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by AmyFreeze from My Fox Chicago

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DANCE FOR BABIES
Jul 9, 2008 | 9:44 AM
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DANCE FOR BABIES

Last year Tammie Souza dominated the dance floor in the annual "Dance for Babies."  To carry on Fox Chicago's support of March of Dimes, I'm dancing this year.

  Basically, they match professional dancers with Chicago Celebrities (ala "Dancing with the Stars.")  I've never ever taken dance lessons and have only watched ballroom dancing on TV!  It sounds like fun?  And one of my children was born premature and benefited from the wonderful work of March of Dimes.... (more on that later.)

We have six weeks to learn two dances.  Mine are Cha-Cha and Tango.Here's the information on the event--- and the competition I'm facing...  Please come!  Half of the judging is done by the audience!!!!



 

 

 


My dance partner is from Fred Astaire Studios on Michigan Ave.   He's really. really good!   His name is Dmitriy Plyvskiy and he is a four time Russian Open Champion.  He began ballroom dancing at the age of four under Communism and after the curtain fell Dmitriy began to compete around the world.   He also holds Ballroom Champion titles for Poland and the Baltics.  He came to the United States to go to school.  He has taught dance in Utah, California, New York, and now Chicago.  Dmitriy teaches dance because he enjoys helping people discover something new about themselves.   I think he is a brillant dancer and I am very luck to have him as a partner!  Here is his photo... but look for some more photos here on the blog from the competition.

 

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AmyFreeze read my blog view my photos
Jul 13, 2008 | 11:20 AM

My daughter Kate was born 6 weeks early... she was so tiny! Barely 5 lbs she went immediately into the Neo Natal Care Unit when she was born. Some of the time I could only watch from outside the glass as the nurses and doctors took care of her. She was an at-risk baby and there were all kinds of potential impacts from her early arrival. She was diagnosed with a tiny hole in her heart. It was a very scary time. We did not know what to expect... and you feel totally helpless to do anything which is an awful feeling as a parent! I loved her so much and wanted to help but only the experts could make things right. I am so grateful that there is technology and research to help babies like Kate. March of Dimes is dedicated to the little souls like Kate who need help that mom's and dad's cannot provide! The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality through research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies' lives.
Kate is a thriving 3 year old. Her heart is healthy and filled with love. She is the light of our lives! She is also a good little dancer... so I hope her energy will rub off on me for the DANCE FOR BABIES... please come watch !!
AmyFreeze read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 10:28 AM

From the March of Dimes....

One out of every eight babies is born premature, and premature birth is
the leading cause of infant death.

For 50 percent of premature births, we aren't sure why. For some, we
know premature birth is expected of multiples, and also for women who
participate in high risk behaviors such as drinking and smoking.

In 2005, preterm birth cost the US $26.2 billion, or $51,600 for every
premature infant.

In an average week in IL, 453 babies are born premature. 27 babies will
die before their first bday. Prematurity is defined as being born prior to
37 weeks.

During the first year of life for babies born premature, health costs
average $41,610, compared to $2,830 for babies born full term.

Mission of MOD is to help prevent prematurity, birth defects and infant
mortality. We do this through programs, community service, advocacy and
research.

In 2008, in illinois alone, the MOD funded $4.5 million in research
grants. 90 cents of every dollar raised in IL goes to research and
programS!

Event:
Dance for Babies is a MOD fundraiser that pairs 6 local celebs with
professional dance instructors. Other celebs r NBC's Zoraida Sambolin,
CLTV's Maarcus Leshock, former Bachelorette Jen Shefft, Sun-times
columnist and author Dr. Lauren Streicher and Jane Marcus, partner at
Heidrick & Struggles.

Audience is in on the fun, and is able to vote for best couple. Judges'
votes count for half, and audience votes count for other half. Audience
will also recv a free dance lesson during intermission.

Tickets $75 and can be purch
AmyFreeze read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 10:29 AM

Tickets r $75 and can be purchased by calling 312.596are722. Dance for
Babies is Thursday, July 31 at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie.
Cocktails at 6, event at 7.
AmyFreeze read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 10:29 AM

Tickets r $75 and can be purchased by calling 312.596are722. Dance for
Babies is Thursday, July 31 at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie.
Cocktails at 6, event at 7.
AmyFreeze read my blog view my photos
Jul 17, 2008 | 10:34 AM

About the dancing... it's going very well. The Russian has me doing twists and back bends and loopty loos... The music is great. The dress is very short and coming from a lady who handmakes ballroom dresses! (nervous!) An amazing choreographer helped with our Tango... we practice at Fred Astaire studio on Michigan Ave.
macbroker
Jul 18, 2008 | 9:24 AM

Hi Amy, wish I could come see you dance. I have two grandchildren that were born premature si I know first hand what you went through. I can't make it to the show but will send you a donation. Phil
AmyFreeze read my blog view my photos
Jul 21, 2008 | 3:30 PM

Phil -- you are so awesome! Thanks for your donation! You are amazing! - Amy
AmyFreeze read my blog view my photos
Jul 21, 2008 | 3:31 PM

look for more pictures on my blog of my partner from Fred Astaire Michigan Ave --- the Russian Ballroom Dancing Champion Dmitriy Plyvskiy!
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AmyFreeze

Amy Freeze does the weeknight forecast on Fox News Chicago.

Member Since: 3/26/2007


 

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