Artists Simply Human (ASH) Dance convention is our team’s first convention of the season. It is also the only convention where both Oliver’s team and Lucas’ and Penny’s team compete together allowing me to see two solos, 15 group routines and cheer on all three of my kids. This is Oliver’s second ASH, Penny’s third and Lucas’ last. 
Lucas’ solo, Slack Jaw, received a Choreography award.
Penny’s routine Dance Dance won a Choreography award. Her routine EZ2 won an Entertainment Pick and Conceited won a Judge’s Choice award. Lucas’ routine Ladies and Gentz won a Special award, Closed Case won a Choreography award, High Fashion won a Judge’s Choice and The Fame won a True Artist award and performed again in the closing show. 
To close out the weekend Lucas and Penny were selected to perform in the closing show to a routine choreographed by Lisette Bustamente. They learned the choreography Friday evening and performed Sunday afternoon.
It’s hard to see, but Lucas, Penny and Oliver are all on stage all having won scholarships!
In addition to being a scholarship finalist, Lucas also received Apprentice finalist, a scholarship to Millennium Dance Complex and a $60,000 scholarship to AMDA (The American Musical and Dramatic Academy).
Oliver’s fear of the stage loomed large and almost kept him from dance. From taking the stage last year in groups to taking the stage this year as a soloist, and getting called out to do a freestyle battle in class, not only is Oliver overcoming a fear but also finding a joy and outlet for creativity and expression. Penny’s work ethic inspires me; open to feedback, quickly adjusting to corrections, she puts as much mind as heart into dance. She is doing the work and all of us get to enjoy as her positivity and openness shines bright whether on the stage or in the classroom. Lucas is dancing with a maturity and intention I haven’t seen before. A year ago his future goals were uncertain and too far away. Now his goal is large, ever present and absolutely clear. A professional dance career is his dream and seeing the way he showed up this weekend leaves me without a doubt; dreams will come true.
Our Everyday 