Academia De Baile

            I think the thing I love most about Tucson, is how it has held on to culture.  There is so much of it throughout this city, deep and rich...
            Perhaps this is what drew Kim and I to Tucson, and kept us here, making it our home all of these years. 
           We were blessed to get to see Lexy and Breanna dance in the 10th Annual Academia De Baile Recital.  This organization, teaches traditional dance to children and young adults - they've put on performances around the community, at half-time for the Phoenix Suns, pre-shows for the Diamondbacks, church fiestas and at nursing homes.  They learn how to dance traditional Hispanic dances, as well as, classical and contemporary styles.
           Lexy and Breanna worked hard leading up to their recital.  Beginning in September and then having extra classes leading up to the July performance.  They were excited to be in this performance.  Before the show, Lexy told me she was a little bit nervous, but knew she would have fun.
          The recital was held at the Music Hall, part of the Tucson Convention Center.  There must have been two thousand people there.  We got there early and Andrea helped us to get in the 6th row!  So we had great seats. There were at least 15 of us there to see the girls perform tonight.
         A mariachi band started the show off.  One of the trumpet players looked to be about 6 or 7 years old and played beautifully.  All of the kids were lined up in there seats, bopping up and down to the music. 
        After some traditional dances from Spain, Breanna came on for a 'It's a Small World' dance number.  She looked so cute, dressed as the U.S.A. representative (center) - Andrea's cousin, Jack, did a fantastic job decorating it (even including a peach sunset, in memory of Kim) and Andrea jazzed it up, so that it was the neatest display on stage!
        You could tell Breanna enjoyed the number and did not miss a beat during the show!

Throughout the performances, it was as if Kim was smiling and winking at us the whole time.  Small World was her favorite ride at Disneyland.  And the girls performed Mamma Mia! and Moulin Rouge, two of her favorite movies.  There was also a song from Phantom of the Opera, another of her favorites.  During one of the scene changes, the intermission song was 'What a Wonderful World', by Louis Armstrong and I was sure Kim was there...and it was nice, especially being surrounded by my southwest family...

Lexy performed wonderfully, as well.  Here she is doing a Michael Jackson number (1st on left).

I really enjoyed the Viva Mexico portion, featuring traditional music and dances from Mexico.  The costumes were very colorful and elaborate - so much work went into making them.  The back drop was a beautiful little village in Mexico...it made you want to be there.  Even Lexy and Breanna's cousing, Trinity, got to join them onstage for special dances.

                  The chance to be a part of this was a nice honor.  The bambini all enjoyed it, they like to learn more about the history here and the culture...I wish I could get Autumn to sign up (she used to dance with Lexy when they were 4-5 years old)...but she told me 'One problem Dad...stage fright!'.  

                Thanks Lexy and Breanna!  Great job!!

                  Love,
                      Dave