, but we’d just go get cocktails instead and that’s what I’m talking about you know?!
Last, but not least, Rusty Drewing and Amanda Riley
My digital blog sponsor. This blog has been so fun and your sponsorship means so much to me. I can’t thank you enough for being a part of this and for supporting the arts.
