So, I have to confess. When we got into the start of June, I was so freaking over this dance competition season. Both Rosie and I were tired. We ran from recital to drill team camp to nationals in Tulsa (that’s a story in itself. Never want to go back) and honestly, I was looking forward to getting a break. Now, one month later, I find myself looking forward to next year. Here are my top 10 things I miss about dance competition season.
Weekend rehearsals– I don’t have to entertain my child during the season. I drop her off at the studio and run. She gets exercise and hangs out with her friends. I don’t have to wake her up at noon and pry her phone off her hand in the middle of the afternoon. Pure bliss.
Writing checks– Last week I found myself at the studio asking if I owed money. Twice. There was a part of me that just didn’t feel satisfied walking in the door and not handing them money.
The adrenaline rush– We’ve driven to competitions without costumes, panicked and made it back just in time to walk on stage. Had quick changes that were crazy. And, this year the sole of my child’s shoe fell out on stage. There’s nothing like a little excitement to make you feel alive.
The dances– Yes, our kids rehearsed them over and over and we were a little sick of the numbers. However, there’s a sweet sadness when you realize that you’ll never see a dance again. Or, hear the song. Except they never seem to leave your head, do they?
Packing the dance bag– We were Dream Duffel-less this year, so we couldn’t leave our stuff in the bag. We had to pack for every competition. Somehow I find it satisfying to take all the accessories, place them in a zip lock and lay them in a well-organized bag. Then double checking six times the night before to make sure it’s all still there.
Dealing with the devastation– It wouldn’t be a successful competition without all the stuff from Rosie’s bag, strewn all over the floor. I’ve crawled on the ground looking for earrings. Thrown crap I know isn’t ours into the bag. And, yes, I found half a sandwich a couple weeks later.
Eyelashes– I hated them when Rosie was little but man, I just can’t get enough. Now that she’s a teen, it’s the only part of her make-up that she asks for my help. I almost volunteered to put some on her yesterday for old times sake.
Dance moms– We spend a lot of time together and you’d think it would be nice to have a break but it’s kinda strange. Yes, we talk on Facebook and run into each other during the week, but it’s not the same as sitting in the studio sniffing glue together. Such a great group of gals.
Not having a project– From altering costumes to sewing shoes, I always have something to do. Hours of rhinestoning keep me busy. And, I have to confess, I enjoyed making sister gifts and spirit sticks. I’m crafty that way.
E6000– While I hate to stone, there’s a part of me that missed the sweet toxic fumes of the glue. If you’re a dance mom, you will totally understand what I’m saying.
Claire says
Wow! See, things I would never think of as a Mom of three boys. Thanks for the insight into the dance competition world since it’s all those details most of us might never realize go into it! (especially the glue) ๐
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Kristine Foley - The Foley Fam says
I want to get our girl’s into dance stat, and eventually competitive dance! I think it would be so fun for the whole family!
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amber.m says
I always had high hopes of being a dance mom but after one season of ballet, Maddie decided she no longer wanted to do it ๐
I laughed a bit at the eyelash thing and you getting stoned ๐
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debcb says
Sniff enough at that glue and you would be too…
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Jamie (Mama.Mommy.Mom.) says
We said goodbye to dance last year in favor of gymnastics. We may end up back at dance in the Fall. I kinda miss watching the recitals and stuff. She doesn’t do any of that in gymnastics.
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Chelsea says
I definitely want to put my potential future daughter(s) in dance! Although I can’t say I understand or could ever understand the missing handing over money thing ๐
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kendall says
Boo. I can’t be a dance mom – unless Wyatt or Levi want to dance – and in that case – bring it on! I used to dance when I was little and I loved it!
debcb says
We have boys at our studio. There’s hope.
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Ange says
I danced until I was sixteen and loved every minute of it!!!
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debcb says
It’s such a fun sport!
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jenny says
Ahhh bless you. I used to compete in dance myself. So I can relate to this the other way. As an adult I miss all these things too. It was amazing to be involved in it while I was growing up. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me. Happy New Year! #sharewithme
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