Days with the Dorans

Well this dance season got off to a crazy start. We originally had Al in 4 numbers but there was another dancer that quit so we said she could go ahead and add a 5th (since she was already cast as the understudy for it and actually being in the piece wasn't that much more since we already had to pay tuition). Showcase was very long but we loved watching our girl dance! Dad, Nana, Papa, Auntie Jodi, Aunt Barb, Gary and Mrs. Connell all came to cheer her on. We let the brothers stay home since it was a long night and they'll be at recital!  Here are some pictures that were taken at the show. The professional photographer didn't shoot it this year but they did have someone snapping pics. I may have to get some at the competitions... Hmmm... Matter of Luck (Jazz) The Climb (Tap) She's on the top step. Queen of Swords (Lyrical) Those swords are seriously heavy!! Jet Set (Tap) Boogie Woogie Bugle Bog (Open)  ...

Ali's Dance Showcase is a night where the competition teams perform all their numbers for the season. It's a great night for dance, but all the solos make it VERY long (I almost wish they'd split it up somehow and do solos one day and groups another).  My folks, the Drapals, my Aunt Barb and Gary and of course all of us were there to cheer Al on but after her last performance, they all left. Ali was great and it is amazing how much she has grown in such a short time. Here are some pictures that were taken by a professional photographer (and dance mom). After the show, the girls were starving and it was late!! We headed to a little diner and they got one booth and us dance moms got our own. I love and adore how much these girls love each other and how well they get along. Ali was just saying how lucky she is that she gets to see her friends every day and it took me a moment to realize she was talking about her dance friends (none of whom go to ...

So this was Al's first Showcase as a "Classy Dancer"and she danced WONDERFULLY!  It took me a while to find her in her jazz class (which was good and means I did a good job with hair and make-up). In tap I spotted her right away! She was up front and did GREAT! The reason I'm so happy she performed so well is because it wasn't such a smooth start to the night.  Jeff helped move the props and dance floor and for some dumb reason, I thought he had time to make it home and then we could all drive together... no such luck! Poor Ali (always on time and such a worry wart) was late! Not by much (5 minutes) but being on time is late for her.  She was a mess and I felt horrible because clearly (it was MY fault).  Thankfully it went well anyway! I think she got a free pass based on her history (which is what I told her and prayed would be true).  My folks and the boys also came up for the show (though Papa and the brothers left after her first number). Jeff was hap...

Jeff and I had a date night (kind-of) when we went and saw Ali Jane perform in her studio's "Showcase" performance.  It's a chance where all of the soloists and competition teams get to perform before the dance season takes off. We dropped Al off for stretch, ran and got a drink and dinner and were back in time for the show.  We sat near where the girls were too so she got to see us and was all smiles! Watching her dance was amazing!  She really has come so far since she started in kindergarten!  There was no photography allowed at the show, but an amazing professional photographer took some pictures and allowed us to download them for free (and because the quality was amazing, I was able to zoom in even closer)!  They were AMAZING!! So fun to watch our little girl leave it all out on the stage!   Proud parents for sure! Beautiful job, Ali Jane!!!!! We love you!

Ali is still dancing with a group called "The Dazzling Stars" and last Saturday she danced in her studio's "Showcase" of Dazzling Stars and all the older competitive girls as well.  I have to admit that getting her hair and makeup done is no longer as stressful as it once was.  Maybe I am getting better at this "Dance Mom" thing...  This year's show didn't start until 7pm, so we dropped the boys off with my folks and Jeff, Ali and I drove together.  The show was at Jeff's school.  Ali didn't seem too nervous about the show and she's been doing really well.  She is beginning to learn her jazz dance and a friend sent me a video of her and she looked really good.  It's fun to see her grow as a dancer.  We had to drop Ali off a little over an hour before the show so they could stretch and get ready.  Since Jeff knew the area, we went to a nearby bar to grab a drink.  We probably could have grabbed two (and will next y...