Sunday morning, 9am. The competition doesn’t start until 4pm, we must be there at 2:15pm. I was trying to get myself organised, plan my route to make sure I was early or on time. I can never be late.
I packed my bag and set off, arriving at the venue early of course, I’m always early.
The drive was easy, got to the venue and stood outside waiting for all my lovely dancers to arrive. When they did, we went inside and made ourselves comfortable in the dressing rom with the rest of the Inspiration dancers.
Sat round the table, our dancers playing games, playing on there phones, fiddling with fidget toys and all sharing with each other. It was so lovely to see them all making friends and playing together.
The wait until we performed was long. The show started at 4pm and we didn’t dance until 6:30pm. But our dancers were so well behaved and professional. In the meantime, me and Katie did Poppy’s hair and makeup. Poppy was so excited and was asking us lots of questions whilst we worked our magic to get her stage ready.
Finally, it was our turn to perform. Before we went backstage, we got lots of pictures of the dancers and I gave the dancers a little pep talk. “You’re all amazing. Make sure you smile and give 100%! I love you all now let’s go and smash it!” they cheered, and we made our way backstage.
Walking onto the stage I was nervous. Wishing the performance to go well and for all the dancers to have the time of their lives. The lights came up and the music started. C-jay and Emily started off the routine so beautifully I was crying from the very start. Sat at the front left-hand corner of the stage leading my amazing dancers through the choreography. When the chorus kicked in the whole room cheered and screamed. It was fantastic.
A standing ovation, screams and an applause that seemed to last a life time. Divine Inspiration had performed beautifully, and I could not be prouder.
We came 1st place in the SEN category and 1st place overall in the open category. The dancers were over the moon and so was I.