The One With the Recital and Bri's Finale

 

 

It was a bittersweet day! Today was the annual NSDA recital. And, it was Bri's last day performing on stage with them.

 Now, truth be told, we knew it was going to be a tough day. Bri had a solo in the show...and having already watched it during a preview, we knew there were going to be some water works. And there were.

However, the recital itself was quite a show. Between Bri and Kiff, they were in seven performances, which we think was a family record. Bri and Kiff had three dances together, Bri had her solo, Kiff had a hip hop, Bri was in a ballet, and they had the finale.

The show was phenomenal as usual. There were many highlights. Perhaps that one that made me smile the most was when the two of them danced to Ice, Ice Baby. That was quite a show! And they were a hoot in it. Seeing Bri in ballet and Kiff in hip hop was also a thing of beauty, too!  Of course, the solo stood out - Bri was amazing and got a well earned round of applause. 

Of course, the thing that was the tear jerker was the finale. They always choose a sentimental song - this one was about the wind and memories.  Bri and her two other senior classmates took center stage as others, including Kiff, danced them off. Bri and the other two got choked up - which got most of the rest of the audience choked up as well - and embraced for a long time at the end.

What an amazing end to a 16 year career dancing on stage...though Bri plans to keep dancing in college. The best part was we got to share it with a lot of family as well.

The One With The Recital

It came upon us again. That wild time of year. When dance converges on the city of Lawrence in our annual recital!

And once again, it did not disappoint. Bri and Kiff did a great job with their dances. And it truly marked a milestone in many ways.

First, they both smiled throughout their dances....something that they have been working hard to do.

Second, Kiff took a risk and added something to his own dance to give it character at the end of Girls Like You. This was not easy for him to do at first, but he realized it was a chance to try add be an actor as well as a dancer.

Finally, it was clear that Bri has become a more competent and older dancer. Her group was fabulous - particularly during the country dance they did. You can tell she had a blast. But along with that, you can tell she is moving her way up the ranks. Her group was in the first five to take stage to bow....which is almost always done based on age and experience.

What a fabulous way to end a memorable dance year. Here's looking forward to many more.