Day 2: Dinner, Modeling and Rehearsal

Picked up Zoe from her auditions. She came out looking good & feeling fine. 

Prior to the evening rehearsal the contestants had to put on their awards dress to get the thumbs up that it meets the required specifications for a title holder in their age category. Teens are required to have a full length dress, no trains or waterfalls, nothing strapless or low cut.  But can have as much sparkle as the law will allow. 

Zoe's dress is a beautiful champagne color that fits her like a glove & sparkles like a clear night sky full of stars. Ok, gonna take it down at notch now. ☺️  But seriously, the pictures don't do it justice. It really is the perfect dress for her. 

After getting her dress approved, she changed into her dance clothes & went into a 2 hour rehearsal. Brad, Jordan & I, on the other hand, went to a lovely Italian fest.  

Wonderful salad!  

Yummy pasta!

And some oh so lovely wine. 

But the evening would not be complete without one final modeling session with yours truly. 

Of course gotta get a few with Daddy. 

And one with Mommy. 

Zoe finished her rehearsal at 9pm and we headed back to the room to get ready for bed. What a day!  Covered some ground for sure!  Ended up walking 12.12 miles. Yee haw!!

Tomorrow morning will start with a panel interview with the judges. This is usually a strong area for Zoe. But first, must have a good night sleep. Bye for now my faithful blogettes.  😘

Day 2: Auditions in Jazz, Acrobatics and Modern

After the judges preview Zoe had an hour to grab some lunch. Berry salad with chicken, light yet fortifying. 

Here is her schedule for the afternoon. 

The Teen division afternoon competition schedule is circled below. Followed by a rehearsal this evening until 9pm. No rest for the Teen Miss/Mr. Dance stars. 

Lunch over, time to get down to business. First up, stretch the back. 

And more stretching of the back. Whatever, I can totally do that!  

We thought everything was going well until Zoe started to grow legs out of her head!  

Ok, time to head in and show the judges what she's made of. 

Meanwhile little sis is enjoying some pool,  and of course modeling, time. 

This one is called- "Legs for days". 

And for a brief moment, Mom gets to relax. Ahhhhhh.....

Now, with a new spring in my step, back to pick up Zoe to see how her audition classes went. 💃

Day 2: Orientation and Judges Solo Preview

Today we were up & at'em at 6:30am (need I say 4:30am PT).  The day started with an orientation for all the title holders. Zoe is a pro at doing her own hair & make-up. Praise the Lord & pass the hairspray & false eyelashes!

Tegan & Zoe both smiling despite the early hour. 

Lots of rules & regulations to remember. And for heaven sakes don't screw up anything or points get deducted. Yikes!

Next milestone- getting the contestant backpack & badge. 

Little sister coming to wish her big sister good luck with the judges preview. 

And while Zoe stretches, Mom works on stoning her headpiece. Yes indeed, more stoning. Always more stoning!  

Judges solo preview is an opportunity for the judges to see each of the solos prior to the competition beginning. This part is not scored but the judges are allowed to take notes. This is where they hone in on those they think are the top contestants so they can keep an eye on them through the week. 

Last minute refresh on the make-up. 

And run through of her solo one more time before performing it for the judges. 

Day 1: Dinner, Jacket and Early to Bed

Cheers to the start of the Grisim 2016 Nationals Adventure! 

Daddy is so proud of his girls. 

After a delicious dinner we headed over to the convention center to scope out the competition and check-in. There's Zoe!

Go Teen Miss Dance Contestant #20!

And fellow Shely Pack Dancer, Tegan, who is competing for Junior Miss Dance. 

And definitely the highlight of the day, getting the title jacket. 

Zoe & Tegan proudly representing Chapter 1. 

Quick chat with Miss Shely & Miss Grace then time to call it an early night. 

Big day of competing tomorrow for Zoe starting with an early morning orientation to review the rules & logistics for the week with all the title holders. 

Here's hoping Zoe gets a good night sleep tonight. 🙏😴💤

Day 1: Arriving in Nashville and the Gaylord Opryland

Plane flight was excellent & the mimosas were oh so yummy.  Cheers Brad!

Up close photobomb by Brad. Well...hello there. 

Girls enjoying their oatmeal & other tasty breakfast  treats. 

Hello Nashville!!  We're ready to rumble. 

But first, lotsa luggage to get to the hotel.  Only 7 bags!  What the heck did we pack?!  Oh yeah, 10 pairs of shoes each; long dresses; short dresses; sundresses; costume dresses; and so on and so forth. 

The Gaylord Opryland is gorgeous!  And as big as a small Southern city. 

Brad feeding the horse musician some sake while Jordan strikes a pose. She's always camera ready! 

Yeah sisters! 

And a room with a view. Sweet. 

Time to go grab some dinner then check-in at the DMA convention.  More to come later....

Day 1: Heading to Nashville

Ready to do this thing!  On the shuttle & all smiles. 

Dad is excited. 

Da plane, da plane!  Enjoying a beverage before takeoff. Thanks to Mom's frequent flyer miles we got First Class- woo hoo!!

See you in Nashville!  ✈️ 😘

The Night Before Nationals 2016

It's 11:11pm and everyone is packed & in bed. Whew!  What a day!  We'll be up at 5:30am to start our journey to Dance Masters of America 2016 convention in Nashville where Zoe will be competing for Teen Miss Dance of America. She is very excited & ready as she will ever be. 

This past weekend Zoe spent many long hours stoning her costume with more Swarovski crystals. It came out beautiful. It's gonna sparkle like crazy on stage. Hope the judges have shades with them!  

Ok, I better call it a day. Gonna be a whirlwind of activities for the next week.

I definitely need to get some shut eye. Bye for now.....