Ever since the TV show Dance Moms came on TV I find myself being asked, “Are you a dance mom?” It isn’t a casual question. It is filled with intrigue and scandal. The show Dance Moms has made dance moms look loony, domineering and downright selfish. But the reality is that most dance teams in America are filled kids and parents who love and support one another.
Selah and Caiden dressed as Rosie the Riveter for Jazz Team Dance
I am a dance mom, only in the sense that my daughters are dancers and I spend my time supporting their passion. The girls have danced at Studio One Dance Academy since they were three years old. For the past two years they have been on the Studio One Performing Team. It has been a huge commitment, but the girls have grown in confidence, ability and have learned the important lesson of stick-to-it-ive-ness. And not for one moment has our life been like the show Dance Moms.
Real dance moms are standing back stage to cheer on their kids and all the other dancers. They are there with open arms when any of the kids come off stage celebrating, crying, injured or even with a six minute turn-around time to change their custome, hair and make-up. Real dance moms are a community. Real dance moms are a team inside a team. Real dance moms would never stay at a dance studio that doesn’t encourage, support, grow and build up their children. At least that has been my experience at Studio One Dance Academy where my girls have thrived.
My little girls have grown from awkward little ballerina’s to graceful, confident and talented young women. All the crazy hours, busy competition weekends and commitment all comes down to the three minutes they spend on stage with each dance – and the valuable lessons they learn win or lose.
Here is a glimpse into the results of the ten months of commitment Selah and Caiden gave to their 2012 dance season.
Solos and Duos
Selah Lyrical Solo – “Leaving a Memory” is dedicated to my mother. I had this song playing in my van while I cared for my mother during her final three weeks of life. Selah’s dance and the words to this song say it all. The dance was choreographed by Jessica Hollyfield-Melz and this performance is at Studio One 2012 Recital.
Caiden Jazz Solo – “Wait” is also dedicated to the outgoing, spunky spirit that my mom had and loved so dearly in Caiden. The dance was choreographed by Jessica Hollyfield-Melz and this performance is at Studio One 2012 Recital.
Caiden Lyrical Solo – “Have Your Way” is a second solo that Caiden added later in the dance session because she wanted a dance that had a strong Christian message and expressed Caiden’s faith. The dance was choreographed by Jessica Hollyfield-Melz and this performance is at Crossroads Christian Church.
Selah and Caiden Lyrical Duo – “I Can Only Imagine” is the duo Selah and Caiden prepared early in the dance season in order to dance it on a mission trip to India. They had the opportunity do this duo at dance competions, churches and for a school program. The dance was choreographed by Diana Redding and this performance is at Studio One 2012 Recital.
Caiden and her friend Maddie’s Duo – “Hold Me” is a duo that Caiden wanted to do with her friend once they realized we wouldn’t be at Studio One for the next dance season. The song “Hold Me” was originally a YouTube song that Jamie Grace did to her snuggie, which explains the blankets in the dance. The dance was choreographed by MaKaeyla Pool and this performance is at Studio One 2012 Recital.
Team Dances
Selah and Caiden in Jazz Team – “Cvalda” was choreographed by Diana Redding.
Selah and Caiden in Tap Team – “Love Train” was choreographed by Erin Lee.
Class Dances
Selah and Caiden in Tumbling Classes Performance – “Oh Yeah” was choreographed by Diana Redding.
Selah and Caiden in Tap Class – “Everything” was choreographed by Erin Lee.
Hope you enjoyed this glimpse of the real life of dance mom and real dance kids. Thank you Studio One for being a safe environment all these years. Thank you for the countless hours of love, direction and passion everyone at Studio One poured into my kids.
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