Last weekend I had the honor and privilege of chaperoning Danielle and three other girls from her dance studio, along with the studio owner, on a trip to Atlanta, GA for a dance convention. The girls teacher feels that conventions are very important as you get exposed to different teaching styles and different choreography. The convention was open to all the dancers in the studio and these 4 girls made the trip. (The entire studio attended a convention here in Charlotte back in the fall) I was so impressed by the behavior, manners and really just the way the other three girls carried themselves while away from their families. When we returned home I made sure to e-mail all of the other mothers and let them know how well their girls represent their parents and upbringing. Another thing I was totally impressed by was the dedication and determination shown not just by the girls we traveled with...but by at least 90% of the dancers that were at this convention. Conventions are very different than competitions in that no one is "there to win." Everyone is there to learn and better themselves. All the kids were working hard, cheering each other on, complimenting each other and basically just doing what they love. Watching a room filled several hundred dancers all between the ages of 11-14 learning choreography from some of the biggest names in the dance world was so cool for me. When they all get the dance and start doing it together it is like a "flash mob" and I loved it!!! As I was watching all weekend I was also thinking that these kids have amazing dedication to dance. It is something the truly love and want to do. Danielle is at dance about 5 times a week and she never, ever says "I don't want to go." Joe and I are impressed watching her learn time management with school and homework so that she doesn't have to miss dance. As she gets older not only will the time management be a great tool in life for her...but as her parents knowing where she is and who she is with will provide great piece of mind. Here are a few shots from our weekend:
The Pulse On Tour - convention we attended 
Michaels, Danielle, Naijha and Bria on the first morning...ready to go 
Michaela and Danielle
Naijha and Bria
Mother/Daughter Shot
Danielle and Naijha
Checking in with Charlotte
Bria, Tyce Diorio, Danielle Naijha and Michaela
