National's slide show

talentonparade2010

Grace's Dance National Competition was in Des Moines IA. This was her
first time attending a national competition. I have to say it was quite a bit
of fun and nice mom/daughter quality time. We carpooled and shared a
room with a teammate of Grace's and it was so fun to see those two share
the time together! Grace danced on Friday so we headed over early to
watch her friend Aubrey and some of her other teammates hip hop dance.
Grace didn't dance until 4pm and was SO anxious to get her costume on
at one point I had to have her teacher come and tell her she needed to
wait because she wasn't listening to her mother! Grace's team performed
their tap dance Trash first which they shined more than ever on with the
best facial expressions and energy we had ever seen! About an hour later
they performed their jazz number, Rockin Little Pretty One and did an
outstanding job on that as well. Awards were later that evening. The
First thing they announce before awards is Parade of Champions which
is the top 7 or so high scorers that will re-dance their numbers for the
12 and under age group title. To be honest I don't think any of us thought
Grace's group would be brought back seeing as there was quite a bit of
talent to compete against. My thoughts were that if she did it might be
her jazz number. Well, as they started announcing the champs the
announcer started to say "next up a small group from WI", immediately
my ears perked up because I knew we were the only ones from WI.
Sure enough, TRASH!!! I jumped to my feet and started screaming,
probably looking like a fool too, ha! Right then the tears started streaming
down my face! I ran back stage knowing that we had to change and re-
do hair and makeup!! As I got to the back of the stage the girls were
running down screaming and jumping with joy, the tears fell harder and
I started to shake with excitement!! I saw Grace's teacher and we threw
our arms around one another with joy! This was so HUGE for not only
our girls but the owner/teachers, studio and the whole First Position
Team!! Sarah, Grace's teacher and owner of the studio just opened the
doors this year and this is the first year of competition for them! What
a great way to start things off!! Anyway, we got the girls costumes on
and hair teased. They got a chance to run through one last time and
then sat down with Sarah to fill out the questionnaire for their announce-
ment once on stage. They dedicated the dance to Miss Sarah, their
parents and "the whole" world, ha! As the smoke filled the stage and
the lazer lights whizzed across they were announced by name and it
being their first year competing. They did a great job but I think the
nerves took hold a little more this time with a few bobbles. However
the honor and excitement of being chosen to take the stage for a second
performance was plenty for all of us. Still thinking about it now I get
a tear in my eye. The large coveted overall trophy wasn't ours but
the memories of the moment will remain forever just the same!! What
a wonderful experience for all of us! Grace is in her room dancing as I
write and I have no doubt there will be many more moments like this
for the future!
Grace's team did end up with 2nd place overall in the 7/8 age group as
well as 5th for Rockin Pretty One. They also earned a Diamond Elite
trophy for Trash which is the highest level award for the competition
and Elite Top 1st for Pretty One which is just under Diamond Elite.
The studio took home a spirit award and we also had a duet that was
in the parade of champs and took 4th overall in their age division.
Not to mention the other awards and trophies awarded to the other
team members brought home with them!
Be sure to check out the picture album in the corner for all the
highlights!!