I have 13 minutes until I need to leave my bed and rush to head out the door. I'm off to the Bronx (I live in Brooklyn) to teach creative writing to some awesome 4th and 5th graders. After a teacher meeting and then two classes, I'll race back to Brooklyn, grab a quick bite, shower (maybe), and grab all of my supplies, plus my camera and a change of clothes and run to the Brooklyn school I teach at.
Tonight's a special night. It's the Spring Show, and our awards ceremony for the kids who are graduating out of our program. And I'm already tearing up. Each of the specialists (I teach dance, my friend Erin teaches art and my friend Leigh taught drama) give awards to the graduating students who we think have excelled in our classes. It's been a two year journey with the group "graduating" today, and I'm a wreck. I'm so proud of these kids.
The awards are kept top secret until the ceremony so the kids have NO IDEA who's being honored in what art form. You guys get a sneak peek! (This will also help me figure out if my students have found this blog- they're really skilled at online stalking researching their favorite dance teacher...)
Most Promising Dancer- this kid's got MOVES. He and I started working together last summer, and I feel so privileged to have had the chance to help him develop as a performer.
Best Performer in Dance- this little dude was BORN to be on stage. He's a pretty hilarious person in general, and really knows how to sell it on stage. We've been working together for two years, now.
Best Leader in Dance- words cannot express how proud I am of this little lady. We've been working together for two years now, and her growth and development as both a phenomenal dancer and a role model/ leader for her peers and the younger students is astounding.
Most Improved Dancer- It is amazed to think of how far this guy has come in the two years we've worked together. I used to have to drag him, kicking and screaming, on stage to get him to even participate in warmups, and now he's one of my best students. An all around awesome kid, too.
Best Energy in Dance- This guy was a new student for me this year. He's such a great kid, and has the most amazing energy, he does everything with 110% commitment- even if he wasn't exactly paying attention when I was teaching the choreography :)
Most Promising New Dancer- I just started working with this young lady in the fall, and boy, was she SHY. I was afraid that she might not want to participate at all, but she certainly proved me wrong! She's one of the most attentive and thoughtful students I've ever worked with, and I expect great things from her in the future!
Most Enthusiastic Dancer- We started working together two years ago, and I had no idea at the time how much of an impact my students would have on me. This girl has consistently been the most eager, optimistic and uplifting kid in class, encouraging others to pay attention, learn well and work hard.
Tonight's dance recital is a multicultural celebration, including Bollywood, Traditional Chinese, Irish Step, Russian, West African and Salsa Dancing. Don't you worry. I'll post a MILLION pictures.
Tomorrow is a MUCH NEEDED day off.
What is your craziest day of the week?
