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Day Three – Performance Day – Gulp…!

Dora was getting rag-dolled in the hallway. Carole Anne flew out of bed and I heard her repeating the same spiel from the previous four days, "no we're not up yet, can you please come back later" – 7:13am on the clock.

Dora was lucky it was not me who had answered the door. I would have rugby-tackled her and scissor-kicked her up and down the lobby… But I was just so tired. I felt like 50 stone sunk into the mattress. Katrina F was not even awake yet. That lass did nothing but sleep, she would sleep through an earthquake! Now might be a good time to mention her feet…!! yes Katrina… your feet…!! I almost passed out…! Will bring a peg next time…!

Downstairs, chairs had been set up and three massive TV cameras were being positioned on a raised platform covering every angle of the dance floor. Draped at the back of the hall a massive black flag from the ceiling to the floor. 'ProDance' was printed right across the bottom and the traditional pink logo embossed in the middle. Groups of girls were spread out over the hall all frantically going through various routines as the music system randomly played the chosen tracks. Today was Performance Day.

Each class would walk through their routine with the choreographer while being filmed, then dance the routine with the music, also being filmed. I was scared. I didn't want to forget anything and let the rest of the group down, nor did I want to be pointed out in the video as the girl who did that bit wrong. As the routines got under way I honestly was gob-smacked. ALL of the routines were absolutely fan-tastic. Every single dancer put their heart and soul into the performance and the confidence was beaming out of each and every one of them. Blimey…! It was like watching a Broadway show. The ability of some of these girls was breathtaking but everyone shone in their own special way. Again… blimey…

I was outside the main door waiting to go in for Jonathon's routine. My heart was pounding and I can't remember ever feeling that nervous. Carole Anne was rapidly going through the move-ments of the routine like a wee bunny on Duracell. Door opened and in we went. Gulp…! Three hundred faces watching us intently. Marking it out was not a problem but I was so surprised as to how drained I felt after it, we hadn't even danced it yet. Cue music, adrenalin rush, and we were on! I think I did it all OK actually, I'll know when I see the video. The audience were great, we were all in the same boat I suppose and it was comforting that everyone was really cheering and applauding to support each other. I felt fine with the remaining routines I had to perform and was not nervous about them at all. I wanted to do them all over again when it was finished. After seeing 'Disco Man – John Peters' disco routine I was so disappointed with myself that I didn't go to his class, it was great. Disco's my niche (if I'm not doin rock'n'roll). The routine was full of high kicks and leaps and lots of cheesy disco movements – it was fantastic. When we get the video through I'll defo be writing that routine down to learn and show my kids.

So that was it, the dance camp was all over. The day ended with everyone jumping in and out of each other's photographs and exchanging e-mail addresses. Can't wait 'til you's see the photos. We all thoroughly enjoyed ProDance and I would strongly recommend it to anyone thinking about going. The experience is invaluable, the routines unforgettable and a chance to meet and learn from some of the most professional elite list of choreographers anywhere in the world. I went with an open mind to try anything and learn as much as I possibly could and I achieved that. We've all came back with a stronger passion for dance, more energy, loads of new routines, techniques and a hunger to be so much better this season than we've ever been… oh, and also… sore legs… but hey… me in the box-splits eh… No, you'll not be seeing that at Braehead, just wi' they boots on it's a bit hard ye know…

Take care…

Kat x

SPECIAL MENTION – Thank you so much to the management at Avalon Bar in Paisley and Mount Shimla Indian Restaurant in Barrhead for their kind sponsorship for the Las Vegas trip, we really really appreciate it.