Lydia Earhart

Part of my job I love the most is attending photo shoots. I like the behind-the-scenes action that few get to experience.

On a rainy Sunday morning, the team gathered at Vicky’s School of Dance in Bossier City to shoot our April cover for the Susan G. Komen “Dancing for the Cure” event. This event is similar to the ABC show “Dancing with the Stars,” where local media stars compete against each other with different dance routines.

I couldn’t win a dance competition if my life depended on it. Perhaps that is why my fiancé looked at me strange when I suggested we do a “routine” as our first dance as a married couple – he isn’t into dancing and didn’t think I would be either.

I have had dreams of being a tap dancer, a ballerina and even a hip-hop dancer, but nothing panned out. I blamed my parents in middle school for not putting me in dance class at a young age and in turn making me miss out on cheerleading. It was not because I couldn’t do a cartwheel or a flip – I was sure.

I believe in the saying, “Dance like nobody’s is watching.” But while I dance, I am hoping that someone actually is watching and thinking, “Wow she could be a star!” while dialing up an agent. Next thing you know, I’m in a music video and on tour.

Deep down, I know my life as a dancer won’t happen. At the photo shoot, I shared my dancing dreams with Tatum Everett of KTBS, who is also a contestant for the event.

Everett said she was never much of a dancer but always wanted to be when she was younger. Her family was more supportive of her sports anchor career because they told her she was better at it.

Then there are people like Charisse Gibson of KSLA (also a contestant), who are masters of the dance floor. During the shoot, we had both Everett and Gibson dance for us as we snapped photos. Gibson did this dancing walk that I can’t even describe. She kept a smile on her face the whole time as we all got into her routine.

Everett was up next. During the shoot she was transformed into dancer. Her steps were confident and angelic. Besides the dancing, all six competitors have a strong desire to raise funds for the NWLA chapter of Susan G.

Komen. (Read more on Page 26.) Everett said her family always gives to nonprofits and this year they will support Komen.

Everett is particularly excited because her family has purchased a table for the event and will finally see her as a dancer in the spotlight.

Perhaps my dream is just a two-step away from becoming a reality. Who knows? There’s always next year.