Hi DS fans,

If you haven't received yours yet, get excited, because the February 2008 issue is on its way to your mailbox! It's our annual Modern & Audition issue and I can promise that it's jam-packed with great stuff.

My personal favorite bit from this issue is our "Valentine's Day Hotties" special. In honor of February's beloved holiday, we figured we'd give you all a little eye candy to celebrate with. We talked to Neil Haskell, Nick Bass and Rasta Thomas (just to name a few!) to get the scoop on their first kisses, dream dates and career highlights, and we're bringing all that info to you in the form of a Valentine. I got to interview Neil from "So You Think You Can Dance," and I was totally star struck just talking to him on the phone. I can't say I played it very cool when I had to ask him what his first kiss was like! So whether you cut them out and give them to your friends or decide to keep them for your own locker, we hope you enjoy these cute guys as much as we do!

When you're finished drooling over our hotties, head on over to the DS message boards because we want to hear all about your experience at Nationals. Has your studio ever entered crisis-mode during a national competition? Did someone from your team get injured on the way Nationals? Did the airline lose your luggage and leave you without shoes or costumes? If so, how did you recover? We want to know all about your problems and what advice you have for Nationals-bound dancers this year. Chat on the message boards.

And last, but certainly not least, don't forget about some of the great dance flicks coming to the big screen in the next few weeks. How She Move, about a young girl who gets into the world of underground step competitions, hits theaters Jan. 25 and Step Up 2 The Streets is coming your way on Valentine's Day. Get the popcorn ready!

Happy Long Weekend!

Love,

Alison