This year has been different for our organization in that I stepped down as a full-time instructor and we increased the amount of choreography our dancers learned. We have been so very lucky to have Charis Paul as our new full-time instructor and choreographer. Her creativity and dedication have been an immense addition to A Chance to Dance. Our curriculum expanded from last year and our dancers have certainly grown with that expansion. The technique and breadth of their "dance knowledge" has truly grown this year, very much so for Class II. We also gained our first male dancer and we were lucky enough to get Alden, a new Angel, to help him participate this year.
We often discuss how we are excited to have new dancers joining us each year and sometimes even each semester. What we often think, but don't say, is that we are as equally, if not more, excited to have dancers with us since the first year. And, my! How they have grown- not just physically, but in maturity. I got to see growth in all of them as I watched them from backstage this year. Bigger movements, increased confidence, and improved social skills as well.
We, of course, had an amazing crew working with us to make things go that much more smoothly. Linda Arntsen, from The Center, provided her light design and light tech skills to us. Linda has previously worked as a school teacher in special education. When I arrived to The Center (quite early) before recital, Linda was already there- tweaking the lights to make the show that much better. It's funny how I can feel so grateful and appreciative for all of the volunteers who make ACTD work, and yet those very same volunteers feel the same gratitude towards ACTD. Linda and I were standing in the middle of the dark stage discussing light cues when she said, very seriously, "Thank God for A Chance to Dance". She went on to say how people and organizations that spend intentional and directed time towards children with special needs have the opportunity to make such a great impact on them. She commented that if it wasn't for this time, some of these children (dancers) would still be holed up "in the corner, shutting out the world" and "look at (them) now". They are on stage, under bright lights, dancing to loud music, and wearing costumes---AND enjoying it.
Kyndell and I always strive to make our program better each year, but it was so nice to be able to look back at some of these dancers from year one until now. I am impressed by the dancers they were and also by the dancers they have become.
I cannot write this blog without mentioning how thankful I am for the following people- bear with me, but believe me when I say it takes ALL of them to make our show happen.
- Buddies and Angels: Their dedication and patience is inspiring and they are bringing a lot of joy to not only their dancers, but to their dancers' parents. They are irreplaceable.
- Stage Crew: Barbie, Mona, and Lauren: Their ability to take my vision and foresee all the detail that must occur to make it happen is amazing. From light cues to keeping my time for me and willingly doing whatever it takes to make the "show go on" is essential to our recital.
- Charis: She stepped up to the plate this year and never ceased to give her all towards our dancers.
- And finally, Kyndell, my partner: It's been almost 4 years since she offered to team up with me. She has been a blessing in my life in so many ways. Her humility, patience, creativity, and passion have helped shape A Chance to Dance in ways that I would never be able to do alone. I am so glad that SHE is Directing the Art of our program.
I hope we get the chance
to create and to give Inspiring Motion to others for many years to come.
- Leah
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