Artists Simply Human (ASH) Dance Convention is the first competition for Penny and Oliver of the season. Because one of our guest choreographers, Matthew Smith, is a faculty member with ASH, Lucas and some other team members also competed routines choreographed by Matthew at this event. All three kids took classes together, competed together, were selected for the closing show together and won scholarships, together.

This is Penny’s first season competing a solo. She took the stage.

This was Oliver’s first competition. Lucas has been competing for seven years, Penny for three, Oliver for one. The first time is full of nerves and the unknown, excitement and no expectations.

And joy. Joy for doing it well or just having it done, joy in the camaraderie and teamwork, joy in the support from coaches and friends, joy from being on stage.

After competing for hours, they take classes for hours.





Penny was selected as an audition finalist, securing a scholarship and giving her the opportunity to audition once more. Lucas’ group routine, Princess Diana, received a True Artists award allowing them to perform again in the final show.To close out the weekend all three performed in the closing show to a routine choreographed by Matthew Smith. They learned the choreography Friday evening and performed Sunday afternoon.

We’ve been to a lot of conventions and competitions. Goals and expectations increasing every time. But there is nothing like the first time when nerves are running high, when you look to your teammates to see if they feel the same way, when you’re giddy just to be there and have all this time to spend with your friends and giddy when you come off stage not caring about the award or placement, just that you did it. And when you get any kind of recognition, much less a scholarship, you are surprised, excited and think “Wow, they think I’m good?” and that fuels you to keep working and trying. How special is that.