Final Rehearsal

We got the news on July 11 that Project UP was invited to perform at the National Dance Day Gala in LA. 12 days later we've raised money to pay for most of the expenses, have nailed down air fare and booked hotel rooms, have arranged for ground transportation, have coordinated the details for 23 people to travel together. We have re-staged choreography and rehearsed for hours and hours. We have created new costumes, rented tuxedos and bought ball gowns. The big moment is almost here!

Carolyn, Claire, Katie and Melissa just after getting the phone call!

Everyone is very excited, to say the least! I'm still in a state of shock that on Saturday night, kids in the little program I founded five years ago will be dancing on the same bill as dancers from some of the most prestigious organizations in the country. To think that we started with 10 kids and 10 volunteers in October 2008 and here we are, July 2013 - dancing in one of the most illustrious venues in the world!

The final rehearsal this afternoon was wonderful and to top it off, the kids from Element made goodie bags for the kids from Project UP - little things to amuse them on the long plane ride out there. Just another example of how thoughtful - and selfless - the teens who volunteer with us are. And talented? These five kids from Element are incredible!

We are about to have our Bon Voyage Party - a final full dress rehearsal in front of a home crowd here at Merrimack Hall. We're having lemonade and cookies and hope to be home by 8:30, since we have to be at the airport by 5:00 tomorrow morning!

So now, it's time to sit back and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!