Then, Now and Forever

Last week was the culmination of the Davis High Dance Company's year, their spring show.  It is Davis High's 100th year this year, so the show was called "Then, Now and Forever," and highlighted through dance each decade since Davis High's inaugural year, 1914.  It was such a treat to watch.  We sat on the front row both nights (except Scott, who took over for me on ticket sales the first night so I could sit in peace with no kids and enjoy all the dances), and loved every minute.  Golda was in seven of the dances, and they were all extraordinary.  I love to watch her express herself through movement because I know she loves it so much, and she is so graceful and expressive onstage.  It's where she loves to be.

Out of the 25 girls on Dance Company, over half have been in my class at some point.  I know most of them so well as dancers, through class and Nutcracker and watching them grow up, seeing them in the alley and the studio week after week.  Of course I got choked up watching this culmination of their years of effort, picturing them as 9 or ten-year-olds, standing at the barre doing their plies and tendus, oblivious to the future they were investing in, unaware of how very important dance was to become to them over the years.  These were some of those who worked hardest, even as little girls.

Now, for Golda and the rest of them, dance has become their home, their friends, their sanctuary, their outlet and their passion.  Indeed, the caption "Then, Now and Forever" sums up their commitment to dance.  Life, dance, friendship are intense at this age.  These girls are lucky to have each other, and their bond, to see them through.  Golda has ballet class six days a week, plus jazz and modern, plus 2 or 3 dance company classes.  There is no argument that dance has contributed greatly to her work ethic.

I could say the same thing about band.  I know some of Golda's friends in band are going through adult things that would be insurmountable if not for the support system of their band.  Kids need peers.  This is where we were at Dance Company call time on Friday:  State solo and ensemble with Wind Ensemble in Draper.  Golda's teachers, Mr. Hendricks and Ms. King, are great to work around each other.  And Golda's mom is great to drive her around the state. :)

After Friday's show, the relief and excitement was visible on Golda's face.

After the last dance, Bruce exclaimed, "Awesome!"  What is awesome is the support we have from family and friends!

And dads.

And moms.

And siblings...

...and cousins.  (Thanks, Emily!)  Esmae and Xanthe were captivated and inspired.  They danced out of that auditorium at the end!

...And sisters who will be following in your footsteps.  Before that happens, though, Ruby will be following in Golda's footsteps, if all goes well.  Two weeks ago, I said, "The next two weeks are huge."  Last night, I went over my calendar and said again, "The next two weeks are huge."  Ha ha.  Coming up are a few auditions and some fun performances.  This Friday, Golda and Ruby will try out for Dance Company.  We all have our fingers crossed that Ruby will get one of the seven open spots and share next year with Golda as part of this group.  I know she has the chops.  I hope she has the confidence. Que sera sera...

The week of the performance was filled with hours and hours of tech and dress rehearsals.  Everything else pretty much went by the wayside.

Fingers crossed this is a sneak peek of next year!

After Friday night's performance, probably looking at some of the dancers they follow on Instagram.

Dad took them out for a celebratory yogurt.  Here's to another year of dance!