SPRING SHOWCASE – DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES!!!

The day of the showcase I woke up at 4 AM and couldn’t go back to sleep. I listened to one worship music, and the song When You Believe, the song from my first showcase. Just like the song says to be able to be part of this experience feels like a miracle. I had to get ready for a 7:30 hair and Make-up call. I was tired, but that actually was helpful as I am usually so wired and nervous. Antonio brought food and coffee which was a good thing for me because people in the room were starting to hear my stomach growl, and I know others appreciated the snacks as well.  Callie came in and Played Purple rain Soundtrack and I was singing along. Masha had never heard the song the Beautiful Ones so at the end of the song when I started screaming along with Prince she thought something was wrong with me (haha).

The day is moving pretty fast Masha is doing everyone’s make-up, and two stylists are doing hair. (After perfecting all of our looks Masha would go on to make her own self fabulous, and then dance in several performances). Costumes are being put together, transformations are taking place all over, we are getting the star treatment all around. Sebastian comes in to greet everyone. It’s such an amazing thing that we all get to express a part of his spirit on the stage to bring his choreography to life.

Our fearless leader Antonio gives us an inspirational pep talk and we are on our way - the moment we’ve all been preparing for is here! The show opens with a funny video featuring the instructors and a Video where we learn more about Sebastian, his passion and love for Dance, and his many accolades including an ACE Award, which basically means he is at the top of his game, and one of the most notable choreographers and Dancers in Argentina. We are so fortunate that he took the time to be with us!! We then move to the first dance of the night, a spirited number by Lynn Ragan to the song “Sing, Sing, Sing”, dedicated to her parents and featuring Antonio, Mario and Maxi.  Lynn Looks like she stepped out of a magazine from the 1940’s and you can feel that this is more than just a dance as she envelops you in her joy. Daza Dance is a family and this was reflected through Regina and Corley Davis, a mother and daughter who had shared their first showcase experience. Regina dazzled in an aqua salsa gown with stones to a sexy Salsa Performance to Miami Sound Machine’s “Conga” from the 80’s with Mario, and her daughter Corley was equally spectacular in her pink dress with rhinestones for an energetic and flawless East Coast Swing Shania Twain’s “Don’t Be Stupid” from the 90’s with Maxi. There was beautiful heartfelt moment when Regina watching Corley perform with tears streaming down her face, and as soon as Corley walked off the stage she ran to embrace her. Steffie Jia invited us to experience her culture with her captivating cha- cha performance in a traditional Chinese outfit to a popular poetic Chinese song called “Night Jasmine” from the 40’s. The first ever group performance also sizzled to a Salsa performance of Papa Loves Mambo from the 50’s.

I was less nervous than I have ever been for my James Brown “I Feel Good” performance from the 60’s. It truly helped to receive encouragement from Antonio before we took the stage. I wore a Baby blue dress with white polka dots and a red necklace I borrowed from Masha, and Antonio had on a blue sequined Jacket in true James Brown fashion. I could feel myself getting steps I had worked on for a long time and could see Antonio smile. I flourished with every moment, and was greeted with a big hug by Sebastian backstage after my performance which made all the practice, blood, sweat, and tears worth it. I had hoped I would do his choreography justice, so that meant the world to me.

Tango Evolution’s Clint Rausher and Shelley Brooks did divine performances to the songs Tormenta and Morena respectively, and Kevin Mason and Lena Hrybrook were equally as fantastic with their dance to Jeannie and Paul helping us experience the beauty of Argentine tango.

The show closes with Maxi and Callie’s Open Arms, and their expression of love is the perfect way to end the night. There were so many other memorable performances which truly defined the evening. We then enjoyed a tasty meal while watching the official video and encouraging each other on such a beautiful night.

What a blessing to be part of this experience and to be able to work with the incomparable Sebastian! I am so grateful to Antonio for his incredible vision for the studio, and for being such an inspiration. Now that the showcase is over it’s time for me to prepare for Argentina!

By: Kamaria George (05/03/2016)