Me: "Honey, don't be nervous."
PP: "Daddy, this is to see who is the best dancer."
I think that she was worried about messing up and making her friends sad.
I have to admit that I was a tad bit nervous, as well. Mainly, it was because she has worked so hard, and I wanted this to be a fun yet rewarding experience.
My heart sank during the third dance of the morning. Some poor 9 year-old girl was dancing a solo to "Getcha Head in the Game" (from High School Musical), and she forgot where she was in the dance. There was this awkward pause for a few seconds until she started dancing again.
As for PP:
Spoiler
The Bored vibes may have helped. Along with her six 8-year old teammates, she nailed their Broadway routine to "Don't Go Hollywood". The result was a 1st place gold medal for Junior Character Small Group. It was not totally unexpected. However, it was a surprise when they also won the overall junior division, beating out jazz duets/trios, lyric dances, pom routines, and the like.
Her only other dance was the Company's production number. She seemed to do fine. I did not see much of the dance, as I work tech crew for it. There are three boys who are stilt walkers, and I have to help get them on and off the stilts. Plus, get props like snake cages out of the way when they come off of the stage. However, I have heard that it seemed to be very well-received by the crowd and 2 of 3 judges. It will be interesting to see the video and judges' comments. It also received a gold medal (one stinkin' point from earning a very rare platinum award.
)
Based on these gold medals, the dances qualified for a summer national competition aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise either out of Los Angeles or Miami. However, our studio will not participate, as we are planning for national competitions to be held in Branson, MO.
PP also got asked to audition in the Fall for the Lincoln Ballet Company's production of "The Nutcracker", as they are looking for a young girl for a tumbling/ballet role.
Her only other dance was the Company's production number. She seemed to do fine. I did not see much of the dance, as I work tech crew for it. There are three boys who are stilt walkers, and I have to help get them on and off the stilts. Plus, get props like snake cages out of the way when they come off of the stage. However, I have heard that it seemed to be very well-received by the crowd and 2 of 3 judges. It will be interesting to see the video and judges' comments. It also received a gold medal (one stinkin' point from earning a very rare platinum award.
)Based on these gold medals, the dances qualified for a summer national competition aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise either out of Los Angeles or Miami. However, our studio will not participate, as we are planning for national competitions to be held in Branson, MO.
PP also got asked to audition in the Fall for the Lincoln Ballet Company's production of "The Nutcracker", as they are looking for a young girl for a tumbling/ballet role.
There is very minimal pressure, and it is giving valuable confidence to her. I love the fact that PP is so outgoing, self-assertive, and independent. (Even more than her brother) If you can stand in the spotlight, before a thousand people, and not freeze, especially at the age of 5, then there is very little that you can not do.