Shannon’s countenance reflects a very modest and reserved carriage while hiding a lady of indomitable strength and resolve. She is gracious and readily offers help to any as needed and always strives to hold herself accountable to a higher standard in which she leads by example and gives us all a glimpse of how wondrous life would be if universal kindness, respect and honor above all were the order of the day. She is also possessed of a great measure of humility that can often cause her to try to temper her talents of which she reveals in due time in service to others rather than relish them for the sake of pridefulness. She is the very face of grace under pressure and will meet all fears as I can attest. She took waltzing to new lengths literally when she danced behind the Sacramento Ballroom Society’s float on hard, hot concrete in full Victorian regalia down a long, snaking parade route through the City of Roseville in front of over eight thousand spectators pausing only briefly to perform in the glare of all the local news cameras once again. For this she overcame high heat to which she was completely unacclimatized, a Californian sun which seems to be her only enemy, fatigue and dogged shyness for our sakes. She did it once again in front of a full house and danced alongside champion ballroom dancers at our grand opening where she helped introduce vintage styled Congress of Vienna waltz to the capitol without the least sign of intimidation. The papers recorded what they believed to be a spectacular sight and the Sacramento arts community relished the Victorian dancers who brought a unique style of grace not seen since the era. Such glowing reviews would not be possible but for this sweet lady who overcame her shyness to share her poise with us.

What they saw is what happens when dance ceases to be a matter of patterns and becomes something more, brought to life only by the dancer’s expression and love for their art. Truly, for a lady who it seems was not mere months earlier was just beginning to dance and uncertain of facing the public, she has become both a strong dancer of great grace and endurance and a welcoming and engaging personality capable of sharing her love of dance to those who would follow in her footsteps and dare to take their first dance around the floor.

She is always the perfect lady, the true friend, and the inspiration capable of preserving the unique culture that is among dancers. Treasure her friendship. You just may be afforded unique insight from the most unexpected avenues, or perhaps with a dance. Go ahead and ask her to dance. She will be the one in the darkly gorgeous gown with the expression of pure pensive serenity. You might find dancing takes on new meaning in her capable frame. My thanks many times over to Shannon, and thanks from her friends at the Sacramento Ballroom Society. There is no finer person I would choose to represent one’s art and our Society to the world. And such a kind and gracious world as Shannon would make is to be sought indeed. Until then we will gladly continue to be inspired by her to be as respectful and charitable as we can be. Perhaps her easy grace is the reflection of a soul that is bereft of only the wings it is better suited for.

There are few finer ways to spend an evening than dancing with Shannon. Why aren't there more ladies like her?

I woke up this morning and thought, "I need to write a testamonial for Shannon."

Actually, that thought came after a few that basically conveyed extreme displeasure with the current frosty weather. But it was at least the third thought in my head.

Before this sounds too much like a blog entry, I'll start.

The first time I saw Shannon was at Bastille Day. I think she was skulking around by herself in the hallway, looking lonesome. I wondered why she looked so sad, until somone told me she was dating Gregory. Then things clicked. I salute your courage (and possible masochism).

Since that date, Shannon has changed considerably. She can still be shy and sweet (and she is most of the time), but now she doesn't chill in the hallways by herself and wait passively for dances. She is much more outgoing, and as been asked to dance much more.

I am so glad to have met her. FNW, PEERS, and Gaskells wouldn't be the same without you. :)

There should be more Shannons in the world, but since there aren't, I'll be content with her.

(She's more than enough, anyway. :P)

~J