A little something I learned at DMA Nationals.

I thought I would write a little something about my experience at DMA nationals. It was an entirely different experience than what I expected and I want to share that with whomever cares enough to read this J 

Being new to the Dance Masters of America organization this was mine and Amber’s first time at the DMA National Convention and neither of us were sure what to expect. I wasn’t sure what all the events were, I was confused on what to wear and I didn’t know how I felt about being away for 10 days. In a way I was kind of dreading it. Once I arrived in Boston I realized how big of deal the National Convention (which includes the National Solo Title Competition and the National Performing Arts Competition) really is. This was the organization’s 131^st National Convention. There are chapters from all over the country and one chapter in Canada. It is a big deal to say the least. As I jumped into competition on Friday morning and starting meeting my fellow 28 Miss. Dance contestants and 8 Mr. Dance Contestants it was pretty eye opening to meet dancers from all over the country and learn what their chapters and dance studios are like in their hometowns. I was suddenly super excited to take up this opportunity and get the most out of it. After talking to the other contestants I realized the type of competition I was against. Most people had been apart of DMA since they began dancing and had competed in the Petite, Junior and Teen competitions before so they knew what to do and understood the flow of things. Also, a majority of the dancers I was competing against will be attending college in the fall and either majoring in dance or attending a Performing Arts school. One girl will even be attending Julliard in the fall. Everyone was super friendly and helpful to me and I even met a girl who will be attending Iowa in the fall as well!  Everyone soon followed each other on social media, took pictures and we all became friends. We began learning our opening number on Saturday night and met our choreographer Rennie Gold. On Sunday night I attended the Welcome Party and after walking through a swarm of people and standing on stage in my crown and banner I realized how much of an honor it was to be representing Chapter #34 and The Dance Avenue. Throughout the week I took classes from choreographers from around the country and continued to rehearse the opening number. Every night I attended a Solo Title Competition, each night a different age group. Every single competition was filled with amazing talent and I was in awe of the performances from the current titleholders. I even got emotional watching their farewell videos. Come Thursday, the night of the Miss. and Mr. competition, I was beginning to get a little sad knowing I would be leaving the next day. I had gone into this competition so confused and even a little frustrated and I focused on that too much. Through the 10 days I was in Boston I had learned so much more than I ever expected. I wish I would have known the seriousness of the National Convention because I would have been able to take full advantage of it. Whoever I crown next year as the 2016 Miss. Dance of DanceMasters of Mid-America Chapter #34, I hope to share everything I learned so they can take full advantage of the opportunity and get the most out of the experience. I will never be able to thank Amber enough for all the opportunities she has offered throughout the years to better myself and I encourage all the other dancers to never take them for granted. Sometimes it may seem that you’re missing out on a summer or you can’t hang out with your friends but these type of once in a lifetime opportunities don’t only make you grow as a dancer but also as a person.