Dance Mom Adventures – Our First Solo

This post is a part of the Dance Mom Adventures series – where I share my experiences as a dance mom. In this edition, read about our first solo.

When my daughter first came to me and asked if she could do a solo this year, I got knots in my stomach. This means yet another costume, another practice to schedule, another performance to prepare for, and yes more money I have to pay when solo lessons are added to my monthly bill. OK, I said to her; while feeling as if I was about to faint.

She chose to perform a ballet/lyrical routine to one of our most favorite songs; I Was Here by Beyonce. She got a somewhat late start –beginning practice in January rather than October– and when it was time to register for the first competition in April I was a bit leery of whether she would be ready. When her dance began to take shape, I was so impressed! She is such a natural and her teacher at South Riding Dance Academy is awesome. My doubts were quickly replaced with a sheer will to see her succeed in doing her best at something she absolutely loves to do: dance.

On April 14th, she had to perform her solo at the first competition of the season and wow did she rock it. She was a bit shaky (and the gym floor was a little slippery) and I could see the nervousness on her face; nevertheless, she was dancing. Her leaps were graceful, her lines were beautiful, and she made me, and her teacher, so proud. She received a Gold award and placed 9th in her level across all divisions (lyrical, ballet, jazz, etc). How exciting! For her first ever solo performance, she did an outstanding job. Next competition (we have 4 total this season) is in two weeks.

Madison was awarded a Gold medal for her first ever solo performance; and placed 9th in the Red level across all divisions. So proud of her!

Note to self: next time, put the make-up on at home…there is little space in the dressing room and when everyone piles in it gets really difficult to do it properly.

I want to hear from you!

Do you have any tips on how to stay sane during competition season? Please leave me a comment below and let’s have a discussion.