competitive season has begun - my sweet dancer

this weekend E had her first dance competition of the season. 

such an incredible day. 

first, huge shout out to miss Danielle who finally
opened her own studio this year...

it was so fun to design this logo for the studio!

she is an incredible teacher and mentor to the
guys and gals who joined her studio.

the studio as a whole received a ton of awards on Saturday,
because of her leadership. 

so proud of her and the entire dance family!

~

unfortunately, photos aren't allowed during competitions, 

so I just have a few images to share taken between costume changes!

this is E and her best friend K.  

miss Danielle invited them to do a lyrical duet this year.

it was a very sweet dance to the song "good company."

they scored platinum (highest level) for their dance and 

also received a special award from the judges called "perfect pair" 

because of the strong connection that they showed on stage.

so proud of these two...

this is E and another great friend after their ballet routine.

next was hip hop! 

E worked hard last year in rec. hip hop with hopes of being 

invited to join the competitive team!  

so fun to see her on stage...

i didn't get pictures of jazz (busy day!), 

but here is E doing her needle in her group lyrical costume.

a crazy and incredible thing happened during this routine.

half way through, the music stopped.

without missing a beat, the girls continued dancing to the end of their routine.

it was such an amazing moment watching these girls

do exactly what they were supposed to do.

tears were flowing and the audience was cheering them with every step.

i love the photo below that shows the senior dancers 

from our studio cheering the minis on from backstage.

photo credit: shooting stars dance competition

the judges loved the tap routine these girls did so much,

that they were invited to dance again in the 

showcase of stars at the end of the day.

i thought it would be okay to grab a shot 

since the competition was over.  ;)

E was in 6 dances this year, a big jump from 3 last year.

you can see she came home with more than 6 awards...

she and her team received special awards for 5 of her six dances!

twas a pretty incredible day...

my dancing girl

i am feeling so proud of my girl.

she had her first (ever) competition yesterday in toronto

and she and her team did so well!

check out the curls and make-up...

i know, it definitely takes a little getting used to.

(only for stage of course!)

she was so excited and ready to go.

i don't even think she had butterflies...

she just wanted to get on that stage!

this is the only image i'll share from the performance

(to respect other dancer's privacy).

i love this one - E is on the right:

they received a sapphire award for their dance!  

they were also give a diamond (top level) award 

for the hairspray team dance they did 

(62 dancers on stage, age 6-19).

it was amazing!

i'm so happy that emery has found something that she loves,

and a great place to do it. 

the leaders where she dances are so positive to be around,

and tasteful and age appropriate with costumes and choreography.

it's beautiful and refreshing to be a part of.

dance show

emery had her dance recital last weekend.  

i love these shows.

seeing my girls dance in front of so many with confidence, 

is amazing to me!

jazz/hip hop (we'll be sure to put a clip in emery's hair next time...)

 it was pretty neat to see emery do the worm across the stage, 

but the coolest thing about this show was who came to see it...

mlle m.

emery's grade 1 teacher!

i am still blown away that her school teacher would take time out 

of her weekend to come watch two of her students dance.

olivia, mlle m, and emery

emery's recital fell on a busy day of christmas festivities 

with family and friends, 

but what she was most excited for that morning was her dance recital, 

knowing that mlle would be there.

love it.

we love the school the girls go to and their teachers so far 

have all exceeded our expectations in many ways.

(you can read about emery's kindergarten teacher here)

the video's from this recital are pretty fun, 

so next time you see me with my computer, ask to see them.

selah's recital is this coming sunday at 4:30.

we can bring a guest or two - so let me know if you'd like to come along!

dance

both girls started dance when they were two.  

selah does jazz and ballet, and emery does ballet and tap.

they have their classes at the community centre (close and affordable). 

their teacher is fantastic!  we love danielle!  she's so fun and patient...

i did not take dance as a little girl.  gymnastics, but not dance.  

i don't think i even wanted to when i was young, but now i wish i had.  

though it has crossed my mind since my girls have taken it up - i'm not brave enough to join in yet

(yes they even have classes for mommy's at the community centre).

what i love about these recitals is seeing my girls on stage, full of joy, confidence and focus!

i love that they are willing and comfortable being in front of so many people!

it amazes me. 

i just love this one!