To Top It All Off, Part 1
With special contributor, Lauren B.
Back in August of this year, our team was fortunate enough to attend a live, in-person competition at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This was a tremendous opportunity, as our first group event hadn’t been scheduled until the end of March (if you remember, our country essentially shut down on Friday, March 13). So this August event was the first time that our group dances would see the light of day, and we were all bursting with excitement.
For now and the foreseeable future, most dance competition companies are enacting very specific safety protocols (for more on the experiences we’ve had, go to The Greatest Show, Part 1 and Part 2). One of the restrictions is a limit on the number of people allowed in a given dressing room. In the past, all mothers were expected to be in the rooms to help their daughters. But this time, only two team moms would be available to assist the dancers with getting ready. And because of studio block scheduling, quick changes became the order of the day. With such a frenzied atmosphere, mistakes were bound to happen.
One of my girls’ teammates, Lauren (13), is a seasoned professional; she has been a soloist for four years (winning countless awards, scholarships, and other accolades) and is known for her amazing turns and gasp-inducing acrobatics. Additionally, she is a solid team performer that is often featured on her own or in a select group. In other words, she is no stranger to the stage, and her commanding presence makes clear that she can handle anything thrown her way.
So if anyone is capable of handling an unexpected wardrobe malfunction, it’s Lauren! Here, she tells us about the unpleasant experience of having one’s halter top unclip, mid-performance.
When I asked your mom if you would be interested in telling your story, she said that you answered with an enthusiastic “YES!” Can you explain why you were so eager to share your experience with us?
I was very eager to share my experience because once the number is over, most times we don’t discuss what happened or go back to that moment because you can’t change it.
This isn’t the first time that you’ve been a victim of a wardrobe malfunction. Can you explain what happened a few years ago in “Happiness”?
During a group jazz number, my teammate and I got stuck together. Our costumes were lace, and while we were doing a lift my friend’s hair piece got stuck to the lace in my costume! We were able to separate ourselves and continue the number but it was a tense few seconds!
Okay, set the scene for us. What had happened just before you took the stage for “One Night Only”? How were you feeling?
I got stuck backstage and didn’t make it on stage in time for a part in our production number so I was very upset about that. Our lyrical number after that went amazing but I was still feeling very nervous before I got on stage for One Night Only!
READ THE NEXT INSTALLMENT: To Top It All Off, Part 2
For an interview with our graduating senior on what it’s like to take a break from competition dance, read The Gift of Gabby, Part 1.
What on-stage mishaps has your child (or you) experienced? Leave your comment below!
22 Comments
Bonnie
It would be difficult to continue on after a wardrobe malfunction so kudos to Lauren for continuing on!!!!
Alyssa
Great post! I love that you were sorta like a journalist here doing a Q&A with another dancer! So sorry for Lauren about her wardrobe malfunction, I would definitely be embarrassed but it’s great she continued on.
Tiffany Smith
Oh no! I’m glad she was able to fix it and work past it instead of letting it prevent her from performing again!
Megan
How stressful to have a malfunction. And yet how mature that this girl knows how to still move forward despite the setback!
Lisa Manderino
That would be a scary moment for sure! I can’t wait to read more!
Magan
That must’ve been so difficult! I grew up dancing, and I remember some of those nail-biting moments when things just don’t go as planned on stage. Awesome job with continuing on, even in the stress!
Cindy
Unfortunately malfunctions and mistakes happen. It’s amazing to see how well young people are equipped to deal with them. Good job.
Sydney Delong
Uh oh, cant wait to read what happens!!
Holly B
What a scary situation… so much is changing in our lives as we once knew it! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Tricia Snow
I remember those wardrobe malfunctions with our horse shows! Glad she powered through!
Chelsea
I would be so nervous! And embarrassed. These dancers have so much courage to get back out there and keep going!
Justine
Wonderful at her age she was able to power on and keep dancing regardless of the wardrobe malfunction! That takes a lot of confidence and maturity!
Sabrina DeWalt
That differentiates a champion…the ability to keep going despite unexpected mishaps.
Barbara
YIKES! Wardrobe malfunctions can be disastrous! Nice job working through it! Glad you were able to get the girls out dancing!
Marianne
A definite sign of a seasoned professional… when you can handle something like this with grace!
Beth Shields
I am always impressed at how much work and thought goes into your productions. And the reality of a wardrobe malfunction – but this is hard work for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Melissa Jones
Such hard work!
Ayesha Siddiqui
I loved the interview, so great to get the perspective of an actual dancer
Cindy Moore
So much hard work and dedication involved. And eeek…wardrobe malfunctions!
Susan
Oh my… how embarrassing. She’s a real sport and I’m glad she’s handling it well. I know it takes a lot of work.
Jane
Kudos to her for continuing on despite the mishaps. Now that’s the spirit!
Lisa S
Great article! Looking forward to seeing what is next!