DAVENPORT, IA --I’m finally a dancer. Who knew? I sure didn’t expect it. Until now, I’ve been what I like to call an “enthusiastic booty-shaker,” woefully lacking in skill, but bringing a lot of exuberance to my moves — usually only after a couple of drinks.

So, imagine my surprise when the Quad-City Times publisher’s executive assistant approached me about a month ago, asking whether I — in total sobriety this time — would represent the newspaper during the upcoming “Ballroom with the Quad-City Celebrities” event at the Outing Club in Davenport.

What? Me?

“Oh my God, who told the publisher (Julie Bechtel) I could dance?”

At least that’s what I whispered in my mind as executive assistant Mary Benhart made her pitch.

Seconds later, I was saying yes. Oh, I knew it was going to take a lot of dance lessons to make me presentable, but I love a challenge. I love learning something new.

And let’s be truthful. I love getting up in front of a crowd.

Here’s where the downside comes into play: I’m not a trained dancer. I never took ballet, tap, gymnastics or anything else like that as a little girl. OK, I was a cheerleader in seventh grade, if that counts for anything, but that’s all.

So, I basically started from scratch when I began ballroom dance lessons with my instructor, Gianni Rondonni (who goes by only his first name professionally). Still, he praised me for my “natural ability.”

Oh, I was skeptical. It sounded too much like a line out of the movie “Dirty Dancing,” which I’ve been thinking about a lot lately as I learn how to dance. (Am I dating myself? I’m 33.) That movie shows just how dance teachers can tell you things to make you think you’re “good” so you keep coming back for lessons. Ha!

Well, if that’s what Gianni did for me, it worked because I did keep coming back for lessons — multiple times a week for several weeks.

And, now, I’m not bad. Not bad at all. I’d even venture to say I’m pretty good.

But I had an excellent teacher. Gianni patiently taught me how to do the quick-paced jive, full of lots of jumping, kicking and spinning. (Ugh. It makes me dizzy.) He even taught me how to do a lift like in “Dirty Dancing.” Very exciting!

My dance partner, Nick Stader, also has been great, helping me improve each move, but with laughter and fun.

Now, I’ve permanently traded in my “club shoes” for sassy, silver, high-heeled, professional dancing shoes I’ll be wearing at the performance.

I can’t wait, but I am nervous. I worry about falling down, spinning out of control or missing the lift (remember when Jennifer Grey’s character, Baby, misses the lift in “Dirty Dancing?” She does this crazy pointed-thumb move instead. It was a very awkward moment for her and Johnny, Patrick Swayze’s character).

So, I’ve decided if I mess up, I’ll just laugh and keep going. That’s what I do with everything in life.

No matter what, this is going to be so much fun — and probably pretty funny, too. Remember, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

And here’s the best part: A portion of the proceeds go to Gilda’s Club. Thanks in advance for your support.