September is here, folks! Extra-curriculars are back in full swing, our evenings booked solid, and our group chats overflowing with "what time are they done?" and "who's sending snacks?"I vowed I would take things easy this year, but who am I actually kidding?This past year was hard - really hard! We were tired and stretched thin. While my youngest, Lexi, continued to grow before my eyes, I barely had time to really see her. No March break, no Family Day, barely any weekend breaks. The pace was relentless, the exhaustion overwhelming.If you have any type of competitive athlete in your household, you understand: the endless hours, the physical/emotional toll, the deep financial commitment. It's not just the child who's in it. It's the entire family.Our studio - The Nine Dance Academy in Vaughan - made a bold decision: to aim for Studio of the Year at The Dance Awards in Las Vegas, one of the most prestigious dance competitions in North America. This isn't just any competition. It's where the very best studios come to compete, known for their artistry, technical excellence, and relentless drive.While our studio has always stood out regionally, stepping onto a national stage raised the stakes. Suddenly, we weren't just aiming to be great - we were going up against the best of the best. There were moments of doubt. We questioned if we were ready, if this leap was too ambitious. But our studio owners, Nikki & Vanessa, chose to believe in something bigger than fear.Off we went to Vegas for 10 days. Yes, ten whole days.Somewhere between costumes and tap shoes, I managed to squeeze in a toaster because I was delusional enough to think I'd meal prep in Sin City (for the record, I did make pancakes several times and set off the smoke alarm - yes, that was me). We arrived with hope in our hearts, caffeine in our veins, and dreams of sparkly costumes and Studio of the Year glory.The days were long, the nights longer. Somewhere between safety pins and hair gel, our kids started dropping like flies - fevers, stomach flus - but somehow, they still showed up, full of courage and determination.Us parents? We were right there beside them, handing out candy like party favors, offering love along with Advil and Gravol every step of the way. Sure, there were heated discussions and rising tensions, but the kids danced their hearts out. There were stumbles, forgotten steps, one or two near-collisions, but they picked themselves up (and the paper they dropped on-stage) and kept going.They hustled. They sparkled. They made us all proud.By Friday night, we made it - Top 5 Best Studio! Spirits were high, energy hanging by a thread, running on sheer adrenaline.Saturday was go-time. Armed with Advil and Gravol, the kids pushed through like champs. We manifested greatness. We had vision boards (in our heads), good vibes (in our souls), and prayed the spray tan gods were on our side.We cannot forget the "voodoo doll incident." When asked, we were told it was just a "good luck charm," but let's be real... it looked less like an American Girl doll and more like something from a haunted carnival in New Orleans. Curse or not, we weren't backing down.Gala night arrived. We showed up dressed to the 'nines' (yes, pun intended),nerves buzzing, clinging to cocktails like emotional support beverages. The energy was electric. We were there with one goal: to pour out every ounce of good energy and hope that maybe, just maybe, this would be our night.Our nerves escalated from slightly jittery to full-blown awards-show-heart-palpitations. Then something amazing happened: three of our dancers won Best Dancer awards.But then came the moment.Could we actually win as a studio? Five announcers walked on stage. The ballroom held its collective breath..."And the 2025 Studio of the Year will be...THE NINE DANCE ACADEMY!!"FROM TORONTO. FROM TORONTO?Screams. Cheers. Tears. We jumped with joy, hugged anyone within arm's reach, makeup running, drinks spilling, hearts bursting. Then we ran straight to our kids - the ones we'd been showing up for all along.We weren't just parents that week. We were therapists, doctors, snack smugglers, pep talkers, personal assistants, and professional hug-givers. We patched up fevers and broken nails, and we were there in every way that mattered.That moment - hearing our studio's name, hugging our kids, knowing all the sweat, stress, and late-night breakdowns led to this - that was when it all made sense.We were the underdogs, the studio from 'somewhere in Canada' that many had never heard of. But we showed up with heart, talent, and grit. Now we're not just on the map - we've etched our name into it.Most of these girls have been dancing side by side since they were six. What they've built is more than friendship - it's a sisterhood forged through sweat, tears, triumphs, and countless hours on stage. Their bond runs deep, and it shows in every step.Never say you can't. Never say it's impossible. Because we - The Nine Dance Academy 'somewhere in Canada' - are living proof that dreams, no matter how far-fetched, do come true.Here's to the dancers who poured their hearts into every step. Here's to the choreographers who turned movement into magic. And here's to us - THE PARENTS - who cheered from the wings, complained about fees and late rehearsals, but held it together when our kids couldn't.We may not have seen our kids much this past year, but in that moment, when their names were called and we watched their faces light up with disbelief and joy, every second we gave was returned a hundred times over.Because we weren't just witnessing a win - we were witnessing a dream fulfilled and history in the making.Happy back to school, everyone. Here's to another year of showing up for our kids and their dreams!
.png&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)