Becoming Ginger Rogers: How Ballroom Dancing Made Me a Happier Woman, Better Partner, and Smarter CEO

Patrice Tanaka has shared her unique story of dreams coming true . In the process of learning Ballroom, she finds herself learning a better way to operate in the board room , and in her personal relationships. By learning about partnership in dance, she found the importance of trust and the freedom and joy in just letting go and allowing true love of oneself... Body and soul. Her story of late life dreams and the real energy involved in acting on those dreams stands as a model for us all to follow.In the book we learn the behind the scene world of learning competitive dancing while at the same time learning new ways to work more successfully in a demanding career in unprecedented times of change , I can see clearly in her memoir that no matter what steps are taken, and how good the choreography... a nimble spirit filled with joy can make all the difference ! The book was fun to read and it stands as one woman's samba toward self realization that we all can learn from. The book is uniquely structured and it was for me a fun afternoon read. Very easy to follow and very easy to provide one's own personal empathy and true life analogies. Great book for boomers who have for whatever reason, put dreams in moth balls!

What a great read! In "Becoming Ginger Rogers," Patrice Tanaka shares her life lessons as a business leader, devoted wife, and professional ballroom dancer. Ms. Tanaka's life lessons go well beyond the PR field and ballroom dancing. It is applicable to all aspects of life. The milestone events she covers from her workplace, her personal life, and the dance floor, are thoroughly entertaining, serious, philosophical, humorous, and inspiring, all at once. As a reader, this is one of those books that you just don't want to put down. It is, in itself, like an exciting dance which you experience with each unfolding chapter, and which grows deeper in meaning as you begin to realize how these life lessons can apply to your own life. At the end of the final chapter, you are left wanting more, wondering when the sequel will arrive! If there is one book you have time for this month, or this year, read this one!

What I loved most about "Becoming Ginger Rogers" is that Patrice shares her story with complete vulnerability and honesty. I can say this because I know her and I am actually included in the book. This is a wonderful story for anyone who is on journey to a happier self, and who among us aren't? You do not need to aspire to compete in ballroom dancing as Patrice has. The dancing, business and life lessons are all universal. The story of Patrice's struggles is very real and very human. As a New Yorker who has just gotten past the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, I remind myself every day that I need to fill each day with joy and wonderful people. Patrice's book helps me to do just that. It's a great read and I highly recommend it.

Our book club chose this title because one of our members had begun taking ballroom dance lessons and was about to enter her first competition and we were all planning to attend and cheer her on. The story gave us many useful insights into the world of ballroom dance and made attending the competition even more enjoyable. Tanaka's story alternates between chapters about her dancing and chapters about the rest of her life, eventually blending them together, reflecting the blend she achieved in reality. Her insights into how dancing changed her approach to many other aspects of her life were very interesting. The chapters specifically about the details of her marketing firm were less entrancing, although as a marketing professional myself, I could appreciate the stories and struggles. Overall, the book was a fun read, and an insight into a world I hardly knew existed.

I really enjoyed your book! I can definitely relate to your experience. When I was 45 I weighed 300 pounds. I made myself a promise to lose 100 pounds by my 50th birthday. I ended up losing 150 pounds by age 50, then started ballroom lessons at the same age you did. I competed for 6 years. As an only child, I have always been very disciplined. I understand how you felt when learning to dance: always seeking perfection!! I have shared your book with many female friends who also started dance lessons after 50. I plan on meeting you someday so we can share our experiences personally!!!

Tanaka's book inspired me! She encourages readers to be fully present, do what you love and live with passion. These actions will bring more to our personal life and careers. More importantly, it will allow us to live every moment of our lives better. How does such a fun and inspiring story do all of that? Ms. Tanaka weaves her story around learning dance and discovering her personal joy. Her story hooked me and reeled me into a book that I could not put down. Thanks for the dance, Ginger!

I loved Patrice's book. She made this wonderful experience with ballroom dancing into a must read for any business person. The lessons learned are truly universal and it was great to see this deftly put to pen by a captivating story teller. I can't wait to see what she writes next!

This book is a good read for anyone. Not just people who dance. It is a good reminder to those who are struggling to not take everything quite so seriously. I would recommend this book highly.