Frequently Asked Questions

"How do you pronounce your name?"---My first name is pronounced "da-NAY".  The last name's easy---it's SEE-lee.

"Didn't you used to be a blonde?"---That's right!  And until recently, I had curly hair, too!

"Have you done any videos or photo work?"---I sure have!  I had a cameo appearance with Michelle Ivers a few years ago in a Ray Martin Video, (RM-93 from http://www.RayMartin.net), called "The Art of Seductive Flexing".  To be honest, Michelle dragged me into that one, and I still can't watch myself without cringing---or at least giggling---all that seductive fruit eating and posing!  We had a good time, though.

In 1999, I appeared in my first Women's Physique World video, (WPW-385 from http://www.wpw.net, also featuring Renee Johns).  That was taken right after a hurricane, so it was pretty windy!  Bill (Jentz) sent me a bunch of pictures, and there were some great shots in there, despite my wild hair in the wind.  A few of those pictures are in the March 2000 issue of Women's Physique World.  I also appeared on the cover of the June 2000 WPW, and had a feature article written by Mike Bogen, with pictures by Bill.

In 2000, I appeared in my first full length "solo" video, (WPW-433).   That was shot in April and July of 2000.

At the 2001 Women's Extravaganza, I had the opportunity to do another Ray Martin video (RM-219 from http://www.RayMartin.net) with Tazzie Colomb. She and I met at the 1998 Extravaganza and hit it off pretty well, so it was great to get a chance to work with her.

"How about recent contests?"---In 1998, I went to Las Vegas for the U.S.A. Championships.  It was my first national level contest since 1995, and things sure have changed!  There were a lot of girls in the lightweight class, which hasn't beeen true at that show for a few years.  I think I surprised a lot of people by showing up there, especially as a brunette!  I was a little intimidated at the weigh-ins, but after the initial shock of being away from competition for a few years, I got past it and stayed focused.  At first, it was like "Hey, these girls are big and huge and hard as a rock".  But after a while, I could look around and pick out weak bodyparts, poor symmetry, posing inexperience, etc., and realize that I had just as much business being on stage as anybody there.

Also in 1998, I was invited to appear in the Women's Extravaganza Strength show.  It was my first time competing in a show like this, AND my first time training heavy.  Although I didn't place as well as I might have liked, I had a great time, and I feel it really helped me to train heavy for a change.  It took its toll on my arm, however, and I was hurting for quite a while after that show.  It was also a neat show because, even though it's a competition, all the girls are rooting and cheering for you to do your best.  I don't know if I would compete again, but I was a fun experience.

In October 1999, I did the Nationals in Florida.  I actually weighed in at 110 lbs., way below the lightweight cutoff, and the lightest I've weighed in years.  When I was dieting, I was getting leaner and leaner to the point that I saw muscles and cuts that I had never seen before on me.  It was sooooo cool!  Everyone who saw me said that I was more ripped than I had ever been in my life.  Unfortunately, I didn't carb up enough before the contest, so I peaked late and it hurt my placing.  The next day, Sunday, I looked much better.  That's when the WPW video and pictures were shot.  In fact, I looked even BETTER Sunday night and the next day, when I was walking around at Disney World.  Unfortunately, the judges weren't around to appreciate it, although plenty of tourists were!  I was disappointed at my placing, but I received so many compliments about how great I looked, both from people I've known for years and total strangers.  Between that and the attention that I got from the photographers offstage, I was really happy with my accomplishments in Florida.

In April of 2000, I competed at the Jr. USAs in New Jersey.  I placed 6th as a middleweight (way ABOVE the lightweight cutoff this time!), and had the opportunity to do some more work with the Women's Physique World.   In July, I bulked up to over 150 lbs. for some off-season gym and posing footage as well.

I also competed in the Nationals in November of 2000. Unfortunately, I didn't place high enough to maintain my national status, so I recently did a local show in Maine to regain my National level qualification.

"What are your future plans?"---I plan to compete again at the USAs in 2002.  I've been hitting the weights hard and found a great new training partner, which is making a BIG difference in my workouts.  I plan to compete as a middleweight in Las Vegas.  I'll also be doing some modeling in a runway show out there as well. 

As much as I want to win a National level show, I'm realistic about my goals, and I'm not willing to do some of the things that are necessary to come in that big and that hard.  I also realize, at least with the current judging criteria, that this may hold me back, but that won't stop me from giving it my all.  I'm a posing ham, and when I work as hard as I do to get and maintain this body, you can bet I'm gonna show it off!

It was a great feeling when WPW asked me to do the photo/video work in Orlando and New Jersey.  I really love working with those guys.   I may not have been the biggest or the hardest bodybuilder at my last couple shows, but I know I must be doing SOMETHING right to get noticed!