DanceMakers always kicks off our competition season, the first convention for the team. This year it was also Oliver’s first convention. Each of my children came into this weekend with different levels of nerves and expectations, Oliver simply wanting to survive it, Penny wanting growth and Lucas hoping he and the team could achieve beyond last year. Starting off the weekend was Lucas’ solo, his first time competing a contemporary solo. Lucas’ solo placed 8th in Senior solos, the first time he’s placed in the top ten at a regionals.

Lucas and Anna have been dancing together since he started. With similar styles we always thought they’d make a great duo and this year we finally got to see it happen. Their duo received a High First, a Style high score and placed Second place for all Senior duos and trios.

Convention weekends are about competition and classes. Two full days of classes in a variety of styles, each of my children experienced recognition from peers and faculty and incredible amounts of growth and inspiration.

This was Penny’s first time getting called up on stage!

While the kids dance and compete, the parents support; our children and each other. The friendships that have been built make this journey that much more rewarding and fun.

After a full day of classes, the kids competed their group routines; the first time of the season performing on stage for the judges, and us. I am so proud of their professionalism, their hard work and their friendships that are evident in the trust and chemistry they display on stage.

Audition finalists perform in the closing show and are also considered for scholarships. Penny made it through the first round and Lucas and several of our dancers made it through to the final. Seeing Lucas dance in the closing show is always such a treat.

Last year our studio won Top Scoring routine of the weekend, our biggest accomplishment to date. Expectations and hopes were high coming into this weekend. Lucas won a regionals scholarship, the studio won the Standout Studio award AND Creative Dance Center, yet again, took home the grand prize of Top Scoring routine of the weekend!

In the last few moments of the weekend we chatted with Dejan Tubic, the first faculty member to notice Lucas years ago and who has selected Lucas as an audition finalist multiple times. He told Penny cutting her after the first round was a tough decision, he was so impressed by her growth and feels her potential is off the charts; he would give her a correction and immediately see her apply it. Rewards come in trophies and in words and I am so happy all three of my children were able to experience all the rewards dance can bring to their lives.