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 After a few days in Hong Kong consulting, giving feedback on previous experiences, my life was back on another plane to China. I met the NBA CREW in Xiamen, one of the cities that we worked the grass roots events last week, and now we were retuning to organize and tape the next episode of “Dance Passion.” I checked into the same hotel (by the way, what a view I had of the Bay and the City) unpacked, and then I was whisked off via our “Big Yellow Bus” to the first training camp with the 12 finalists for the show. These 12 are the best of the best in the Xiamen area, and they were so eager to learn from an NBA DANCER. I was greeted by camera crew, photographers, and news media as I exited the bus.

The contestants (girls) were so excited to see me again, some even with tears. I jumped into the teaching process, and just as before, the camera crews were everywhere, filming the entire session, capturing all the behind the scene experiences (by now you might think I would be used to all this, but each episode is different and even more pleasurable). After several hours and many on camera interviews, it was time for a good meal and back to the hotel for some much DO REST.

The excitement of the next day took place on Xiamen's Beach Shore. I was asked to pose for a China Men's Health Style Magazine. Perfect day for a photo shoot. The sun was shining (beautiful day to be on the beach – minus the excruciating heat), and the color of the water was breathtaking. Upon my arrival, camera crews were again everywhere. I was interviewed by the media as well as filmed a segment for the “Dance Passion Production Crew," and then the Photo Shoot began. Some of you might remember my photo shoot on North Avenue Beach in a white bikini on a chili day in October (Chicago Weather) mainly on the sand near the beach club house. Well this photo shoot was not only in CHINA, but actually on one of the most beautiful shorelines imaginable. It was so much fun posing with the waves crashing up against the rocks around me. I can hardly wait to see the MAGAZINE Publication.

The outside evening venue was right on the water. The position of the stage overlooked the water, so when we performed we could see the water. Performing for the crowd was again breathtaking, with cameras everywhere, lights flashing (strobe lights going), and music blaring.  

Afterwards, a press interview was set up with me and several Tsingtao executives for the China Media. I even signed my name on the WALL OF FAME! That night the NBA CREW then took me to a beach front restaurant, and we all had the local fish specialty. DELICIOUS!

Early the next morning, I conducted another training session for the contestants to review, preparing them for the show. A couple of days ago, one of the contestants injured her ankle and was removed from the competition, therefore a new girl was added. I reworked many formations teaching the new girl as much as possible. She had a lot of catching up practicing to do on her own, and the other girls were so eager to help. I could see and feel the camaraderie between the contestants, a real team atmosphere. When the training session ended, the NBA CREW searched and did find a place to watch the airing of last week's show. A small local restaurant had a TV, and the employees of the restaurant were so excited to have a “local Celebrity” watching her own show in their restaurant. HAHAHA     

That evening was filled with production meetings, practices for tomorrows taping, and of course much DO REST again for another long day ahead.

The next day was SHOW TAPING. After a refreshing night of rest, the NBA CREW escorted me to the on stage dress rehearsal. After several hours of run through practicing our music, lighting, exits and entrances, it was time to prepare for the FINAL TAPING.

I arrived at the event an hour early to sign autographs, take pictures for the press, and tape several interviews for the media. One after another, press groups came in and asked a series of questions, some in ENGLISH while others were in CHINESE (with a translator of course), and all were very mind-boggling, but much enjoyment.

I was then introduced to Mr. Liu Yingdi, Vice-President of Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd., who expressed much desire to finally meet the NBA REPRESENTATIVE  for “DANCE PASION.” Chatting about the NBA and the STATES was so much fun for me. I eagerly explained how excited I was to be a part of NBA CHINA.

The FINAL SHOW began with my introduction, a brief interview, and then I jumped right in with the girls and performed the Show Opener. As the show continued, I judged, made comments on the girls' performances, performed my SOLO, and demonstrated many on stage dance moves.

Several hours passed, competition was tough, but we did have our Xiamen winners. These eight girls will continue to the semifinals which will be in September.

Taping, performing, judging, can deplete your energy, so back to the hotel for some down time, great food, and again some REST before my early flight back to Hong Kong. Another episode finished and the journey will continue in a few days in the next CHINA city of WUHAN.

Signing Off For Now.

Until Next Time,

SHANON