Got to be startin' something

So, I can officially say that I'm a semi-finalist for the 2009-2010 Knick's City Dancers. I auditioned yesterday and made it through 2 rounds. I'm so beyond excited, I don't even know a word that can describe how I am feeling. I want this so bad and think it would be such a great opportunity!

When I heard about the auditions last year I immediately dismissed it because I thought I wouldn't be good enough. I didn't even go to the class at BDC because I thought it would be too hard. I should not have doubted myself, but that is something that I always do...unfortunately. Anyways, this year I got into the mode of wanted to be a part of a dance team and when the Knick's audition date was released I knew I was going to go for it.

Originally I thought I would just take the Audition Workshop class and then go to the audition. Well, after taking that class I realized that if I really wanted to be on the team I would have to do a lot more to prepare myself. I decided to enroll in the KCD clinic, which was last week, and also restrict myself to only taking jazz and hip hop classes until the audition. I wanted my body to get used to movement that would be similar to the type of dance the KCD girls do. The clinic was by far the best preparation for this audition. Not only did I learn the choreography for the first 2 rounds, I also had a week to prepare before the actual audition. What a great deal!? I couldn't stop thanking them because the clinic is like getting a review sheet for a test you are going to have in school!

One thing the clinic didn't helpt me with was my nerves! I was SO nervous even though I knew what to expect. During the first round, which was an across the floor combination, I was already feeling butterflies in my stomach! After I went across and received my wristband(yes!), the coach told me to be more sharp with my movement. That stuck with me the whole day. I wanted to show her I could take corrections and apply them instantly.

Learning the combination again was a good opportunity for me to focus on details that I didn not notice at the clinic. They went through the dance thoroughly and gave us a good amount of time to get it into our minds. When it was finally my turn to perform, all I could here was the music, my mind thinking "don't be sloppy," and my breath! haha. It felt so internal; it felt like no one was around me and I was going for it.

The hardest part was the wait. I was really nervous. I received good feedback from my friends but I didn't know if the judges felt the same way. When they called the numbers it was out of order so I had no idea if I was going to be called. When I finally heard my number, 908, I wanted to cry. I was so happy; I couldn't even think! Ugh, it felt so good! After that we had pictures and interviews and the day was over.

This happened yesterday; today is the second day of auditions. We are going to be learning a hip hop routine from Shane Sparks! (He's been a judge and choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance). I 'm really excited and of course nervous. I really want to show them that I have what it takes to be a Knicks City Dancer!