This was quite possibly the happiest day of the whole trip. It was the night of the Mini/Junior Gala. For the first time in TDA history, they earned four spots in the Galas. Money, Money in the Mini division, Steam Heat in the Junior division, Can Your Hear What I Say in the Teen division, and The Fight in the Senior division. In the past, they have earned up to three spots, but all four was amazing.
When we get to NYC, all the studios re-compete numbers that they have competed at Regionals. Each division has easily over 100 numbers. The judges pick the top five numbers in each division. On Gala nights, the five numbers go head to head and compete for the top prize. The top prize is called Critics Choice winner. When we went to Nationals in 2007, TDA had two numbers that made the Gala. Kai was in one of those numbers. Although they did not win, it was still an honor to have made the top five, and had a chance to dance in the Gala. When we went back last year, TDA had three numbers qualify. This time, Kai was in two of the numbers. Again, they did not win, but what an honor to dance in two of the three numbers that made the gala. This year, we were excited for all four numbers. I had a feeling that one would at least win. What an amazing thing when they called Steam Heat as the winner of the Juniors Critics Choice. The kids didn't know what to do with themselves. They were so excited. You can tell by the large smiles on all their faces.
Kai and her teacher Mike
Mary and Kai
All of the Steam Heat kids
Kai and Maya
Mike, Holly and Kai
Holly and Kai
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