dance competition: our first

She saw it as something girlie and, not to mention, pink.  I saw it as a step in the direction of... *gulp* growing up.

The coveted caboodle.  Full of makeup.  It was something hubs and I talked about giving her for Christmas... and her birthday, since she would need it for dance competition.  Until now, she's simply used mom's drawer full of goodies.

She was so excited when I bought it for her.  It was accompanied with the endless question, "When will you give me makeup lessons, Mommy?"   It was carried with her everywhere in the house.  Even to bed.  For some reason, that made me smile.  I suppose it reminded me that she's not quite 16 going on 17.  That will be here soon enough.  No makeup lessons... yet.

I tucked her in for the night, and told her that she was going to do such a great job.  I was so proud of how she set a goal... and worked hard to achieve it.  Every pointed toe, and expression to be stage-ready.


{I was there, too.  See me in the picture on the left?}

Dance competition is a world unlike any other.  This was the first of many for us.

Girls seemingly doused in glitter.  Or sprayed.

Gems glued to cheeks.

Ponytails the same height, and parts all perfectly parted on the same side.

A booth of souvenirs, costing more than most parents would normally spend.

Our studio's dress and makeup is very modest compared to many we encountered that day.  Wow. 



A plethora of attitudes backstage.

From moms, mostly.  Some people take this a bit too seriously.  Oh dear.  I could have given {quite a few mamas} an earful, but it would have fallen on deaf ears.  They've obviously done this before and would have bulldozed anyone who got in their way.  Cr.a.zy.

I do this because my child LOVES it, not because I have some personal passion for the limelight.  No wait.  It's all diva, all the time, right here.  ;)

Would you know what I mean, if I said there was a bit of a I'm better than you "Country Club" mentality?  Yeah.  I don't play that game.

You should have seen the suitcases leaving on dollies when it was all over.  Speechless.

And we were only there on the day petite and junior teams were performing.  No teens.  Kinda thankful. 



Comfortable shoes are a 'must', for dashing walking between performances and dressing rooms.

Then, waiting.

No pictures or video allowed.  But they sell them, of course.

Nervous jitters.  Giggly friends entertaining, and relaxing each other.

Oh... and sharing the flu bug!  Seems a number of girls from our studio were out with flu symptoms this week.  {hubs thinks gracie's immune system was compromised from sneaking too much junk food with friends backstage.  grrrr...}



Duet partners.  Loud cheers.  Possible hearing loss.



And gold.  Gold isn't first place, but excites us all the same. 

{who cares if 98% of everyone received gold.  the coveted reward is platinum.  oh well.  it's overrated.  seems these judges found the more *ehem* 'inappropriate' routines a bit more... entertaining.}

Gold is good.

We're proud of our girls.  Yes, both of them.  Nator was the. best. cheerleader.   And partner for Daddy.  Have I mentioned how sweet she is?  ;)

And hubs.  He's a great cheerleader, too.  And navigator.  And Starbucks finder.  Even if he's not running from room to room with me, I love knowing he's there.

Time to pinch pennies, prep my comfy shoes, line up costumes, my game-face, earplugs, and Gracie's caboodle... because as crazy as it sounds, we'll be doing it again.