Annika's Virtual Feis

Last month, Annika participated in her first virtual feis. She worked really hard to prepare for it and was thrilled to be back in competitive dance mode after a year of none. 

Because this was a virtual feis, her dances needed to be recorded and submitted to the feis' website by the deadline. Fortunately, she was able to work with one of the dance studio instructors to dance in the studio, which meant she was in a space that met the minimum requirement for the feis and the instructor was able to make some last-minute suggestions before she filmed Annika's dances. Win all around!!

She did amazingly well at this feis! She placed in ever single event she participated in... FIVE! The judges were great at complimenting her dances and offering suggestions on things to work on. Such a great learning opportunity!

She placed 3rd for her reel and treble jig, 2nd for her single jig, and 1st for her slip jig and light jig. 

To say she was over the moon with her results would be an understatement. Prior to this feis, she hadn't placed above 3rd before. Her hard work and constant dancing definitely paid off in this instance!

Great job, sis! We are proud of you and excited for you.

And now, for your viewing pleasure....

Annika's 1st Irish Dance Recital

Annika had a rather big day on Sunday... her first Irish dance recital with Tara Academy. Not a surprise, she loved EVERY minute of it.

Back in kindergarten, her teacher (hi, Meghan!!) made a comment to me about how Annika was born to be on the stage. She wasn't kidding!! Annika loves an audience and entertaining people... she always has and (probably) always will. She's my girl, what can I say???

Getting ready to leave for the performance space

Annika was incredibly fortunate to have quite the cheering section in the audience. She had Daddy, Conor, Bestemor and Bestefar, Auntie Suzanne, Uncle Troy and Auntie Staci, Kat, and Ian. WHEW!! Talk about it taking a village to raise a performer/dancer/child!

One neat takeaway from the day was how the dancers put a decorative pin at their shoulder on the cape. Her teacher generously shared many of her pins with the dancers, and I suggested that Annika look for a pin to use in the future when she goes to Ireland later this month. (Side note: Bestemor, will you please help her find one or two as souvenirs??)

Ms. Erin attaching Annika's cape

The students danced their hearts out ... and showed what hard practice and kind teachers can help them achieve. Thank you to her teachers for their kindness, patience, and willingness to share their knowledge.

Annika was recently told that she has been promoted from the beginner level to the 1st intermediate level class. Talk about a feather in her cap! I can only image that Annika was jig even more than she does now ... which means she will probably dance in her sleep before much longer!!

Post-show with her flowers and certificate