My teen daughter, Piper, skipped into her first dance class at the ripe age of 18 months old. Since that time, she has explored every genre of dance and at all levels. At age 7 and in 1st grade, Piper threw her hat into the ring of competitive dance and since then, it has become her world. And, with that said, it has become a large part of our family dynamic. Over the years, I’ve learned so much as a dance mom – some things that I would change and other things that I would not. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything that you would like for me to write about or have any questions that I can answer.
Last Dance Convention and Competition
Today was a milestone. Piper has officially finished her last dance convention and competition. Her career (and trust me, it has been one) as a competitive dancer is done. We are left with only one last recital to go. Dance conventions and competitions have been...
Saving Money on Food at a Dance Convention
We are entering our 8th year of competition dance. Although I've touched on a lot of the costs over the years, one of the costs that we don't often discuss is the cost of being at the conventions when you stay in a hotel. Beyond the obvious hotel charges, the second...
Happy 14th Birthday, Piper
"She was beautiful, but not like those girls in magazines. She was beautiful for the way she thought. She was beautiful for the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about something she loved. She was beautiful for her ability to make other people smile, even if she was...
Dryel – Awesome Product for Your Delicate Fabrics
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post paid for on behalf of Dryel. It also contains affiliate links. The opinions stated are 100% my own. I used this product long before I was chosen for the promotion. I have a secret: I've not walked into a dry cleaners in years....
Traveling Alone with Your Child
This month, I'm proud to be writing at Houston Moms Blog about a very special trip that I got to take this summer with Piper. My 5 Things to Remember When Traveling Alone with Your Child post is now live over there and I know that you'll want to read it! Piper is a...
First Time at YAGP
We embarked on a new adventure in dance land this weekend: our first time at YAGP (Youth America Grand Prix). A truly international competition, they pride themselves as being the world's largest global network of dance. They fulfill their mission through...
Carry On Dream Duffel Review
We were very excited to travel to Las Vegas this summer for Piper's dance nationals. Prior to this, we competed for four summers in Florida. Luckily, we've always been able to drive in years past, so we welcomed a trek to new territory! Not being...
Competition Dance: Expenses in Year 4
Well, it's that time again in competition dance. We've finished year four and it's time to break out the spreadsheet and total our expenses. This year was very different for us. One - we stepped into the world of conventions and Two - we traveled far for nationals....
Solo Performance Day
To my beautiful dancer on your solo performance day: Performing a dance solo is quite the task. Whether you are 5 or 18, the act of taking the stage on your own is brave beyond compare. Without the security of your friends dancing alongside of you, it's your job to...
Competition Dance Costs
Competition dance ... why does this always bring up images of Abby Lee Miller? The last time I wrote about financing competitive dance, Piper had just finished her first season. (Read that post first if you are brand new to this!) I meant to write again last...
Replacing Bad for Good
My daughter is getting her first lesson in the art of sacrifice. It's a beautiful thing, really. Even at the age of 8. We have changed to a new dance studio this year. I'm so in love with all the little things that are done to bond the girls together and to teach the...
25 Dance Recital Photos You Should Take
It's dance recital time! It's a great opportunity to grab the best shots of your dancer. Don't be one of the moms that carries her camera with her the entire day only to come home and find you only took 3 shots! These are 25 dance recital photos your should take! Use...