Katherine Chloé Cahoon

I can’t believe I just performed with Reformation Dance, Cheyenne’s premiere contemporary ballet company, in “Star Tributes,” honoring the music of Star Wars composer, John Williams.

“Grateful” doesn’t begin to describe how I feel about Kathy Vreeland, the Founder/Artistic Director, for graciously inviting me to participate,

and the Company members for bringing me into their fold.

As Williams’ stirring music played, the dancers portrayed scenes of war.

Loss.

Hope.

Rebellion.

And Relief.

The audience got so involved in the production that some even came as Star Wars’ characters.

After the outpouring of all this emotion, the second act shifted gears with a tribute to the great 80’s band, Rush!

The combination of ballet and hard rock was fascinating.

I had the honor of appearing in the finale, reuniting with my Dancing with the Stars of Cheyenne partner, Jonathan Hedger,

before racing off to CBS to produce and anchor two shows.

I have to admit the timing was incredibly tight, but I am so thankful to have been a part of this production.

When I arrived at CBS NewsChannel 5, I learned of the station’s devotion to serving the community. Before long, our manager, Tregg White, asked me to be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars of Cheyenne, a competition that raises thousands of dollars for the Boys & Girls Club. I wasn’t experienced at ballroom dancing, but under the direction of my terrific partner, Ballet Wyoming’s Jonathan Hedger, we won.

In preparation for the competition, Jonathan urged me to take classes with the ballet company. When our event was over, Kathy Vreeland, the Founder/Director of Ballet Wyoming, encouraged me to continue.

She then transitioned her troupe into a new contemporary ballet company, called Reformation Dance, and invited me to perform with them. I was both stunned and excited.

Growing up, I had received wonderful training at the official school of Pacific Northwest Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, so it was great fun to be dancing again—but the thought of performing with the company was daunting. The dancers moved so beautifully and I hadn’t worn pointe shoes in fourteen years! Let me tell you, ballet dancing is not like riding a bike. You don’t just tie on the pointe shoes and suddenly feel all those hard-earned skills come flooding back.

I was filled with doubt; however, Jonathan and the other company members encouraged me. Here is a touching message one of the principal dancers sent me at a moment when I seriously thought the production might be better if I did not make an appearance:

“Hey! I just wanted you to know that I think you are a very strong dancer!! You look great! Believe in yourself, because we all know you can do the dances for the show. I know it is a tough road – it is a challenge for all of us. The great thing is we have each other for support and encouragement. Don’t give up girl – you have this!!”

Now, two months later, opening night of our “Star Tributes” is almost here. The show runs April 13-14 at the Cheyenne Civic Center. I’m in the finale. If you live nearby, we would all love to have you join us. Here are details… https://reformationdance.com/star-tributes-rush-archieves/

This month, I’ve been reminiscing about my entrance into the CBS broadcasting world. That happened about a year ago.

Since habitats are important, my first order of business was to consider what I wanted to come home to when I became a reporter/anchor at NewsChannel 5.

I thought, “Do I want an elegant living room?”

“Or, would I be happier with a casual crash pad where I can kick back and relax?”

I had to stop and ponder the decision.

Of course, that involved little dancing around the showroom.

That’s when the answer became clear.

I decided to incorporate elements of both styles.

It’s official. According to the calendar, spring has arrived! So regardless of whether your weather agrees, we can all start thinking about what to wear as our winter clothes migrate to the back of the closet. In honor of the first day of spring, I’m dusting off my still-fashionable fair-weather frocks.

Whether tiptoeing through the tulips or enjoying a lunch date, florals are perennial favorites.

I’m not casting off my classic little black dress, but from what I see, this spring is all about wearing colors that stand out…cobalt, chartreuse, bright orange, strong red.

From taking in a tropical resort to planning a garden party, my flowy dress is a favorite when the sun makes an appearance.

</p

The incredible Leslie O’Hashi, owner of Bodyline Dance Theatre.

Leslie is one of the first people I met upon moving to Wyoming almost a year ago to work as an anchor/reporter for CBS NewsChannel 5. I heard about Leslie when she lost her grant for a dance program that miraculously helped kids with disabilities.

Right then, I decided that one of my first stories at Channel 5 should be about Bodyline. My goal was to help Leslie receive another grant. I was so touched at how much dance meant to the students in this program, many of whom couldn’t express themselves through words. Movement was their main form of communication.

Fast forward about nine months… The program is back up and running! My story included a cry for help to keep it going. Leslie’s cousin answered the call. He used my CBS news piece to nominate her for the Governor’s Arts Award…and she won!!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfPv1U1AV-X/?taken-by=katherinechloecahoon

The award includes a grant. Now Leslie’s program has the funds to continue helping children with disabilities express themselves and develop their talents through their love of dance.

If you regularly brave variable winter weather, you know a scarf is the must-have accessory. I learned this tip by moving to Wyoming, the land of gyrating barometers. We have can endure a blizzard one day and enjoy tropical weather the next. My survival tactic is providing a permanent spot in my car for a scarf.

