Hello, world!
Man, have I missed talking to you all. I was trying to save a crapton of blog posts to read in my “Save for Later” folder on Feedly, but I knew I just had to press “Mark all as read.” Fresh start this week!
In the past week, I have been running on adrenaline, sugar, and the love and energy of 14 amazing company mates! If you’re not sure what’s been up in the last 7 days of my life, you can read about Benefit Week here (It’s basically my dance school’s biggest, most important, funnest performance of the year). You can also check out Instagram, because I’ve actually been posting pictures of humans rather than just food. Proof that I have friends. 😉
There is so much to say about my very last Benefit concert with company that I actually cannot fully explain it. Thus, I’ll sum up the week in {mostly} pictures! There are lots.
Although we had rehearsals on Monday and Tuesday, I’ll start with Wednesday, since that’s when the dressing room decorating started. These themes have nothing to do with our dances. This tradition is just for fun! 🙂 I actually don’t have pictures of us dancing because….well, I can’t take selfies on stage.
Wednesday
There are no freshmen in company this year, so the new sophomores took over for Wednesday’s themed dressing room. The theme was….
Eloise at the Plaza!
I have neither read the book nor watched the movie, but it was such a cute and unique theme!
They call me Y-money.
Wednesday’s rehearsal included a 1.5 hour staging/lighting rehearsal for the younger dance class I assist and then a full run-through of the show.
Thursday
There’s only one junior in company, so she was joined by the veteran sophomores for decorating! The theme was…
Woodstock/60s!
Such a fun theme! Thursday was our first Community Concert (for disabled and underprivileged in the community). It was a great “opening night!” I do have a picture of me from our big warmup on stage, thanks to my company director:
May O’Donnell technique warmup
Friday
Seniors’ turn to decorate!! There are eight seniors this year (more than half of company), so we went all out with our dressing room theme…
Circus!
This theme worked out so well, and we all had a blast with it. I was supposed to be some sort of acrobat/trapeze artist person…I just found this purple ballroom dancing dress in my closet and used that.
Each year, seniors design and order shirts that coincide with their dressing room theme. Ours said “Cirque du Company Benefit 2014” on the back!
Thanks for the photo, Lilly!
Company ♥
Saturday
Benefit day. There is always such a mix of emotions on this day— tears of joy and tears of sadness. We are so thrilled to be dancing together at this big show, but we’re also heartbroken that it’s the seniors’ last one. We soaked up every second of it!
We started with lunch at a great Italian restaurant:
Crab cake for me!
Bux all around.
And then we headed to the theater to walk around, do some company traditions, and bond.
After the show:
Thanks for the photo, Livv!
And with that, Benefit came to an end… 😦
To say that dance company is a big family is cliche, but it’s also an understatement. Our emotional, hormonal sob session on Saturday night sums up our relationship pretty well. I’m wiped out, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. All of God’s blessings are so humbling. I love you, company ladies!
Have a great day, everyone!
So tell me:
Did you ever have/Do you have a group of friends with which you are super close?
What did you do this weekend?
Daily Moves and Grooves 
So.much.fun! And sweetly sad that its all ended..but you’ve got a heart-full of memories and friendships for life I’m sure 🙂 . Aaah the Circus theme!? Incredible!
You know its something I’ve been thinking about recently – not having a ‘close’ friend..when I was much younger I had this ability almost, to grow attached to others. And sadly..I don’t feel that spark in me. Maybe it will return..who knows? Its so weird..but whatever! I’m thrilled Benefit Week was such a blast..and its so good to have you back 😀
I’m sure there will be that perfect puzzle piece in your life 🙂 Thanks, Ms. J!
This post made me so happy! Every single theme looks like it was a blast – you all sure went all out! I love it! (Especially the “Get Groovy” and “Cirque du Company!)
So true that God’s blessings are humbling. You don’t really realize how blessed you are until it’s time to move on an begin a new adventure that He has in store for you! I’m sad for you that it’s ending, but also super excited to see what’s next for you!!
Love ya girl!
I totally agree— it’s sad, but I’m also super excited for what lies ahead!
What a great week/weekend!!!! You look absolutely beautiful and I’m go glad everything went smooth!!
Say good bye is such a bittersweet thing but hopefully it’s just more of a see ya later!!
Anyways have a great week Alison!! Love you girl💗
Yes, we will always stay connected, I’m sure of it!
Hope you have a great week too, Katie!
Wow. It looks like you had a great week! You look beautiful in those pictures! =) Looks like you had amazing food too. =)
And, my weekend was alright. Nothing much happened, really. I just stayed home and relaxed. =)
Thanks, Helen! Ahh a relaxing, low-key weekend sounds so wonderful 😉
Awww, bittersweet endings. I really missed your posts this week! All the decorating and things sound like so much fun. And all the foood hehe 🙂 I’m sure you danced great! It’s crazy how half of the girls were seniors!
Yes the fooood 😉 I know— seniors were dominating this year, haha!
Sometimes pictures really -do- say more than a thousand words. And yours definitely give at least a little insight into how special your bond with the other company members has to be. I’m sure you’ll find a way to stay connected for long.
Too bad stage-selfies aren’t possible because I’d have really liked to see you dance. I’ve never been a good dancer myself so I’m even more impressed by people who are.
The closest group of friends I’ve ever had was in school which I feel goes to show it’s true what people say: the earlier on in life you make a friendship the closer it will be. Though I hope I’ll be able to build close meaningful relationships at any age, really.
Aw that’s great to know that your school friendships were so strong. I’m really hoping to stay in touch with most, if not all, of these girls.
I’ve missed your gorgeous face! But I’m glad to see/hear that you had such an amazing time with your girls. Having a group of close friends like that is definitely a blessing. I have a tight-knit group that I’ve known forever, and while we don’t get to see each other as often as I’d like because of goofy adult responsibilities, it always feels like no time has gone by at all when we finally do.
Hope your week is off to a great start, love!
I’ve missed YOUR gorgeous face! I’m off to go read about your mountain adventures and see your selfies 🙂
Ahh I love that you have that kind of relationship with your closest friends. I have a feeling it will be the same with my company mates.
Wishing you a fantastic week too, Amanda!
Aww, I’m glad to hear you had such a great last dance with the girls. I absolutely love the themes. They’re creative! It looks and sounds like you had such a great experience. Lookin’ fabulous on that stage! You should teach me to dance sometime. 😉
I’d love to teach ya! Only if you make me some roasted sweet potatoes though 😉
Big props on a week filled with some of the greatest memories you’ll ever cherish- be proud of what you did and what you’ve achieved- the rest is still unwritten. (that was lame).
I used to loveee that song. Dang, where is Natasha Bedingfield anyway?
Pingback: Two Truths and a Lie | Daily Moves and Grooves
Pingback: WIAW: Benefit Week Eats | Daily Moves and Grooves
Pingback: Behind the Scenes #15: Hit the Spot | Daily Moves and Grooves
Pingback: Good Food + A Run That I Loved?! | Daily Moves and Grooves
Pingback: Dear Alison… {A Look Back at 2014} | Daily Moves and Grooves