Winning Humbly & Losing Gracefully

So, if you follow us on Facebook (if you don't, you definitely should) your newsfeed was most likely overflowing with our Company members' beautiful smiles and make-up covered faces, plus various updates on the outcome of our first competition of the season. #goshowstopper

The best word I can come up with in summation of the dance packed, three day weekend, is

wow.

17 dancers, 22 routines - earning countless platinums, golds, and overall awards. However, that is not why the word "wow" is all this company director has to say. Let me explain...

Over the past months, our Company members have been pushed beyond their limitations. Reworking numerous routines, catching their breath for full-out rehearsals, and being told to "do that section one more time" about a million times. Through those months, I witnessed tired limbs, frustration, but most importantly, improvement. As their teacher, I wanted so badly for them to earn a sense of accomplishment for themselves this past weekend. To show them that their hard work was a direct reflection of their success. 

Did we walk away with all platinum first place trophies and first place ranks? No. Did we achieve the sense of accomplishment I was desperately longing for the girls to feel as a reward for all of their commitment? Absolutely.

Not only did the dancers perform with fantastic energy and beautiful technique, they received every award with a joyous smile and their heads held high with confidence -- whether it was a first place platinum, or a third place gold. And that is what makes this dance teacher so incredibly proud. From witnessing those tired limbs and frustration just weeks before, to watching each dancer show their love and support to one another, helping each other with hair and make-up, cheering on their fellow group mates' dances on stage, and sharing their successes and losses as a team. And for that, I am profoundly blown away. 

Being a part of this team is so much more than triple turns and trophies... it is about love. Love for yourself, love for one another, and love for dance: the passion that is shared between this special group of girls.

Just wow.

Our Starry Nights Experience

Just one item on the overwhelming list of things that make us so proud of our competitive Company group, is when they get the opportunity to perform for the Lincoln Community. On Saturday November 26th - the girls got to do just that, at a wonderful event "Starry Nights" - a fundraiser for the People City Mission.

Greater Impact Company 2016-2017

Greater Impact Company 2016-2017

With Christmas spirit surrounding the Pinnacle Bank Arena, our company team shared a handful of solos, duets, and group pieces they will be competing early March. Then of course, the girls had to throw on sparkly pink and silver santa hats for a Christmas number, the team whipped up just 2 weeks earlier. 

Company dancers performing their Christmas number

Company dancers performing their Christmas number

What a rewarding experience on countless levels: the loving celebration of Christmas time, the gathering of people supporting such a meaningful cause, and getting to watch the incredible hard work the Company girls dish out on a consistent basis, pay off!

We are so honored and humbled to have participated. Can't wait to do it again next year!

Company dancers performing one of their competition pieces

Company dancers performing one of their competition pieces

Thankfulness

As our second year in business is underway, I can't help but to think back on how far we have come. I stop to think about how incredibly grateful we are to have amazing students and their families share a part of their lives with us - giving us a greater impact than they could ever know. This Thanksgiving, we'd like to list just a fraction of the things that make us so in love with what we do.

We are thankful for - all of the tiny, precious dancer feet; our core and back muscles for holding us upright; loud music; the hundreds of smiles that grace our studio every week; mistakes & corrections; personal triumphs & growth; quick shoe changes between classes; a comfy couch to collapse on after a hard workout; the desire to always do our best; hugs and high fives after class; witnessing the supportive nature of our students; and sharing the passion of dance together as a Greater Impact family.

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