My love affair with scarves began about six weeks ago. It was the first time I had reported at an armed standoff. Or, let’s be honest, the first time I’d been anywhere near an armed standoff…unless you count sitting in the movie theater watching one of the Fast & Furious films.

And my close encounter occurred in a snow storm, no less! When the day started, I couldn’t have foreseen any of this! After being outside for hours filming the unfolding drama, I had to broadcast the climax live. By then, although, I had worn fleece leggings and a thermal top, my neck was frozen.

That’s when I learned to always have a scarf on hand.

One of my winter favorites is this classic Burberry cashmere.

This trench coat was my mom’s. She bought it when she was my age, which proves that the Burberry brand is enduring! Several years ago, we were having dinner on a winter night, seated next to the window at Seattle’s Space Needle. The panoramic view was beautiful, but I was cold, so she gave me her coat. I’ve worn it ever since.

Come to think of it, I have a long tradition of wearing her clothes. Here I am at about 1 ½ years, all dressed up in her heels and hat, getting her handbag ready so we can go out shopping.

</p

One of the reasons why I love walking the lighted paths of Denver’s Botanic Gardens during the holidays is that every step is a total surprise. You never know what visual delight is right around the corner, even if you’ve planned out every single step… And that is like life!

If someone had told me that I’d be moving to Wyoming from Washington in 2017, I wouldn’t have believed them. But here I am and loving it!

I had the job interview for my current position with CBS NewsChannel 5 almost a year ago under bizarre circumstances. I had a terrible ear infection. The only time that the news director could conduct a phone interview with me was just before my appointment with the ENT, so I had to hold it in the waiting room!

Two weeks later, I was in Wyoming, moved in, and learning how to navigate the anchor desk. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

In years past, I’ve made specific resolutions. Because of this experience, my 2018 resolution is to do what feels right and embrace life’s changes.

I hope this year brings you lots of fabulous surprises.

For as long as I can remember, I have been home in Seattle for the holidays enjoying our trademark Cahoon traditions. These include joining the happy throngs celebrating nightly at Snowflake Lane.

enjoying Christmas dinner at the stunning, historic Fairmont Olympic,

riding the downtown carousal,

 

sipping hot chocolate while wandering in and out of the vendors at Pike Place Market, and being a Secret Santa to a family in need.

This marks the first year that I will not be able to join in those traditions. I’m working over the holidays as an anchor, reporter, and producer for CBS NewsChannel 5, but I still feel like I’m home for the holidays. It’s just a new home…Wyoming…and with new friends who have become like family, and new traditions!

Throughout this holiday season, I’ve had fun exploring one of my favorite towns, Fort Collins, Colorado. I take a dance class there every week, and afterwards, I usually have dinner in the old, historic section of town. Then I take a walk through this magical land of cobblestones overhung with lights and beautiful skies.

 

At this time of year, festive decorations and Santa villages add to the charm.

On Christmas Eve, I’ll be anchoring two shows with some of the best co-workers anyone could ever have…and we will be broadcasting to one of the most loving communities I’ve ever experienced.

Sweater from Charter Club Women’s Cashmere
https://www.macys.com/shop/womens-clothing/womens-cashmere-sweaters/Brand/Charter%20Club?id=262

Tassel earrings and bandanas…style reminiscent of the 80’s is back and, hopefully, here to stay for a while.

In true flashback fashion, nothing I’m wearing is new…however, it’s still on-trend. Here are similar pieces you can buy now.

</p

This holiday has always been one of my absolute favorites…from baking ghost cookies for the neighborhood, to dressing up, and attending parties. I’ve loved it all since I was a little kid. So, I decided to chat with little kids in my community about what they enjoy most about this holiday.

If you look closely at this CBS feature, you just might spy the bee that snuck onto our set and flew right by my face. The zapping sound in the background is Taylor, our weatherman, saving me from the critter.

https://youtu.be/hA6xUoZXhmA

I hope you all have a spooktacular Halloween!

For years, I have been a fan of both Dancing with the Stars and Boys & Girls Clubs. So, when I was asked to help raise funds for our local club by competing in DWTS of Cheyenne, the answer was an instant, “Yes!”

While working as an anchor/reporter for CBS NewsChannel 5, I have had the privilege of meeting the staff and children at the Boys & Girls Club of Cheyenne. I have learned firsthand of the incredible opportunities this organization offers. I have seen how some of the children reaping these benefits come from tough situations. Doing something as fun as DWTS to raise funds for those kids made this competition even more special for me. I wanted to do my best for them.

My excitement grew when I learned that my partner would be Jonathan Hedger. I had just seen him in Ballet Wyoming’s performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He was a showstopper.

The day before our first rehearsal, my boss, General Manager Tregg White said, “In the past, CBS NewsChannel 5 placed second in this competition. When you represent us, I want to place first.” No pressure!

With this added incentive, Jonathan and I worked hard…and then we worked even harder.

