3 Important Lessons from Biles and Chiles
What dancers can learn about courage, resilience, balance, and good sportsmanship from Tokyo Olympics gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles.
Friendly Fire
When teammates compete with each other, it can affect the dynamic among them. For how to help your dancer make this a positive experience, read on!
The Gift of Gabby, Part 2
We continue our chat with Gabby, a senior in high school and company member at our dance studio. Gabby took a break from competitive dance awhile back, and has now returned for her final season. Her responses…
The Gift of Gabby, Part 1
If you’ve been involved with a competitive dance team long enough, you’ve seen kids that were once eager and enthusiastic begin to question whether to continue with the activity they once loved so much. As they approach…
She Works Hard for the Money
Years ago, when I coached a Pop Warner dance team, it cost about $100 per dancer to participate for the year. Yep, that was it. The registration fee was about $55, and you would need to buy…
Emotional Roller Coaster
Back in mid-March, our dance season (along with every event the world over) came crashing to a halt. At first, the general understanding was that the situation would be temporary; in two weeks, things would probably open…
Hair-Raising Experiences
When moms have to do their daughters' hair for a dance competition, the girls can get a little dramatic! This meme says it all.
No Beginning, No End
In the world of competitive dance, there really is no "off season." This picture captures the endless nature of this activity.
I Feel So Used…
This meme was first published on my Facebook page on May 14, 2019. Competition season is a cruel mistress. She demands every ounce of your attention, effort, and money for most of the calendar year, and you…
Gotta Cover ALL the Bases
With COVID cases rising and falling like the tides, one never knows if upcoming dance events will go on as planned or canceled. Gather all of your lucky charms and pray to a higher power!
