The owners' 15 year-old daughter (Ellisa) ran the party, and my wife said that she did an amazing job. There was never a lull or dull moment. She had the girls dress up and strut a cat walk. (Of course, my daughter decided to end her strut with a high leg kick and then catch.)
Besides tumbling on the mats and dancing the Macarena and to YMCA, Ellisa also choreographed a dance to "I'm A Big Girl Now" (from Hairspray) and taught them the steps so that they could perform it at the end of the party.
The cutest part was the reaction of her team mates at the studio. She had insisted on giving invitations to her "Big Sister", Olivia (who is 14), and the studio owners' other daughter, Isabelle, who is nearly 9 and is the subject of near idol-worship by my daughter. We let each know that they really did not need to show up, as we would explain that they had other things that they had to do. Still, each showed up and gave a very nice gift. (Olivia also helped with the party, so my wife paid her $30.)
Prior to the party, as there is a huge competition next weekend, several of the soloists and duos/trios were practicing their dances at the studio. Everyone wanted to stay for her party. I have to smile that my daughter has become like a little mascot for the studio.