Thursday, May 28, 2009

The view from my seat.....


I've always wanted a pair of rose colored glasses. You know the kind. Most parents own a pair when viewing their own children. The kind that convinces the parent they have the best player on the field, the most talented dancer on the stage, the most melodic singer in the choir, the prettiest girl in the pageant. Unfortunately I find myself unable to view the things I am closely involved in with those eyes. I am critical and somewhat of a perfectionist and even when it's good, it could have been better. After watching a dance a few dozen times I tend to watch it from mistake to mistake and find myself no longer objective.

Recently we took 84 dancers to a competition in Utah. I was excited and nervous. My family lives there so we would get to spend time with my kids. We even had the opportunity to compete against some family. (Brooke you were AMAZING-Keep it up!) It's a lot of pressure. It's a long ways from home. It's expensive. And let's face it, when it comes to dance UTAH is at the top. Those people know how to do something to the fullest....(or slightly over the top). It's a frightening thing as a director, so many variables. Will there be any competition? Will there be too much competition? How will the girl's perform? Will the judges like the numbers? Will the parents like the numbers? Who will make what mistake? Who will forget what costume piece?

Well for a day I owned a pair of rose colored glasses. The dancers exceeded all my expectations. I was so proud. I couldn't keep myself out of the Director's chair. I wanted everyone to know....I knew those girls when. I had a tiny part in their success. It was a great day!!!! Thanks TG dancers for giving me those glasses....(if only for a day).

The PeeWee's--2 First Place Trophies-Overall Winner for 'School Daze'


The Boy's Club--2 First Place Trophies-Two Overall Winners


Mini Jazz Club--2 First Place Trophies-Two Overall Winners


Junior Jazz Club--First Place Jazz, 2nd place Hip Hop and Clogging(losing only to our Senior Jazz Club)
(Only picture I had.....)



Senior Jazz Club--4 First Place Trophies-Overall Winner for 'Lunch Break'


Elite Jazz Club--4 First Place Trophies-2 Ties for First with Shaw Dance--Overall Winner for 'Prayer of the Children'
Overall Production--'Let's Get Soaking Wet' and Director's Award in Advance Category




Mattie and Caitlynn made the All American Team with their high scores on their solos.


Caitlynn named Jazz MVP. (Highest Jazz Solo Score)


But the VERY best part about competition in Utah was having my family there to support me.
Sorry Jordan but this is the only picture we took of you.






Did I mention how much Emree love's watching us dance? Her face says it all.



6 comments:

SANDERSON / MCCONKIE FAMILY said...

You have been such an important part of Nicole's life. Sh is really hurting over the thought of leaving the Jazz Club. Her scrapbooks will take her back often. How wonderful to know that you make a difference in so many lives Lori!!!! Consider yourself hugged!!!

Kathy’s Korner said...

This was a great post. You are such a good writer. Glad it was such a great experience. Love those rose colored glasses. That will inspirer the title of my next post. Love ya!

Stacey said...

I think it's actually probably a good thing to see things how they are. That's what makes you so good at what you do. Looks like you all had a great time. And that little Emree, I tell you what, she is to die for.

the Horton Hurricane said...

It really was so fun! I cant believe how GREAT your dancers were! I was proud to be the niece! you should feel very proud as well as your dancers I hope you will come back to Utah each year. I love you guys.....Jordan nice swim cap!

Tyler - Danielle - Emree said...

she got tired just watching everyone else work so hard! Thanks for letting us be apart of it all.

Mindy said...

We had so much fun at this competition. My parents and sister were able to attend and they couldn't stop talking about the Production Number. The choreography is just amazing!!!