Days with the Dorans

It's hard to believe it was Al's last regional dance competition! They had a great season. I think that throughout the season all of her numbers got platinums and they had many overalls too. I'm excited to see them at Nationals.  I didn't take lots of pictures this season. I did snap a few of the awards today though. Al was chosen to pick up the awards for Queen of Swords which is her lyrical. The studio also got an award for being the highest scoring studio (or something like that). I got a video of it. One of her tap numbers also got a scholarship to NY or something (I left the awards a little early because it gets kind of loud and I thought they were pretty much over... whoops!).  It's been such fun watching her grow her dance and friendships over the years. So proud of her!

 I love the In10sity Dance Competition. It's not a far drive for us but mostly I love it because we get pictures and videos from the dances. Last time I posted the video I got in trouble because apparently people steal choreography- so I can't share until after the competition season is over. That being said, if you want to see the dances- let me know and I'll send you the video. They did great. All 5 of Al's dances got Platinum awards. Matter of Luck got a costume award and we got some overall awards. I have lots of pictures but chose two from each dance for my blog book! The Climb- Tap She's on top of the box- center Jet Set- Tap Just right of center Matter of Luck (kicking center) Queen of Swords- Lyrical Right Kicker (she doesn't like this one but oh well...) Bugle Boy- Open Center sitting

Ali's Dance Master's schedule was AWESOME. She didn't have to be there until 10am and awards were at 2:30! It's nice having her pieces all in the same age-group this year. They were awesome! All platinums and one high gold. They also took a first and second overall. To be fair they were in a different level than the other studios. We were the only studio with intensive numbers. They were beautiful though. I love watching Al perform. Nana was able to come and watch some too! Not being in any evening pieces meant that Al could go eat and we could go home to rest up for the Cosman's St. Patty's party! What a full day we had!!

Well the dance season officially kicked off with our first competition! It was at the Ren Cen and we opted to save some bucks and drive in each day which turned out to be a great choice. I borrowed a friend's parking pass and we even got to park for free which was such a blessing! Al had to be there earlier than Am for stretch and later with classes (Ali's got out at 10:04... yes I was checking). It was a long day but I was glad we were able to travel together. Al was a bit star struck with Allison from SYTYCD teaching and judging and her husband Twitch (also from SYTYCD and Ellen) was there too to teach classes (as well as others that quite honestly I didn't know...). Al had 5 numbers (this picture was from the site since we can't take pics) and they also had videos you could buy. I was able to put the "sneak peeks" into a video HERE of Al's pieces. Ali Jane was so excited that "Allison" was watching her!!! The girls tried to g...

This was the first time I didn't stay to watch Al dance. I actually had to drop her off and get outta town to see Z run his first 5K! I didn't even walk in with her. It was a wee bit stressful because her close friends weren't at this competition (Al's other dances were the day before) and when she got there they decided to change the hair from low bun, part on the side- to high bun with no part. I wasn't there to help her but she got it done! Ali's grown a lot this year in dance but what I've been most impressed by isn't necessarily her dance moves but her ability to be flexible and make things work! I got back in time to see the awards. And in the end, the hard work paid off. They were the studio who had the best scores overall so they got a nice check. Way to go, TDS!

 The way Al's dance studio works is you tell them how many dances you'd like your child to be considered for (the max you'll pay for) and then they will cast them in no more than that number.  Al's number was 3 this year and she was cast in two jazz numbers and a tap. What we didn't know is that they may also cast you as an understudy. Al was cast in another tap number and a lyrical as an understudy. She was worried about it at first because as an understudy you have to learn EVERYONE'S part which is a bit stressful (it's easier just to be in the dance and know your part. She actually had to go in for "Carmen Sandiego" as an understudy because someone wasn't able to make it. She did AMAZING. You can see for yourself by clicking HERE . I got a video of the dances since this was the only time I saw Al dance the number. I also got some stills but figured I've already posted enough pictures of her in the other numbers. She'll...

We had a crazy snowstorm (that I didn't expect) overnight and while we gave ourselves plenty of time to get to DMM, we barely made it. Everyone was late though and we were just happy not to be one of the cars in a ditch! Al had to be there a little earlier than her buddy Amber so it was just the two of us driving. It was a long day and the girls had fun. Nana even was able to come and watch Al dance which was cool.  During Al's tap piece though she messed up... She stood up a little too early, caught herself and went back down. Her face wore a smile throughout the rest of the number but I could tell that she was devastated. Two numbers later she had another dance and did great. When she saw us after ,she burst into tears because she had messed up! I felt terrible for her! It was then that Landri (older dancer that Al loves) saw Al and came to her, scooped her into her arms and just kept telling her how awesome and amazing she was. Next Tyler came and did the same...