A Distant Memory

Ah, Sophie, if you only knew…

Since we’re coming up on the one year anniversary of the COVID-19 lockdown (it was March 13, 2020 for us), it seems like a natural time to pause and reflect on what we have been through, lost, and learned in the past twelve months (although, in some ways, it feels like it is far more than just one year).  We now know that we should take absolutely nothing for granted; there are no more “givens,” so appreciating what we have has taken on a new significance.  

Those of us in the competitive dance world have had more than our fair share of frustrations over the past year.  As a result, the way we phrase simple things has changed.  Here’s what I mean:  Instead of saying “We have a competition next month,” we might say “We’re SUPPOSED to have a competition next month.”  That subtle change in our wording communicates so much of the disappointment that we experienced in 2020 (and even in 2021, so far).  That slight change also conveys how dynamic and precarious the situation is. Competitions get relocated, postponed, or canceled outright, sometimes at the very last moment.

It’s All in the Delivery

This month, we are SUPPOSED to have our first competition since September of 2020 (we were fortunate to participate in one in August as well, detailed in The Greatest Show Part 1 and Part 2).  However, I’ve been gently warning my girls to keep their hopes in check.  Our event venue is a performing arts center, and (if memory serves), it’s attached to a school.  Here in New Jersey, these are the types of locations that seem to postpone or cancel the most.  From what I’ve seen, the administrators of these venues refrain from canceling too far in advance because our state guidelines may change by the time the event date comes around.  As a result, there have been plenty of last-minute cancellations.  Still, I’m secretly holding out hope, and I can’t wait to see my girls light up the stage again.

Over the past week, I’ve been busy gearing up for the next competition.  I must admit that I’m a bit rusty; I usually have everything purchased, prepared, and organized for the big day.  But my memory is a bit hazy because it’s been so long since I last needed to prepare for such an event.  

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the dance competition takes place as scheduled, as we all are.  I can’t wait to make new memories with my girls, because the last competition is all but a distant memory.

Work hard, have fun! – Danielle

For how we were dealing with the uncertainty last summer, read Living in Limbo 😉