So here we are three quarters of the way through the dance season and, for many, at the pinnacle of the many hours of training and preparations that have gone on since August. The competitive dance season is officially underway and this week Absolute Dance is in the thick of it. Every year we are so pleased with how hard our dancers work and there are always different students who really step out and excel beyond our expectations. This year has been no different, if not even better in terms of the determination and focus that these dancers have demonstrated. What has been particularly impressive has been the team spirit and positive moral that can be felt in the studio and backstage. This year not only have our team members done a wonderful job of welcoming newcomers but of working together in groups that blend various ages and levels. It seems that each one of these dancers has recognized the importance of their effort and how each individual is imperative if you want to deliver a strong large group of dancers. Cheering in the audience, wishing one another good luck, saying "good job" to dancers from other studios; these are all actions that contribute to the positive relationships that develop through dance. This feeling of togetherness can be felt when on stage for both the dancers and audience and is so great to see.
Absolute Dance kicked off the competitive season with a bang. Everyone danced really well. When you hear your name being called and feel great about your performance, suddenly all those extra hours in the studio make sense. But in the midst of all the positive feedback it was also really nice to see dancers come off stage and say things like, "oh that one part should have gone better" or "I'm going to make sure I nail that turn next time". It is so important never to get comfortable as a performer and to always look for ways to delve deeper into the movement and keep it fresh. Continue to find the "guts" of your pieces and let the meaning behind the choreography drop even deeper. For our more advanced dancers, strive for "whole body dancing". You don't perform with only your face but with your back, arms, fingers, eyes, etc. Allow yourself to be vulnerable as a dancer. This does not mean that you are weak. In fact, it takes more courage to open yourself up to vulnerability than it does to keep the walls up. Be courageous and live in the moment. Remember, you get out what you give in, so give it all you've got.
Things are also amping up for our non-competitive dancers with our upcoming 16th annual recital. Many pieces have been completed and are in the process of being cleaned so they are ready for the stage. Soon enough it will be their turn to dance their hearts out. We are doing 7 different shows on June 14th and 15th and detailed recital packages have been sent home with each child. It is important that the information be read carefully and any questions be brought to our studio office. Tickets go on sale through the Mount Royal University theatre box office on May 1st. There is a limit of four tickets per family until June 2nd when the limit will be lifted.
Our schedule and registration package is also going out this week. Registration for our 2014/2015 season began May 5th. If you have young ones between age 3 and 11 don't forget to check out our Summer Camps which run the weeks of August 11th to 15th, and August 18th to 22nd. Registration for all sessional classes will also be made available online at www.absolutedanceinc.com within the next few weeks.
Once again, I wish the best of luck to all of our competitive team members. Enjoy the rest of this exciting time!
That's all for now,
Madame Jete
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