Let's Dance

Will and Charlie started taking hip-hop dance lessons last September. By November, Will was asked to join a dance team of 7 - 9 year olds for the purpose of competing in regional dance meets. We originally chose Studio1 Talent because it is a relaxed environment for the kids to learn dance, so I wasn't immediately sold on the idea of competition. But the instructor assured us that she wanted them to have fun and not get stressed-out. Will, ever the optimist, wanted to give it a try.

He spent his Saturday mornings rehearsing with his group -- sometimes just the boys & sometimes the whole gang. It was only for an hour so it wasn't too hard on our schedule. Since November they've done two exhibition shows. One was for parents of the dance studio and the other was at a Dance4Haiti fundraiser.

This past weekend was their first time performing in competition. We spent the day in Lexington, South Carolina where they competed against hundreds of other kids from other studios. Luckily there was a "recreational" dance category for teams who only meet once a week. Some of the other groups were considered true "competition" teams. They meet 4 or more times each week and have costumes worth $200+. Their routines were extremely refined and their dancers looked pageant-ready. It was a little unsettling for me. And it was fairly intimidating for our kids.

Overall, I think it was a good learning experience for the team. While they waited, they got to sit in the audience and watch some of the other routines. Their instructor gave them a pep talk before they went onstage and reminded them that they didn't have to be the best, they just needed to do their best.

I got some video of the routine. I apologize for the quality -- it was filmed in stealth-mode. Video cameras weren't allowed in the auditorium. The tournament sponsors want us to buy an official DVD. Oops, oh well.



All the hard work paid off. Not only did they win a 1st place trophy for their routine, they were also picked as best overall team in the "Recreational" category for their age group. I believe that is a credit to their enthusiasm, positive attitude and teamwork.