We will be performing at Ft. Herriman Middle School. Please don't be scared I know everyone hears Herriman and they think they will be driving all day, but the location is only 8.6 miles from the studio so it is not a bad drive. The facility is beautiful and will fit our needs perfectly.
The theme of this years recital is ...
Girl Power!!!
The rest of this blog is for Gee Whiz appeal, so feel free to stop reading or read on from this point forward.
If you are still reading I'd like tell you a little bit about the inspiration for this years recital.
After dancing for 25+ years I realize the impact that dance has had on my life. Sometimes when I watch things like High School competitions or Half time shows at sporting events I am sad to be a part of the world of dance and the skanky, thoughtless side it can bring out in some, as opposed to the artistic talent and quiet strength it should bring out. But if I am being honest I would not be who I am today without the experience I have had dancing and the coaches who have taught me a lot about myself and life.
I know from the experiences that I have had with my coaches that I am going to rub off on your girls whether you or I like it. As I really thought about it this year I want to make sure that I am rubbing off in a way that will make them better people. If there is anything I could give your daughters it would be the self confidence of seeing the power that they hold within themselves.
Girls and women have incredible power in so many areas of life. Part of this power comes from the inside having confidence and assurance in who they are. Part of this power comes from the outside as they become proud of their bodies and the strength and beauty they possess.
While I assure you I am NOT a feminist MAN HATER I do believe that girls/women should be strong and capable and yet still appreciate the beauty and grace they have that ONLY comes from being a woman.
If I could have my way I would ensure that every one of your girls is the girl that will go to the kick boxing class wearing a skirt, kick the snot out of the punching bag, and still be the nicest girl in the class.
So this is what we've been working on.
Some of the numbers are fun and crazy like the 4 year olds dancing to I Will Survive and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. It has been so rewarding for me to watch them really strut their stuff with the confidence that only a 4 year old has.
My middle age class I have really been encouraging friendship and teamwork. I have found this to be a pivotal time in people deciding what is really important to them in friendships. I am trying to teach them to search for the beauty that all people possess. I've put together a number that will hopefully reflect some team spirit once we get it mastered.
My oldest girls....well see they are tough sometimes. They are 10-13. Their bodies and hormones are changing so much. Sometimes they don't even know which way is up by the time they go through the day in the brutal place we call middle school. Then to put them in front of mirrors and teach them to move and fine tune this "new" body they are now wearing can be a challenge. Walking after a growth spurt is tough and dancing is a whole different story. I have seen a lot of progress from them this year. I am so proud of how they are conquering the beginnings of the journey into adulthood. They will be dancing to American Woman. We have been chatting a little in this class too about the differences of real beauty and "skanky" beauty. Hopefully there will be one less fight to fight at home as they make good choices on their own.
Anyhow, that's what we're up to. Thank you again for letting me work with your children. Hopefully I am earning my keep and it is a good experience for everyone not just me.
