the Journey...part 2

So we continue on with the story of my dance journey. Since I am sure that you were all just riveted to your seats waiting for my next post.

As I started winning (or placing 2nd behind my uber talented awesome friend Stacey) all the time, my teachers started suggesting the idea of "dropping down". ---Dropping down refers to leaving the Adult competition and dancing as a kid in the &over category. Due to the rules and regulations, Adults cannot compete at a Champion level, so in order to have more of a challenge, Adults can choose to "drop down".---
Before this point, I had watched a couple of our other Bennett Adults "drop down" and do fairly well. (Who am I kidding? One of those adults is competing at Worlds in a couple weeks) But, I wasn't totally convinced that was what I wanted to do.  But...after getting my new (and first!) solo dress, it started to become more of a thought in my mind. At the same time, Stacey was also being pushed to drop down... so we decided to just bite the bullet and do it together. That way we had each other to lean on, practice with, and struggle through the kids competitions. The plan? Our first "&over" competition would be at Feile Denver, April 2010. Together.
And then I went and broke my foot.

sweet blue cast

Two days after St. Patrick's Day. In class. While dancing. Ugh. I tried to convince myself it wasn't broken. Look! I could walk around on it... it didn't hurt that bad. Except I couldn't just walk it off. So I went to the Urgent Care. Got an X-ray and received confirmation that my foot was indeed broken. So for the first time in my 26 years....I got a cast. And let me tell you they are not as fun as one would want them to be.
Obviously, I did not compete with Stacey. I had to wait until June until I was allowed to start dancing again. I took it slow. My body said, sure, we can do this...bu my brain had a panic attack each time my feet left the floor. But it got better. I felt better. I started pushing myself, more and more. My goal was to be ready for my favorite competition, Longs Peak feis in Estes. What a perfect circle....first feis as an Adult and then first feis as an &over! Thursday classes, Saturday classes, private lessons...
September rolled around and I could barely breathe when I thought about the competition. The day of I thought I was going to be sick. I was so nervous. Getting on stage for my reels... I remember hearing the music but I don't remember dancing my reel. Ha! I know I did something because I didn't place last...
By the end of the day, I was so proud of myself. I had competed with a group of 13-15 year olds! And done well... 3rd in Light Jigs, 2nd in Single Jigs, 1ST in SLIP JIGS, and 1st in my Trad set and 4th in the special.

Stacey and I post awards

Sunday's competition will be my third feis as an &over. I am still nervous. But, as my amazing friend Claire just told me, "It's fine that you're nervous, it means it is important to you". Thanks, Claire. You're right. Dance is important to me. The last 3 1/2 years have shown me that I have the strength to do what I put my mind to. Its been quite the journey... and there is just so much more ahead of me! So, thanks for the reminder, Claire... and thanks to other inspiring dancers. I can't wait to set goals and kick some butt!

at my 2nd &over competition