Inspirational Wins at I LOVE Dance 2010

The weekend of March 5-7, as I previously posted, our dance school Genesis attended the I LOVE Dance Competition in Trevose, PA. Genesis has a history of winning BIG, and the same is true this year. However, there is one story in particular that really touched my heart. Devanee Septh, our 15 year old phenomenal dance student came in second place in the 2009 season. We witnessed her heartbreak as Devanee is such a devoted, hardworking, perfectionist of a dancer.The gift of dance is ever present in her and she gave her piece her all. It was during rehearsal for the 2010 competition where I first got to see the piece Devanee would perform this year called "The Chain", choreographed by Mia DeFranco, (pictured in blue to your right) also a student I have had the pleasure of working with at Genesis.

Instantaneously I knew that this was Devanee's redeeming piece. The song "The Chain" by Ingrid Michaelson was enchanting in and of itself and Mia as the choreographer captured the essence of this song in her choreography. Devanee, as is all dancers' job, "showed us the music". I believe a dancer's job is to show you what the music "looks like". This trifecta of song, dance, and dancer was sure to win! AND WIN it did! Devanee gave the most flawless technical performance I have ever seen at this level of dance. It was truly of the perfection that you see on the big stages of Ailey and Broadway for such a young girl. But our God always has more than you probably could have hoped for! Devanee was the only competitor in her division meaning that all this hard work would not be contested. There were no other competitors. She was slated to win first place by default. All was not lost. There was a bigger goal to attain: OVERALL HIGH SCORE. This means of all the competitors in her age group (15-17), over all the first place winning students, she should aim for the highest score possible. Devanee indeed achieved this goal. She won first place overall high score, over a three way 2nd place overall high score tie, and and age division that had SEVENTEEN SENIOR lyrical piece competitors (Devanee was the lone junior lyrical competitor) and she still received the highest score of all. *Smiles*

I enjoy this story because it shows what NEVER GIVING UP, and continuing to work hard and make improvements where necessary can do.So many accomplished people have stories of what was perceived to be a "loss" or a "failure" which turned out to be the stepping stone to great success. Be inspired and encouraged by this story and those like it as I am and continue to be! (Devanee and myself pictured left). Congratulations to her and Mia DeFranco!! I expect to see more great things from these phenomenal talents in the near future!

In addition to this story I want to give special mention to my niece, soon to be thirteen years old, Akira who is also working hard to attain her personal dance goals. Akira has in the past competed in different categories at the I LOVE Dance competition but  has yet to win a first place trophy. She has placed, but like all the competitors, the eyes are on the prize of first place. Akira too, never gives up. And this is truly inspring to me. She decided to try a new genre of dance, entering in the lyrical division for the 12-14 year olds and Akira placed 2nd! I am truly proud because she tackled her first lyrical solo and looked great doing it!! I am sure Akira will go on to achieve all her dreams and goals by continuing with the attitude of never giving up and try, try, try again!!!

These pictures are of Akira's choreographer Epiphany Herbert, Akira and Myself (left) and Akira in her lyrical costume (right) She looks AMAZINGLY beautiful!!! I know her grandparents are proud!

*These dances are currently posted on my FB page if you would like to view them* Thanks to Cindy Taylor for her videography!

TO God I give the Glory for seeing his unfailing hand in all of our endeavors small or big, and to our victories big or small! Congratulations to ALL our competing students and special thanks to our Director, Kysha Barnett for creating a space for dancers to see God's gift in their lives!!!


REMEMBER READERS: BE ENCOURAGED!!! NEVER GIVE UP & TRY, TRY, TRY AGAIN!!!