Showstopper Regionals

One of our annual regional competitions has always been Showstopper and this year was no different.  What was different was the location.  Showstopper decided to split Houston into two different regionals this year.  Lucky for us, instead of the usual drive to the other side of Houston we only had a 10 minute drive across the highway!  Not sure which I like better - being close to home or staying in a hotel for the weekend - but the stress of "Did I forget anything?" was not missed at all.  This did make the competition smaller than usual though. In Junior Large Groups there were only 10 groups in our level and seven were from our studio.  Makes the results look great on paper, but it's nice to see how you stack up against other studios.  Somehow it didn't make Teen Solos any smaller, we still had to sit through 6 hours of them.  My daughter should never question my love for her! 💖

One major issue from the weekend was the set-up of the two rooms.  They were next to each other and instead of closing off each room, the last two sections were left open.  Yes, that means you could hear music, cheering, and announcements from the other room.  It was horrible when watching a beautiful lyrical in your room and there is a thumping jazz number going on in the other.  To top it off the merchandise and photo tables were located inside room 1.  That only added to the movement in the room and since the lights weren't dimmed you saw everything.  I hope that if they keep this location in future years, these things are corrected.

Groups went well and all three of hers placed in their respective top 5.  Trio started off really good, but got off somewhere - I've seen them do much better in the studio.

Where I have seen the most growth is in her solo.  As you can read in my last post, she ended last year on a sour note and doubts were steadily creeping in again.  The night before her solo I asked her if she was nervous.  She said "Not really, I figure there are only 4 people who are there to judge me and the rest are there to support me, so no need to be nervous."  She blew me away with that!  Her confidence on stage was awesome, her timing was the best I have ever seen from her, and I could not have been more proud.

Next weekend we are off to Starbound.


Click here for the video of her solo "A Million Years Ago" choreographed by Dawn Dippel, North Harris Performing Arts. 

"Wasting My Young Years" trio

One of my favorite still shots a friend captured.

Big Brother there to support his little sister.

Prevue Show 2017

With the first competition coming up this weekend, I wanted to take a bit and reflect on the Prevue Show, the recital for all of our studio's competition pieces.  I love the Prevue Show!  The first look at all these pieces in full dress with hair and make-up, these goofy kids turn into seasoned professionals right before our eyes.  

In the first half Emily performed in her three groups - one lyrical, one jazz, and one tap.  She loves her lyrical and jazz and they are great dances!  Tap is where she struggles most, and she was placed in a group where she is the oldest, so she feels it is "kiddish".  It's been a struggle, and I keep hoping she turns her mindset around, but at this point I'm not optimistic.  I have to say the Junior Tap costumes are so much better than the Teen Tap costumes, so that is a win for her!  See, cute costume!  

Her groups looked great, I think my favorite is her lyrical group to "I Found".  I am amazed at the growth I have seen in Emily this year and her groups really show that.  She is 13, and this is her first year as a Teen.  She has really stepped up and embraced it and it is showing on stage.

The second half of the Prevue Show is when Emily performed her solo and trio.  Trio went on first.  It was a good run. Her trio partners are brand new to the Company and they look and dance well together.  After Trio, I left the theater to make a quick hair change for her solo.  She thought it was a good run also, but focused on a bobbled triple pirouette.

Solo was up next. Another good run.  I have to admit that I was holding my breath the entire time - last year at Nationals, she left the stage during her solo due to a blank out.  She expressed that this was on her mind the past few weeks.  Her teacher has been working with her on overcoming this stress and lack of confidence and I think it is working.

Below are some photos from the Show.  I rely on other parents to share photos with me.  We are lucky that we have a handful of parents who shoot almost everyone at recitals and competitions (where allowed).  What struck me most about these photos is how much Emily has grown!  She really hasn't stopped growing the past four years - look at those arms and legs!

Shot from "Wasting My Young Years" Trio

Her solo is "A Million Years Ago" by Adele. I wanted a sophisticated costume, something Adele would wear, and I think we achieved that.  Best part is, this is a hand-me-down and when I asked the mom how much she wanted for it, she said just take it. 💙

First competition in three days!

The French {Twist} Revolution

I'm not quite sure if anyone will die, but there is sure to be an upheaval today.  It is Company Hair and Make-Up day at the studio.  

The hairstyle is once again a French Twist with a left part.  I CANNOT get this style at all.  When I finish my DD's hair, if I can even get it finished, it resembles a sideways mess, usually with no part, and not smooth at all. I have watched numerous tutorials - twist up, twist down, use a ponytail holder, don't use a ponytail holder, start in the middle, twist and stuff, make a line of bobby pins up the back of the head...I have practiced until both myself and DD are in tears.

Now, let me tell you, I rocked the low bun!  So smooth, perfect spirals, no fly-a-ways, rock solid.  I don't know if that is my problem, that I am not achieving the success I had for several years, or what, but this has got me down and frustrated.

Since no one reads this I am probably not going to get any tips, but if you do happen to be reading this and have any suggestions for how to do a French Twist on REALLY thick, straight hair that is longer than shoulder length - please share!  In the meantime, I will be in the corner rocking back and forth. 😖