Dance Recital At The Kenney

Here's some photos from Dylan's last dance recital at the Kenney Retirement Hall here in West Seattle.  She had just come from a full day of skiing but really wanted to do the recital (she actually really loves them).  This performance was called the Funky Monkey - and it was hilarious.

Here she is with her good friend Sophie.

Teacher Jenna gathering the girls

1, 2, 3...

And they are off and dancing

Dance Rectial at the Kenney Retirement Home from Dylan Ray Clark on Vimeo.

Winterfest Dance Recital

 December 9th Dylan had her Winterfest dance recital at the Seattle Center.  It was a big deal!  She was very excited and so was I as I hadn't gone into labor yet and was able to make it!  The kiddo's got to dance at the Seattle Center Stage in the food court.  It was a big turn out of folks including Uncle Ben, Auntie Liz, Jackson, G-ma Melvene and G-pa Rick, and Auntie Beans.  Dylan's group was third to perform but it didn't stop her from standing on the side of the stage cheering and telling all the other dancers "nice job."

After the performance Dylan got two bouquets of flowers - oh the smile on her face!

Here's some pictures outside running around with cousin Jackson.

And a great one of her running through Seattle Center caring her flowers.

Oh have I ever mentioned how I think Dylan will be a street performer later in life.  She's always been fascinated  by them.  Here she is doing a little performance all on her own out in front of EMP, which made for a great back drop.

And here's an additional performance - this one being more of a running piece which she did four or five times!

Fabulous job Dylan - we are all so proud of you!!!  It takes a big girl to get up in front of all those people and dance your heart out!  You are awesome and I'm soo soo soo happy I got to see you dance.  And thank you to all that came out to watch.

Priceless, Precious, And Plain Ol' Hilarious

Sunday Dylan had her very first dance recital.  She's been taking a modern dance class which she just loves - actually has nicknamed it "super fun dance class".  Teacher Jenna is amazing with the kids and the class is adorable.  The performance was at the Broadway Performance Center up on Capital Hill (big time!).  Sunday morning we had a dress rehearsal.  Here's Dylan running up the street as she was soooo excited and didn't want to be late.  We were trying to keep up with her!

Outside the Performance Hall.  Good luck feather in one hand, costume in the other.

Running to entrance - or should I say skipping singing very loudly "skip, skip, skip to my Lou...."

Here we are in the "green (why isn't it green mom?) room" getting dressed, hair done, and playing (and talking) with all the other performers.  Dylan was miss chatty Cathy with everyone as you can only imagine.  "Hi I'm Dylan, what's your name?  Are you here to dance?  My teacher's name is Jenna?  Do you like dancing?  I like your outfit...."

Lining up with her 'troop'.

Here's a picture from one of the mom's of the Dancers lining up on stage - Dylan was quite concerned with one of the shy little girls making sure she was okay.  I can just hear her now "it's okay you can do it."

And here they are in full warm up, having fun running around on the stage. 

Lining up for rehearsal - their piece "The Can-Can"

You notice one little girl is missing - it's the shy one that Dylan was concerned about - she came back don't worry - Dylan made sure of it.  Dylan is the 3rd from the left.

Lights, Music, Action.

Here we are back in the 'green (mom, it still isn't green) room' after practice.  Dylan was telling all the other dancer's 'nice job'.

After the rehearsal we all loaded back into the car to join in on our good friend Ella's 3rd birthday party back in West Seattle.  The kiddos had a lovely time at the beach and rolling down a grass hill AND eating yummy purple cake!

Happy Birthday Ella!!!!  We love you!

It was an action packed day for sure.  After the party we raced home to repack to head back to Capital Hill again - performance time!  Someone had fallen asleep and was a bit of a 'grumpypants' upon arrival.  There was no touching her hair until after we got to the 'green (mom, quite calling it a green room) room' and she saw all the other girls getting ready.  She even manged to persuade another mom into giving up a bit of baby's breathe for her hair - nice work D.

Then it was only moments before Dylan started chatting and playing with the other dancer's, guess she woke up.  In no time they were holding hands, spinning, and singing ring-around-the-rosie.

We left Dylan in the 'okay I'm not going to say it again green room' - ha!  And found our seats.  Dylan's group was on first.  The dancers all lined up on a dark stage.

Then the lights and music came on AND the dance started.  All the girls took off except - yup, you guessed it "the poor little shy girl" - poor thing just stood there the entire performance, at least she was wearing a smile!

Teacher Jenna side stage helping out the girls.

The performance was priceless!  We were crying with laughter and also just being plan ol' proud parents.  I couldn't believe that Dylan was on stage and she gave it her all!  She did a fabulous job!!!  Simply priceless!  After her performance the girls were taken back to the green room and we got to relax and enjoy the rest of the show.  Each group of girls were a little older than the last and it was so fun to see the progression of dances.  After the show was over each group was brought up on stage for a final bow - Dylan stood in her spot bowing for each line up of dancers as if the crowd was applauding her each time.  She was so proud and having a ball!

After the show, Auntie Beans was kind enough to pick up some roses for her - yup 2 dozen pink roses.  We figured D would carry them long enough for a photo opt and then ditch them.  Nope I was wrong she carried them proudly the rest of the night - she would have slept with them if we'd have let her!

Here she is with a few other older dancers so proud.

And here with teacher Jenna - she insisted in getting her picture with teacher Jenna!

Here's a few cute shots of Mom, D, and Auntie Beans after the show.  It was a beautiful summer night!

At one point I looked over and caught Dylan admiring her flowers and taking a moment to smell them.  Matt totally caught the moment - good job dad!

I love this picture as you can truly see her proud smile!

A little 'salted caramel' ice cream with a few other dancers.  Nothing better!

Then we grabbed some take out and headed over to Auntie Beans to enjoy a beautiful evening.

Which included a free deck sweeping.

And a few funny faces.

In which we all joined in on.

Truly awesome, amazing day!  Nice job Dylan we are soooo proud of you.  Stay tuned as there is video coming so yes, you too can have a fabulously good laugh.  We love you D!!!!