Back towards the end of 2012, I decided to take another huge step in my teaching career. I decided that journey was the coveted Youth America Grand Prix. We certainly were too late for 2013 but I set my sights on 2014.

After my ballet company’s triumphant journey through Wonderland (more on that maybe later), I hand-chose three dancers to take this wild step with me. Carrie, Katherine and Jennifer were eager participants … “A dream come true” .. “I’ve always wanted to do this” .. were some of the responses. We carefully chose the classical variations and piled through musical choices for the contemporary variations. Rehearsals, choreography, revisions, costume choices, new pointe shoes, old pointe shoes … and then came January 2014.

Almost a year’s worth of work comes down to one day.  We chose to participate in Philadelphia (maybe a selfish choice on my part, but it was the closest, easiest venue to get to). Our journey was exciting. My girls performed well .. very well. Big stage, big stakes .. and they danced big! No, we didn’t place or move on to the finals in NYC but we scored our hearts out! Each girl being invited to the NYC intensives was enough for us this year. The experience was priceless and we held our own among many amazing dancers.

The next day was filled with master classes in classical ballet technique, variation and contemporary followed by yet another class for the Higher Education audition classes. Again, we held our own and we came away better, stronger both physically and mentally. We rounded out our journey with some of the best teachers in the nation ..

I don’t remember a moment when I have been more proud of three young ladies. I don’t remember witnessing the same endurance (mentally and physically) of three young ladies. I don’t remember a time when I was more proud to be a ballet teacher …. Until next year ..