Appa

[silvercamaro]

How did the dance competition go with the Wonder Kids?

[MarleysGh0st]

Can we see a larger version of your new avatar photo?

[Appa23]

Can we see a larger version of your new avatar photo?

I was going to post some pictures, but I clearly do not know how to do it. I got the dreaded "red x" when I tried to post pics from our photo account

[Appa23]

How did the dance competition go with the Wonder Kids?

Wonder Kids -- LOL!

Let me start my saying that my son was so excited/nervous that he had trouble sleeping.

Lil' Bit had her duet just after 8:00 am, so she had to be at the theater between 7:15 and 7:30 to stretch, dress, and put on make-up.

We decided to let our son sleep, so I stayed at home. Luckily, he woke up in just enough time that we could speed the entire 30 miles to watch her dance. Make it just in time!

Then, my wife went back to the studio to teach a class, and then I took our "baby" home. The kids then had their dances in the late afternoon, so Princess Pudding and I returned after her nap.

The duet won good marks and took home a nice-sized glass trophy for the Junior duets/trios. If/when I post the pictures, there is a great shot of her cartwheel over the legs of her partner.

Her quartet (2 boys, 2 girls -- 3 1st graders and a K) to "Perhaps" ) remix of Doris Day and Cake) also medaled in the Junior Small Groups (4 to 9 members).

She also was in a small group number set to a remix of "Witch Doctor" with her duet partner and girls ranging from 7-9 years old. They got good marks but did not medal in the Intermediate age group (average average between 8 and 9.99).

The Boy was the "drill instructor" for a tap dance with around 16 members, He is the youngest by a couple years. It is set to music from "Drumline" and is part tap, part step. They dress in military fatigues. They took first place in the tap category for the Pre-Teen age division (average age 10-12.99). You could tell that he was nervous, but then his big smile came out. Each time before a big crowd, he will grow in confidence.

A trophy and medals came home (although the trophy has to go back to the studio).

[MarleysGh0st]

Can we see a larger version of your new avatar photo?

I was going to post some pictures, but I clearly do not know how to do it. I got the dreaded "red x" when I tried to post pics from our photo account

It might be that your internet filters are blocking that account. Wanna try again? We can probably figure out the problem.

[Appa23]

SC, let me tell you about some of the other highlights & lowlights of the dances that I saw:

- There still is some questionable wardrobe and song choices for the dancers, especially the younger dancers. I also grow tired of dances composed mainly of shaking and leg catches.

- During the morning, there was one dance that brought the audience to their feet in universal applause (rather than the customary "your studio cheers wildly while competing studios cheer half-heartedly"). I am proud to say that it was a trio of 13-14 year old boys from our studio, doing a true hip-hop number to "Bounce" by Timbaland (mainly music, without nearly any of the words). The "surburban white boys" had the crowd into it with their freezes, gymnastics, and isolations, but it all exploded when one of the boys went off-stage after a move, only to return with . . . . .

Spoiler

a Britney Spears blonde wig and headset mike on his head, lip synching to "You Want a Piece of Me".

The crowd erupted! The judges went crazy!

- One of Lil Bit's friends (9 year old daughter of studio owners) danced a duet with her older sister (HS Soph). It was pretty cool, and I had been waiting to see them dance with each other. While at Nationals, we had talked about how neat it would be to have an older girl and younger girl do a lyrical dance to "When Someone Loves You" from Toy Story 2. Rather than that piece, they found an old Scottish ballad, "Wind & Rain", which is a story about a fair-complexioned daughter and a darker-complexioned daughter, who both loved the same man. It was very moving to watch.

- Overall, it was a good first competition. Dancers now have outside notes of where things need work, and several dancers put on some very impressive performances (both from our company and from other companies).

[silvercamaro]

This sounds like a great day, all the way around! Congratulations to your children!

I hope the photos will come soon. I look forward to seeing them.

