Dawn’s Delights

I have to brag this week about my grandaughter Hattie Jo, who, with her competition dance team received five stars in their category, and first place overall in their division  (against 24 teams) on Saturday, in Hot Springs. There are six dancers in her group (although I can’t remember all of their names) and they dance at Center Stage. This is only their second competition! I am so proud of all of them! 

Dance competition is not easy. I am not even sure if there was such a thing when my children were growing up. As we watched other dancers, it is obvious the ones who really love dancing, some of them are truly a joy to watch as they perform. 

I had my doubts when I first heard about competition dance, but after this weekend and seeing how all our Stuttgart girls did, I understand how this can give our girls confidence, while having fun. The lady who passed out awards at the end, I don’t remember who she was, other than she was the sponsor of the competition, asked the girls to raise their hands if they had fun. You know, every one on that stage raised their hand. That is what is important. 

At the end of every game, every competition, we want our kids to have fun, don’t we? It is unrealistic to expect we can always be perfect. But we can always have fun, can’t we?

So much pressure is put on kids today to win and only win. I have heard some great coaches over the years who also stress to have fun. Not every kid who plays is going to be in the NFL, NBA or win Miss Arkansas. They aren’t going to win every game. But they can have fun every game and they can build strong friendships that last long after the game is over.

Until next time…