Behind The Curtain is a unique opportunity to get exclusive insight into the inner workings of Malashock Dance performances, programs, and events through first-person accounts from those that make them happen. From performers and choreographers to directors, producers, and beyond, our varied cast of contributors will provide an entertaining insiders look at what happens "behind the scenes" at Malashock Dance.

Series #1 - MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE
As we approach our 4th Annual MALASHOCK THINKS YOU CAN DANCE! Fundraiser on October 9, we’ll be hearing from all levels of participants, past and present, to learn what it takes to raise the much-needed funds that support Malashock Dance’s Education Outreach and Scholarship programs.

Vol. 2 - Yolanda S. Walther-Meade (Past contestant, current event chair and celebrity judge)

For most of my life, my family cringed at the thought of me in close proximity to the dance floor. What’s more, I do believe they would have physically restrained me had I attempted any kind of dance move. No rhythm. Two left feet. Lacking in hand-eye coordination. Not a pretty sight.

Fast forward to the San Diego Latino Film Festival Opening Night party, where, as Host of the Festival, I introduced a 19 piece Orquesta Binacional de Mambo. Ten sexy and sassy couples tore it up on the dance floor, while I once again remained sidelined for the duration of the evening. At the end of the night I thought to myself - "Enough! I will become a dancer". And so I did. I willed myself to become what Albert Enstein terms "the athletes of God". Private lessons, group lessons, dance auditions and more!

Jump ahead a bit to the 2006 Malashock Thinks You Can Dance 1st annual fundraiser. Along with Rana Sampson, Debbi Jacobs and other local luminaries, I was selected as a celebrity contestant, and assigned a professional dance partner. Back then contestants had only two dances to choose from, so I opted for the Cha-Cha. Numerous training sessions and multiple bruises later, the choreography was in place. I was in top physical shape. I designed the requisite minimalist gold cut-out dance costume, which then celebrity judge and Comedienne Monique Marvez promptly termed the classic recycled bridesmaids dress. As in TV’s popular dance shows, I had the aid of a stylist, makeup artist and spray-tanning expert. As luck would have it, I drew the ticket to come out first in the program. And so I did, sitting on the shoulder of my dance partner, Cleopatra-style. I performed some kind of reverse tuck off his shoulder. I showcased elbow spins. I shimmied and sashayed. I swayed my hips, left it all on the dance floor and smiled throughout. I was petrified and exhilarated!

Before and since then, I have joined and performed with two dance teams, Majesty in Motion and Positive Energy. I have been asked to partner for the ESPN World Salsa Championships. I routinely dance at Steven’s Steakhouse in LA, the Glasskat in San Franscisco, at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, and anywhere anytime I encounter a dancer. It has brought me tremendous joy, increased my circle of friends, strengthened my core and improved my posture, become the subject of many a conversation and led me to travel down unknown paths. My facebook profile includes the phrase "kick-ass salsera". When people are asked to name 5 things about me, one is that I am a dancer. Oh, sweet vindication!!

Malashock is the premier dance company in the San Diego region. Its programs have served closed to 40,000 kids. This year’s event will benefit 3,000 children. Grace. Confidence. Self-esteem. Courage. Perseverance. Drive. Strength. Passion. Performance. Dance will transform these children’s lives, in a more important fashion than it did mine, and as the Chair of this year’s 4th Annual Malashock Thinks You Can Dance, as well as Celebrity Judge, I am delighted to be a part of it!

As Agnes de Mille said, "To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking".  See you on the dance floor!!

- Yolanda S. Walther-Meade  9/3/10

http://www.malashockdance.org/thinksyoucandance