bunker dance center's performing arts company participated in its first convention this past weekend. it was called "the pulse" and all of the teachers participating were from "so you think you can dance". (laurie ann gibson, wade robson, chris judd, dave scott, mia michels, etc.) this was sort of an unconventional convention, because the whole philosophy of this group is "thinking outside of the box". instead of competing numbers, they invited each studio present to perform one number, and then each of these teachers would critique the performance! it turned our that about twenty studios danced in the performance showcase saturday night.
(a little background on the past couple of months since school started in preparation) the studio was a day late getting the registration turned in, hence it was all sold out and we weren't sure if they were going to be able to participate. that was very sad because the girls really wanted to do this one, since they all "live" for the show come springtime! it all worked out thanks to some "good will" done last year by the girls, so they decided to let them participate. they were a little behind in getting started on the choreography (peter and stacey collaborated on this piece, their modern and lyrical teachers) and the girls were told to plan on spending every friday and saturday evening 7 - 10 pm in the studio! needless to say, megan was not excited about that plan, but she surprised me and really never complained about it! the girls finished learning the piece with just a couple of days to work on cleaning it up, and getting everyone together. the costumes were a whole nother story, suffice it to say, three mothers (not me!) were at the studio two hours before the performance with sewing machines, sewing and fixing and so forth! HELP!!!
so leading up to this performance i would ask megan how she was feeling about it, and she just kept saying, i think we might embarrass ourselves (afraid they weren't prepared to perform it yet). she had never done it with the costume on and finished, and they are usually a little better prepared. anyway, they were #13 to perform. as i sat and watched #1 - 12, i kept thinking, "this must be the first show of the year", because i was really enjoying watching the performances! i had no idea what to expect from our group, all i knew was that they were using teacups and saucers in this piece, and megan had been the first one to break a cup, at the first practice, when someone kicked it out of her hand.
THEY BLEW ME AWAY!!!!! along with everyone else sitting there. each of the teachers were very impressed and full of compliments as the critiques were given. mia michels was very fun. she told everyone that she was the old lady sitting on the chairs and that she had been to more conventions than she liked to remember. she just kept saying, "you know how many of these i have watched." and then she said, "this dance is my favorite one EVER!" "and i HATE the choreographer, because i want to have thought of this piece!" WHEW HEW!!!! unbelievable! what a compliment, for a bunch of dancers who wondered if they would be any good this year because they had lost sooo many strong dancers last year after graduating from high school. i am so very HAPPY for them all. once again, it was worth the friday and saturday nights spent in learning and practicing! i can't wait to see it again...
fyi - kathy is trying to plan an evening to earn money for a charitable cause, where the girls will dance, but instead of being at a competition, they will be performing to try and benefit someone in need. if it really comes to pass, we will make sure and invite all of you!
