Fearless Living

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SPECIAL THANKS FROM LEEZA!
As you know, recently it was the last dance for Tony and me on our incredible journey on Dancing with the Stars. Decked out in my rocker chic meets “beyond thunderdome” get-up, we danced to one of my favorite Bon Jovi songs from the past “You Give Love a Bad Name”. But I guess it left a bad taste in the judge’s mouths as they spewed criticism ranging from dull to awkward. Luckily for me, my world champion professional partner Tony Dovolani made it all better by telling me that he thought I owned the dance and he was proud of me. I know he was sweet talking me, but that’s just another reason why Tony is a world champion. Thanks Tony for giving me the time of my life!
In the end, those 3 people didn’t matter because my 3 children were there with beaming smiles on their faces, so proud of their mom taking a chance, facing her fears and merging with a new definition of herself. When my youngest Nathan who’s 9 hugged me afterwards and said “I’m so sorry you got kicked off mom,” I asked him to remember “Honey, what was the goal?” He quickly replied, “To have fun and learn something.” And I said, “See, I really won!” And that’s what it feels like at this point after hearing from so many of you who were inspired and encouraged to show up in your own lives regardless of any guarantees.
Thank you to all of you who believed in our efforts. I take with me from this experience a lot of momentum which I’m already applying to my work at the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation. Ballroom dancing is not only a great form of exercise, but it is a powerful memory enhancer and can be a wonderful tool to maintain your brain! Many of the families who visit us at our support centers Leeza’s Place, are excited to incorporate our Dancing with the Stars moment into their daily lives.
While I won’t miss wearing enough makeup to put a drag queen to shame, I will miss the new friendships I made with all the celebrities and those amazing professional dancers. On my first day of production, Kirsten from the wardrobe department told me that she would sew a butterfly to my costume every week. It was to remind me that this was a transformation and slowly but surely I would begin to spread my own wings. I’ll never forget that.
Randall, Steven, Kirsten and Matthew from the award winning wardrobe department had to hold my hand through every outfit selection. I’ll miss them next week when I have to pick out my own clothes to drop the kids off at school. My thanks as well to the glam factory – everyone from Mary and Melanie to Lisa and Cynthia - were the ultimate pros who send me out on that stage knowing that I looked my best every week.
I wish you could all know the talented team who makes the show such a phenomenal success. Deena Katz presides over the production like a nurturing mother hen and Valoree Papsidera keeps it all going and flowing no matter what. Everyone on the production staff (Lisl, Tristan & Betsy) pulled off the impossible on an hourly basis and all of us are awed by their abilities. Thank you seems pitifully weak, when you consider all the heart and soul that this entire cast and crew puts into their show. From the band to craft services it’s all simply first rate!
I remember my first meeting with the co-executive producers Conrad Green and Izzie Pick when they said, “Just hang on and enjoy it, it’s gonna be a wild ride!” Truer words were never spoken, thanks Conrad & Izzie.
Where do I go from here?! I’m not sure, but I know wherever it is I’ll be standing a little taller and dancing through life with a little more grace and confidence.
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!
Blessings,
Leeza