Dancing Through The Years

Last week I was lucky enough to be a part of a group (there was over 100 of us!) that was able to surprise our past dance and gymnastics teachers, Sherri and Julie. You see, Memorial Day was Sherri and Julie’s 42nd and final recital. They have decided, after many wonderful years, to retire from the glitter, hairspray, and red lipstick. A few months ago a secret Facebook group was created to round up past Sherri and Julie alumni (that’s me!) and put together a final group routine, that showed us Dancing Through The Years.

It was a great chance to catch up with dance friends.

Oh hey Jen! (I went to her wedding last summer.)

And looking through old photo albums, we realized we were dancing together for much longer then we had thought.

Hello cute cowgirls and 1998!

(Jen’s rocking the pig tails. Me the permed bangs and the elbow that blocks people’s faces.)

There was also a group picture of my very first year of dance.

Look at those cute piano costumes! And the permed bangs (again).

Alright. Enough with the trip down memory lane (and questionable 90’s hairstyle choices).

For the surprise dance, Sherri’s daughter Jamie, uploaded the routine videos for the group to learn in advance. Then with only a couple hours of rehearsal time, to find everyone’s placements for the routine, it was show time.

There was 4 different groups based on the years you graduated.

Blue

Lime

Orange (that’s me!)

And Pink (the youngin’).

And surprisingly, even years (9!) removed from performing and dancing, it was like riding a bike.

Except I wasn’t able to move for almost a week!

Here is the link to the routine if you would like to check it out from beginning to end.

And like I mentioned earlier, it really was a surprise to Sherri and Julie.

Which made it all the more special.

Here is the link to the local paper’s article on the performance. Gives some more information about the alumni dance and a few quotes from Sherri and Julie about it.

I think the routine and having all those alumni back to perform really showed how amazing these two ladies are and what an impact they made in each and everyone of their student’s lives.

For me personally, Sherri taught me the life lessons of how to keep a beat, build friendships, and to keep smiling in life (even through the painful moments).

I should also mention she established my solid fear of bright blue eye shadow, hairspray, and red lipstick.

P.S. Sherri hugs are the best hugs!

Happiest of retirements!