He suggested some dance classes I could take to supplement our rehearsals that would help me build strength and improve technique. Here’s a little secret: I often wore my leotard underneath my dress while reporting live because afterwards I had to rush off to one of those classes.

When the night of the competition came, I was filled with excitement…and more than my fair share of butterflies.

The event took place at Little America and everything, from the table settings to the chandeliers, looked straight out of a fairy tale.

The three things that I will always remember most from this experience are the camaraderie between the competing dance couples, the generosity of those making donations, and the gratitude of the kids from the Boys & Girls Club.

And, yes, I was able to tell my boss that we won!

Here’s a panoramic look at the evening…

And here’s a CBS NewsChannel 5 interview of my dance partner and me after our first-place win!

With autumn sneaking up on us, my thoughts have been turning to crisp days, sweaters, and vibrant falling leaves.

This is in spite of the weather at my new Wyoming home. September here feels like summer will never end. The benefit of these warm days and clear skies is that I can continue bringing out my sunny fashions while anticipating a beautiful, late fall.

This Ted Baker dress truly is a fallback, because these pictures were snapped last spring―but the concept of a jeweled silhouette has become a classic that you will keep seeing throughout 2017! Here is another Ted with the same fit-and-flare shape and crystals…

And here is his embellished evening maxi, with a pleated skirt.

The shoot with my jewel-toned Ted was one of my favorites. Although it was spring, the days were still a bit chilly. My friend, Kylee, took the pictures at her house and her little nephew joined in the fun. What a terrific helper!

I was just getting over a miserable cold. This sweet guy noticed that I was shivering, so he brought me his “cozy” blanket, explaining that I needed to stay warm.

</p

Casper, Wyoming, officials estimate tens of thousands of visitors could descend on the city on Monday, August 21st, to view the solar eclipse—when the moon will cross over the sun, causing more than two minutes of darkness in the late morning.

Hotels are booked solid with travelers coming from around the world and claiming their spots at viewing sites. Homes of locals, like my two little friends, are bursting with excited houseguests.

Bart Rae Learning Circle is featuring a “Solabration on the Circle” with sunrise yoga, food, drinks, artists, dancing and, of course prime, eclipse-viewing.

This will be the first total eclipse visible in almost a century from coast-to-coast across 0.5% of the continental U.S.

When the moon is in the direct line-of-sight of the sun, the “totality” will block our biggest star from view. The temperature will drop, animals will become silent, and from the west, a wall of darkness – the moon’s shadow – will approach. The sky directly overhead will look like night, from horizon-to-horizon. Then, in an instant, the moon’s silhouette will appear as if from nowhere. Minutes later, daylight will return as though by magic.

In Casper, the eclipse celebration I attended this weekend will continue until night.

</p

There’s a reason why the Too Faced Love palette has the word “love” in it. I instantly fell in love with this versatile product.

The hues are so compatible they can be combined in an almost-infinite variety of ways. Here’s one of my favorite looks, and how you can recreate it:

First, use a fluffy brush to apply the cream shade in the right heart all over your eyelids and up to your eyebrows.

Second, use the lighter shimmer cream above the right heart to apply on your eyelids.

Third, use a smaller fluffy brush to apply the light green to your eyelids.

Fourth, with the same brush, dust the taupe shade onto the inner corners of your eyes.

Fifth, take a slanted eyeliner brush and use the dark green shadow as an eyeliner. Don’t wet your brush. This is meant to be more of a smoky line.

Sixth, use the pencil that comes with your palette to make a more distinct line over your smoky green line.

The opposite end of the eyeliner pencil has a slanted rubber tip that is perfect for gently smudging out your upper eyeliner.

Use your pencil eyeliner again on the lower waterline.

Seventh, mascara time.

Eighth, use your blush brush to apply the light beige as a highlighter under your eyes.

Add lip gloss…

And you are ready to head out the door for a day full of adventure!

</p

Every year, during the last ten days of July, Wyoming hosts Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD), the world’s largest rodeo. This celebration of America’s Wild West has been a tradition since 1897, when William “Buffalo Bill” Coty was a popular performer…

and Harry Longabaugh was becoming the Sundance Kid.

If you plan to join the 200,000 participating in this nostalgic look at American culture, be prepared to get your pulse pumping. There are bucking broncos, wild horse races, chuck-wagon pancake breakfasts, a frontier town, an Indian village, and a mercantile to outfit the best of the buckaroos!

For those of you who like to keep one foot firmly in the 21st Century, you can watch the Thunderbirds of the U.S. Air Force perform unbelievable stunts…

and take in the midway, attend concerts by popular American country music bands, and see comedy shows.

It’s no wonder this rodeo is called “the Daddy of ‘em all.”

CFD is even more special for me, when I cover it as a reporter and anchor for CBS News Channel 5. Every day, I get to wear traditional western wear to work.

And talk about heart-pounding adventures―our CBS team tries so hard to report on all the exciting events that it’s not unusual to see us sprinting from one story to another…and then broadcasting live!

This experience has been one adventure after another. Sunday is the last day of CFD. I wish it would never end.

</p