New York City
July, 10th 2009
The morning of Day 3 was probably the most stressful morning in NYC. It was the solo adjudication for Junior Outstanding Dancer candidates. As I mentioned, Kai had drawn number 40 out of 112. I let her sleep in a little and went to grab her some breakfast. When I got back, we did hair and make-up and she did some stretching. We had to be down there an hour prior to what the schedule said.
All of the talent in the Junior category was amazing. 112 Juniors out of so many who auditioned throughout the year in 23 different cities. And only one would win the title of Junior Outstanding Dancer. The solo is a good chunk of the score, that combined with the ballet and jazz audition. Then from there, they go to the top three and they compete their solo one more time and add that score in. At the end, the one with the highest combined score wins.
When it was time for Kai to take the stage, I was a typical nervous mom. This was her second year competing a solo, and she was going to do it for a National title. The music started, and she did what she does best. She performed and danced her heart out. It was near perfect and flawless. Her timing was good and she finished every one of her tricks and turns. I couldn't have been prouder. She was very happy with her performance. The nerves settled down after that. After all, with 111 talented girls competing against her, it was an honor to just be a part of it.
We continued to watch the rest of the girls compete and wish our fellow dancers the best of luck. When Junior solos were done, they went straight into rehearsals again. All in preparation for the Junior Gala opening number.
July, 10th 2009
The morning of Day 3 was probably the most stressful morning in NYC. It was the solo adjudication for Junior Outstanding Dancer candidates. As I mentioned, Kai had drawn number 40 out of 112. I let her sleep in a little and went to grab her some breakfast. When I got back, we did hair and make-up and she did some stretching. We had to be down there an hour prior to what the schedule said.
All of the talent in the Junior category was amazing. 112 Juniors out of so many who auditioned throughout the year in 23 different cities. And only one would win the title of Junior Outstanding Dancer. The solo is a good chunk of the score, that combined with the ballet and jazz audition. Then from there, they go to the top three and they compete their solo one more time and add that score in. At the end, the one with the highest combined score wins.
When it was time for Kai to take the stage, I was a typical nervous mom. This was her second year competing a solo, and she was going to do it for a National title. The music started, and she did what she does best. She performed and danced her heart out. It was near perfect and flawless. Her timing was good and she finished every one of her tricks and turns. I couldn't have been prouder. She was very happy with her performance. The nerves settled down after that. After all, with 111 talented girls competing against her, it was an honor to just be a part of it.
We continued to watch the rest of the girls compete and wish our fellow dancers the best of luck. When Junior solos were done, they went straight into rehearsals again. All in preparation for the Junior Gala opening number.
TDA Outstanding dancer candidates and some friends. Prior to, or after their solos. The following are pictures of Kai's solo for Junior Outstanding Dancer. I had to take pictures of the computer screen. I ordered the pictures with a dance package with the studio, and who knows how long those will take to come in.
Kai doing her extension.
Don't know the name of this jump??
Center leap captured before her other leg was leveled
I don't know what this is called, all I know is that it must take a whole lot of upper arm strength.
Scissor leap, good capturing the actual leap
Danny and Kai
Kai doing her extension.
Don't know the name of this jump??
Center leap captured before her other leg was leveled
I don't know what this is called, all I know is that it must take a whole lot of upper arm strength.
Scissor leap, good capturing the actual leapAfter Kai was done with rehearsals, it was late. We ran to a Pizza Place that was delicious to grab her a quick slice. While we were there, we ran into Danny Tidwell. He is our favorite SYTYCD contestant. He also happens to be Travis Wall's brother. His moms dance studio Denise Wall's Dance Energy competes at NYCDA every year. They are amazing. He was super sweet, and gladly posed for a picture with Kai.
Danny and KaiAnd me, I walked 5th Avenue and anywhere else I wanted while Kai was at rehearsals. Maybe I went to Crumbs Bakery, just maybe.
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