The dance world was certainly shaken up along with many other extra-curriculars when Covid wiped through. It was 2 years ago that we were in Saint John for our very last in person Dance Competition with a live audience. Last year a couple of the competitions happened, but they were either virtual or on a stage with no parents being allowed in the building. I totally understood and supported the rules, but due to this long haul without seeing my girlies on the stage, I am very grateful that we have been able to bring back the audience safely.
I have always been a huge fan of dance, theatre, anything happening on a stage… I love performances. There is something about the live story telling that happens that can allow you to escape and be lost within that moment. I have been in live plays in the past, performed in music recitals and was even part of a dance recital when my friend & I took up highland dancing. It can be tough to put yourself out there, to stand on a stage in front of tons of spectators, live stream, recordings, etc. and be vulnerable. Everyone is watching you. A very small amount of people can put themselves in that situation and enjoy it. There are certainly more of us that enjoy being on the other side, sitting in a seat, watching the show.
I have so much respect and appreciation for dancers. Regardless of age, skill, training… to be able to stand on that stage and perform for strangers, loved ones, friends, etc. is huge. And to their teachers, the ones that create this amazing story and train these kids to tell it… they have my utmost respect as well. Their creativity and passion for their dance kids is mind blowing.
Ella was born loving the stage. From her very first dance recital, school concert, Centrestage play, etc…. she has loved it all. She feeds off of the energy from the audience and becomes lost in her story. I remember one of her first school concerts… she was on the stage in an adorable polka dot dress. She was lit up, performing the song as she sang it and I heard a woman behind me say that she couldn’t look at any of the other children because she was drawn to the little girl in the polka dot dress. She has always been fun to watch and that feeling is contagious.
Ella has worked hard on her dance technique… she has been training for years. It will always be a challenge for her and she will always have to push hard to get her body to do things it doesn’t want to naturally. She loves dance and definitely gives her all. Her personality when she hits the stage though, is something she will never have to work on. She feels the song, the words, the energy and just opens herself up on the stage. It is beautiful to watch.
This weekend one of her songs is called “Moms”… it is about a Mother who cares for her Mother that suffers from dementia. It is a heart wrenching dance that you can become lost in. Ella’s Great Aunt Claire, who she is named after had dementia. Through our visits Ella was able to watch her memory fade and this song definitely hits home for her. You can feel it when it you watch her. She is amazing at making connections and I truly love watching her own that stage.
She received a special award this weekend. The Judge said that often there are dancers that he just connects with and she was that person for him. I get that feeling… the girls have often teased me about having favorites at our studio and other studios… they are my favorite dancers to watch as they are amazing story tellers. I always look forward to seeing them at comps, so I understand what that Judge means. He talked about her performances throughout her solos, her ability to just be open and connect with the audience. He was drawn to her and could see her enjoyment for the stage and her performance. He called the award “The Right Stuff” and I was so thankful he pointed out all of those traits as I have felt the same way about her for years.
Ella did amazing this weekend. She made the top 10 overalls for her solo, many High Golds, 2 Special Awards (1 Group dance & 1 for her Solos), top Modern mark for her solo, made the Dance Off with their group dance & came in 2nd place, but most importantly, she took in every moment and made some incredible memories. I love being a part of her journey and am thankful to be the one that gets to watch her story!
I Dream of Summer 
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