I didn't think anything could top last year's performance, but she totally outdid herself this year!
Last year she spent most of her time onstage waving and talking to us, lol. It was adorable and memorable.
I talked to her a lot about this year's recital. I told her that when she got on stage she could give us a quick wave or kiss or wink, but then she needed to focus on her performance. She understood, but then she started practicing doing all three of those things simultaneously. HA!
Her rehearsal on Friday was great. She smiled a lot, she watched the teacher (who stood off to the side.) It went very smoothly! I was so proud of how focused she was and how she was able to do a lot of the steps...side note, though! The dance was really hard...SO many movements! All the parents thought so as well, but we're a pretty laid back group. One parent did go in and video the teacher doing the dance so she could practice it at home with her daughter. Great intentions, but I'm just not going to stress over my 5 year old's dance routine.
On Saturday the auditorium was packed. Audrey had so many people come to watch her! Grandma and Grandpa, her Great Grandparents who were visiting from TX, Aunt Dawn, Aunt Sarah & cousin Bella, Cousin Steph and baby Brayden, Nana, Uncle Scott and girlfriend Suzy, Aunt Kelly and Uncle Jeremy with baby Jameson, and of course us.
As soon as the music started playing, Audrey bounded onto the stage, waving and smiling at the audience. They all laughed. She was the ONLY one in the entire show to acknowledge the crowd. The look on her face was just priceless...so excited, eating up every moment. I was HYSTERICALLY laughing and crying at the same time. She would do some moves, then spot us and wave and smile again, evoking more laughs. I wish I had recorded it (we weren't allowed, but we will get a DVD!)My mom did take pictures and they are a perfect mix of how she performed.
This is how she came out! HAHAHA!!
See?? She's trying!
Finale!
I was so proud. Not only did she really try to dance well, but she completely stole the show with her enthusiastic personality. We celebrated at Sweet Frog afterwards, but then we headed home for a very low key afternoon/evening. Abigail and Annie had awful colds with coughs, so we all needed some downtime and rest :)
After pictures: thank goodness for Aunt Sarah, Nana, and Grandma Allen! They took these and sent them to me or posted them online. They get al the credit!
I love that they got pics of Audrey and me together, I never get in the pictures, but I need to!
Love this "Lady Liberty" one by Sarah!
SUPER happy!
Cousin love!
Chris had to run back to work and the two little sisters were just too miserable with sneezing and coughing, so no family pics :( Hopefully next year, with TWO dancers!
Next year Audrey will take the same Pre Dance class (she was one of the youngest in her class this year.) Abigail wants to try dance again, so she'll do Dance and Play, which will allow HER to be in the recital next year. I can't help but wonder what kind of performer she will be...will she be serious and try to do every single step? Will she refuse to go on stage at all? I can't wait!