[silvercamaro]

Here's my Wonder Kid. (No, she doesn't really take dance classes yet. I hope the key word is "yet.")

[Appa23]

Getting a leg up on the competition!


We Blew It! I Knew It! Together!


"Everyone loves a good jazz square."


Closing Pose


Hey Witch Doctor! Tell us the magic words!


Ending Pose


Look Out Savion!

[littlebeast13]

Can we see a larger version of your new avatar photo?

I was going to post some pictures, but I clearly do not know how to do it. I got the dreaded "red x" when I tried to post pics from our photo account

I think the last time you tried to post pictures from your photo account, I noticed what the problem was and went back and corrected it for you to where they showed up... without having to be asked to do so. Unfortunately, that practice has been called into serious question around here, so I'm afraid we'll have to just sit back and admire the glory of those red X's.....

lb13

[Appa23]

Can we see a larger version of your new avatar photo?

I was going to post some pictures, but I clearly do not know how to do it. I got the dreaded "red x" when I tried to post pics from our photo account

I think the last time you tried to post pictures from your photo account, I noticed what the problem was and went back and corrected it for you to where they showed up... without having to be asked to do so. Unfortunately, that practice has been called into serious question around here, so I'm afraid we'll have to just sit back and admire the glory of those red X's.....

lb13

What was the issue?

[littlebeast13]

I was going to post some pictures, but I clearly do not know how to do it. I got the dreaded "red x" when I tried to post pics from our photo account

I think the last time you tried to post pictures from your photo account, I noticed what the problem was and went back and corrected it for you to where they showed up... without having to be asked to do so. Unfortunately, that practice has been called into serious question around here, so I'm afraid we'll have to just sit back and admire the glory of those red X's.....

lb13

What was the issue?

See the "Spoiler from web site" thread.....

lb13

[Appa23]

I think the last time you tried to post pictures from your photo account, I noticed what the problem was and went back and corrected it for you to where they showed up... without having to be asked to do so. Unfortunately, that practice has been called into serious question around here, so I'm afraid we'll have to just sit back and admire the glory of those red X's.....

lb13

What was the issue?

See the "Spoiler from web site" thread.....

lb13

Well, I was inquiring about what you remembered to be my problem from the last time that I tried to post pictures, but thanks for the heads-up on the censorship issue.

I figured out how to post some pics taken by a professional photographer.

[silvercamaro]

I love the photos, Appa!

I'm sorry you had to go through so much trouble to get them posted, but I'm delighted at seeing the outcome. The pictures are great, and your children are wonderful.

[a1mamacat]

Beautiful pics and kids, Appa.

Do you have any buttons left on your vest????

[ulysses5019]

What was the issue?

See the "Spoiler from web site" thread.....

lb13

Well, I was inquiring about what you remembered to be my problem from the last time that I tried to post pictures, but thanks for the heads-up on the censorship issue.

I figured out how to post some pics taken by a professional photographer.

I don't remember talking to you....

[littlebeast13]

What was the issue?

See the "Spoiler from web site" thread.....

lb13

Well, I was inquiring about what you remembered to be my problem from the last time that I tried to post pictures, but thanks for the heads-up on the censorship issue.

I figured out how to post some pics taken by a professional photographer.

I seem to recall you were posting pics from a site that added that v=0 whatever thingy onto the end of the link, and that had to be removed since all images need to end in a .jpg or similar tag to show up here....

lb13

[MarleysGh0st]

Great pictures, Appa! Thanks for posting them.



With or without questionable First Amendment intrusions by a moderator...

[Appa23]

I figured out how to post some pics taken by a professional photographer.

I don't remember talking to you....

Quite the racket at these competitions. You are not allowed to take personal photos or videos, but you are more than welcome to buy photos or videos of your children's performances taken by our photo/video subcontractor.

[Tocqueville3]

Appa, your kiddies are too cute. And talented!

SC, that little one in the tutu is just precious and those pig tails are so fun!