I Almost Can't Believe It

The lights dim, the anticipation for the music to start is evident on the dancer's faces as they await the music to start. They listen for their cue. The lights come up, and onto the stage they go.

I have performed in many, many concerts and I have directed so many children it is almost too numerous to count. But this time - it was my daughter.

Six years ago my husband and I decided to take a long-awaited break from directing our own teams to raise our children. We always said when Jacee was old enough, we would start a team again so she could dance. Well...she kept reminding me she was old enough - so we did it.

Our first year of the Saratoga Ballroom Company was a huge success. We had 30 dancers and they did a fabulous job. We did three shows in four days - whew! I think the kids all had a great time and I'm so glad we did it - even with all the costume drama and sewing on feathers last minute - we made it!

Jacee had fun with two cousins from my side - Kimble and Carter.

And one cousin from John's side - Tayler.

You can probably imagine the fun we had when 15 boys had swords to play with! Good times!

Thanks everyone for all your hard work.

And there is nothing like watching your own child dance - even if it is through a mist of tears.

Dancing Memories

This past weekend was the BYU Ballroom Dance Company's 50th Reunion. It just brought back a flood of memories and thoughts and feelings. That was such a magical time in my life. I worked hard and had a lot of fun. My parent's supported this "hobby" 100% so I was able to do a lot of things and have a great experience. I am so grateful for this. Eventually, dancing even led me to my husband and now we have a wonderful family and are starting the dancing tradition with our children. I have had many phases in dancing - here is the first - dancing as a competitor. My parents came to pretty much every competition I was in - from San Fransisco to Boston. How did I get so lucky to have such great parents?

My Grama Jane (my dad's mom) always said I got my dancing genes from her. She was able to come to many competitions. I think my Aunt was probably my biggest fan after my parents. They always insisted that my trophies be in any pictures they took with me after my comps.

Mom and Dad, I know this is just a drop in the bucket of the things you have done for me but thank you so much for making this period in my life so wonderful. You may take the credit for supporting me not only financially, but mentally and emotionally as well. And let's not forget all those hours of rhine-stoning my dresses. I must say I did work very very hard to get where I did - but you may take credit for that as well - for teaching me to work hard to get what I wanted. I am grateful for my competing years and all the wonderful experiences I had. I am truly blessed to have parent's who let me live the dream!