Dance Recital

 This year's dance recital was bittersweet because it's the last time I get to see Liesel in Lyrical or Hip Hop. Coming in to her Junior year of High School, she really has to prioritize her time and she's found a great group of friends in the Choir/Madrigal/Musical world. There are only so many hours in a day so moving forward, she is only going to do Ballet and Pointe. I knew she wouldn't be in dance forever, but I wasn't quite prepared for this to be her last performances in those dance styles. Tempus fugit! 

Our kind bishop came to one of the performances and took incredible pictures of the entire family. I'm so grateful to him for sacrificing the time and sharing his talents. If you see amazing pictures- they are his. If you see blurry ones, that was done with my iPhone. Without further ado, here are the highlights from this year's show:

BALLET

 

 

HIP HOP 

 

 Check out Gita's little solo at 0:40! Swagger for DAYS!!! She was so excited about that part and told me repeatedly to look for it. 

  

 LYRICAL 

 

TAP 

Ireland's costume came from Amazon rather than a dance costume supplier who require measurements. It was really loose. I had to essentially deconstruct the seams around that belt and sew it back together again but it was totally worth it because it snatched Ireland's waist and actually stayed buckled throughout the dance. 

 

JAZZ 

POINTE

This number was kind of the nail in the coffin for Liesel. These costumes are borrowed from the studio and there weren't enough smalls so Liesel often had to wear a large, which for her frame, was really large and she was uncomfortable. Between some mean girl behavior and a leak which left a costume wet, with more mean girl behavior, Liesel was pretty done. Competition and attitude can be unfortunate side effects of the dance industry. 

 

DAD'S DANCE

As always, this number brought down the house and Brent had a lot of fun participating. Apparently there was some drama during the final show when one of the dad's was found rip-roaring drunk in his car in the parking lot. Other dads tried to sober him up and he made it through the number but passed out during final bows.

FINAL BOWS

This was Liesel's first year assisting and they took a moment to recognize her. During Final Bows she walked out with her classes. It was cute to see all the little dancers she's worked with giving her hugs. During the final class before recital, one teacher was reminding the class to be sure to have their hair done so it doesn't fall out and Liesel mentioned her mom does her hair with so many different bobby pins to keep it in place. One girl quizzically asked, "You have a mom?" Another said, "Yeah, I thought you were a mom!" At the start of one performance, a little girl saw her family and started running off the stage. Liesel quickly grabbed her and brought her back in line and everyone chuckled, gasped and then laughed at that. 

She really has a knack with children- especially little girls.

I love watching my girls dance! This is my happy place.

Ireland's knee has flared up for years and it really became a problem during the final performance. She couldn't walk on it anymore and Brent had to carry her to the car like this. 

I love these girls so much and I'm glad we are a dance family- especially now it's become clear we won't always be drowning in dance shoes, costumes and tights. This is a special time in our lives that I want to hold on to as long as possible!