Lily's second year of dance came to an end this weekend, and we got to see all of her hard work during the dance recital on Saturday! Lily is not a competitive dancer, but she does take classes at an award winning studio that's filled with awesome teachers and incredible competitive dancers. We love the dance studio, and the dance recital at the end of the year is a big event!
This year, Lily took Jazz, Ballet, and Acro. It kept her busy all year long, and she learned so much in 10 months. She will most likely be continuing the same lineup of classes next year. We decided she has to complete the recreational division for 6, 7, and 8 year olds before we even consider competitive dance. I just don't have the time or the energy to devote to the demanding schedule and all the travel for just one child, and I want to make sure she truly wants to do it before we spend all that money! So for now she dances recreationally with her best friend since birth, which makes it extra fun. She's learning a lot, and she enjoys it!
On Friday, there was a full dress rehearsal for the recital, so they could practice their dances on stage in their costumes. Us dance moms got to practice the quick costume changes, too. I learned last year that this was a great opportunity to snap some pictures while they dance!
First up, was Lily's Jazz number! She was partnered with her BFF, Charlie, and I can't get over how cute they were on stage!
Next, was ballet! The lighting was a bit dark, so I only got a few good pictures.
After a week of classes, rehearsals, and the dress rehearsal, Lily was exhausted! (I was, too!) She didn't get much of a break before it was dance recital day. It was exciting, but Lily was a bit nervous to dance in front of a crowd. I told her that being nervous is normal, and is actually a good thing because it shows you care about what you are doing! I also told her that I got nervous before every single musical I performed in!
When we arrived at the auditorium, it was dance recital mania! Seriously, it was mass chaos backstage, and I'm really glad Lily arrived in full hair and makeup! I'm not going to lie...even though this was my second year as a dance mom, and I only had one daughter in the recital this year, I was still overwhelmed. (And it didn't help that I broke my toe the day before!)
I frantically finished getting Lily ready for her first dance number, which was Acro, got her to where she needed to wait backstage, then rushed to take my seat for the start of the show. And by show, I truly mean show...full lights, an announcer, a photographer and videographer, an opening number, two "acts," and a finale with confetti. There are so many dances between recreational classes, competitive routines, and award winning soloists and groups that they have to split the dance recital into two recitals: one at 1 PM and the other at 6 PM. Thankfully, Lily only had to be at the first one!
After Acro, I rushed backstage to help Lily get ready for Jazz. The excitement of the day had hit backstage, and everybody was wound up! Lily and Charlie were ready to "Jump!"
They did a great job! After they were done, I ran back and grabbed Lily and Charlie, and brought them into the auditorium, so they could watch some of the competitive dances. And before we knew it, intermission had arrived!
I spent intermission backstage, getting Lily ready for ballet. They didn't have to be onstage until halfway through the second half, so they opted to hang out backstage and play on the blanket until it was time for their dance. I watched a few dances, then headed back to make sure they got to the stage on time. Lily and Charlie looked so cute heading over to the stage, so I made them pause for a super quick photoshoot!
After their sweet dance (which I did not photograph), I headed backstage for the final costume change into the finale outfit! We made it!
Grant always complains about the 4 1/2 hour dance recital ordeal, but when we leave, he always admits he really enjoyed it. Everything is perfection...the choreography, the costumes, the competitive dancers who are perfectly in sync...and it's entertaining from start to finish. Some of the numbers are so moving that they make you cry. It's no wonder that the competitive team is always winning awards! Although I always miss quite a few due to my dance mom duties, I am glad we order the video so I can watch the whole recital without feeling stressed about what I have to do next!
The "Far Out East" themed dance recital went off without a hitch, and the finale was every bit as exciting as last year!
I don't know what the future holds for Lily's dance career, but I love watching her dance! I do hope we have many more years of recitals ahead of us!
What better way to end a successful year of dance than by having a sleepover with your bestie? Here's to many more years of dancing together!
You might also like:
WELCOME WEDNESDAY
Your Hosts!
Stefanie at Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too / Instagram / Twitter / Pinterest / Facebook
Keri at Keri Lynn Synder / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Pinterest
Mauri at The American Patriette / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram
Sarah at Sarah E. Frazer / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Pinterest
<!-- end InLinkz script —>
Gabbie's bff is named Charli! Without the E. Great job lily!
ReplyDeleteAwww, that's awesome. Charlie is really Charlotte, but we never call her that!
DeleteLove all the pictures and outfits!
ReplyDeleteHer outfits are too cute!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! She loved them this year!
Delete