World Challenge National Smooth Champions!!

 During the emotional moments immediately before being announced as the new Champions!

Taking home the title of "World Challenge National Smooth Champions"

And the Overall High Score Winner of the weekend! 

Viva Las Vegas! -Sneak Peek....

Last weekend was the World Challenge National Ballroom Dance Championships in Las Vegas. So much to tell and so many pictures to share! Here is a sneak peek at what you will get to see!

The Waltz...

The Foxtrot...

Just waiting to hear our name called to the front of the line! 

Sooo much more to share, but that should be enough to get you excited for now! Off to pick up my dress, go for a run, and head into the studio for the final time before leaving for Chicago!! :)

Palmetto Children's Hospital Visit

Of all the blessings and opportunities that come with being Mrs South Carolina International, the most humbling and rewarding by far is the ability of my role  and "the crown" to impact others. 

Making crowns and shields with the kids! From the sights and sounds of our activity, you would NEVER know we were in a hospital playroom! :)



In my time spent working with and for Ronald McDonald House Charities - fundraising, doing press and publicity, traveling to homes across the country, serving meals, and hosting drives to fund and supply the houses - I see first hand the impact of childhood illness on their families and loved ones.

In front of the RMDH "Family Room" in the hospital's lobby

 

Being able to spend time in the hospital with the children themselves was a unique and moving experience for me. The bravery and hope of these little miracles is inspiring to say the least! I laughed at antics (I learned that a child is a child whether at home or in the hospital!) and felt my heart swell to the point of explosion with admiration and love.

"Hey Princess! I wanna be your king!"

Contrary to what you would think, it is IMPOSSIBLE to be sad while you are there. Well, at least it was for me. The hope and love that fills each room is awe-inspiring. And beneath the tubes, machines, and illness, they are not patients, but KIDS. Sassy, funny, and wise-beyond-their-years children.

One of the most beautiful, sweet, and bravest girls I have ever met. My idol <3

I left my time at Palmetto Children's with a heart both light and full. While some might confuse the power of the crown with personal power, for me the difference is clear and most apparent on days like this. I am never more humbled than when I am wearing my crown and sash. The smiles and joy that I brought to each room I visited come from a power far beyond me and even the crown itself.. it comes from Above. And while I may never fully know or understand why God chose me for this incredible role and mission, I am never more grateful that he did.

Elizabeth Malvasia

Mrs South Carolina International 2011

Serving Dinner at the RMDH Charlotte!

On Sunday June 19th, Elizabeth Malvasia, along with a team comprised of DanceSport Carolina staff members prepared and served a special Father's Day dinner for the resident families of the Ronald McDonald House in Charlotte, NC!

 A classic summer-time cookout!

 Elizabeth Malvasia's special contribution: a homemade "Happy Father's Day" cake!

"Just like what their family would have made for them if they were at home" -E.Malvasia

 A new friend and RMDH resident!

 Mrs South Carolina and DanceSport Carolina owner, Thomas Malvasia. DanceSport Carolina donated all the supplies and food for the meal!

 The chocolate cake was a HUGE hit!

The team!



A Month in the Life....Updates!!

Time is FLYING by as I try to enjoy every moment of being Mrs South Carolina 2011, while simultaneously preparing for what is sure to be the competition of my life: Mrs International! My work with Ronald McDonald House keeps me incredibly busy as does my "other" job as the VP of DanceSport Carolina. I am happy to share that the newest home in Charlotte NC has officially opened and is housing families! I was able to speak at the grand opening as well as be the first to officially "open" the house to the public. It was very humbling! As for DanceSport Carolina, we are undergoing some MAJOR changes and growth that will all take place over the next few months. I can't share too much now, but will in the future...I promise! :) In addition to those two "hats" I was recently name the official face and "smile" of one of the most prominent dentist's in the country! My ad campaign for him begins June 1 and I can't wait!

My student and I at our last competition

I mentioned training for the Mrs International pageant, but can't forget to mention that the week prior I will be flying to Vegas to compete in a National Pro-Am Smooth Championship! Training is getting pretty intense as I prepare myself and my student to try and take home a National Pro-Am title! We will be competing in the Open American Smooth Championship. For the non-dancers out there, that means the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and V.Waltz championship!

Mr. South Carolina and I on vacation!

On a personal note, I was able to combine a week of appearances with some quality family time when my parents visited and we spent a few days in Charleston, SC in early May! I was able to visit and spend some time taking photos and signing autographs at various historic sites and tourist attractions, while enjoying incredible meals, sight-seeing, and conversation with the people I love most in this world...talk about the dream vacation!

Well, I think that is all for now. Until next time...

So grateful to be, Mrs SC International 2011

Elizabeth Malvasia Named The Face and "Smile" of World-Renowned Dentist!

World-renowned dentist, Dr. Robert Lowe D.D.S, of Webber Dentistry in South Park (the official dentist of the Charlotte Bobcats and Ladycats) has named Elizabeth the official SMILE of his 2011-2012 ad campaign! Elizabeth will appear in numerous print and commercial ads for the highly celebrated dentist as well make personal appearances at events. Elizabeth is ecstatic to be working with such a well-respected dental expert and has described Dr Lowe as "a brilliant artist and man, with a kind heart and wonderful sense of humor".

Elizabeth Malvasia Gives Key-Note Adress at Ronald McDonald House Grand Opening!

Mrs SC International 2011, Elizabeth Malvasia, and the "other" face of RMDH charities!

As the face of newly opened RMDH in Charlotte NC, Elizabeth Malvasia was selected to give the key-note address at their grand-opening, volunteer appreciation dinner. Among other things, Elizabeth was asked to speak on why volunteering was so important to her, and why Ronald McDonald House charities was her organization of choice. Sniffles could be heard among the 250+ attendants of the event while Elizabeth shared her story of hard work, determination, and ultimately success in her business and how that journey, combined with her believe that family and "home" is where one's heart and soul really resides drove her to not only find a way to give back, but to give back through Ronald McDonald House Charities specifically.

Elizabeth speaking to the crowd of volunteers

After giving her address, Elizabeth lead the volunteers and those in attendance at the event through the doors of the house for the very first time! Among the evening's highlights were seeing the HUNDREDS of books Elizabeth had raised filling shelf upon shelf in the house.

Elizabeth and one of the MANY library shelves filled with the books she raised for the house!