Variety Show Practice

Our dance experience began back in 2005 when Madie was just 4 years old.  Since we began, we have had recitals every other year with a year break in between.  This year they decided to have them perform on an off-year on the stage in what they are calling a "Variety Show".  It's basically a toned-down version of the recital.  Instead of costumes that cost hundreds of dollars, special hairstyles, and 3-day performances, they're wearing clothes from their own closets, wearing their hair in ponies, and only doing one performance on Sunday afternoon.  It's a real treat, because we get to see what they've worked on without all the craziness that comes with recital weekends.

Today was our dress rehearsal/practice.  Usually during recital, they have a Saturday devoted to practice on the stage.  This usually lasts all day, depending on how many performances your kids are in.  Then you have dress rehearsal, which usually lasts 2 weeknights, one for Act 1 and one for Act 2.  Because of it being a singular performance and a slightly less serious production, we got to knock it all out today by noon.  Yay!  Livie's group had to wear Easter dresses.  It was hard for me to choose which dress, because she has so many cute ones!  But, this is the one that Livie wanted to wear.  Her Nana T got it for her and she loves it.  Gotta say, she picked a good one!  She looks adorable.

It was cute seeing her sit with all her dancemates in their beautiful dresses.  Tomorrow they will shine even more when they have their make-up and hair all done.  And, since Livie LOVES wearing make-up, she is always sooo excited about that part! :-)

I never get to see what they are working on, because their practices during the school year are closed, so it was fun to see Madie practice today.  I got a few pictures of them while they were putting their marks down.

It's hard to get close-up shots when she's on stage, so I apologize that they are blurry, but I know that these pictures of them practicing are probably the only good pictures I'll get of them doing their performances, because it goes so quickly when they are actually doing their routine. 

Madie's first performance was when she was only 5, so it's been so fun to see how her skills improve each year.  She's really got some moves and this number is particularly sassy!! :-)

Even Livie has improved in the 3 years since she started taking dance.  I noticed how much more she's learned!  This is her first tap number on stage and she LOVES tap, so she was very excited!

They get to use real cell phones in their performance and she sings while on the phone.  She did a great job and they all looked so cute up there.  Can't wait to see it all happen tomorrow!