Dancing with "Soon to be Stars" - Alexis Brewer & Derek Walker

A few months back I met Alexis at work (McCormick & Schmick's). We both work there, she a bartender and I a server - but only by necessity. As you all know, I'm a photographer and an actor, but what you may not know is Alexis is a competition ballroom dancer. A what? A COMPETITION BALLROOM DANCER! You've all seen those ballroom competitions on PBS? Yeah, she does those and has been doing them for years. I know, CRAZY! Who does those things? Well apparently her and her partner, Derek Walker. And naturally, I wanted to photograph it. The idea was to photograph them during practice and then at the competition at University of Maryland. Unfortunately, due to complications, the Terrapin tournament never happened for the two of them...but this weekend they are off to Columbus, Ohio for the OHIO STAR BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS. Begun 31 years ago, the OSB Championships is the largest Pro/Am competition not just in North America, but in the world. With over 6 days of competition, the Championship provides all levels of exciting dance competition and hosts the World Pro/Am Championships and World Professional American Smooth and Rhythm Championships. Like I said, the stuff you see on PBS. Though one could compete in several events throughout the week, Alexis and Derek will be competing in the Amateur Open International Latin competition consisting of the Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble & Jive. The difference between them all...I haven't the slightest idea, but they look great doing it.

One of my favorites from the shoot.