Emily @ Dance Camp

Emily is part of the JV Dance Team at Millbrook Junior High this year and they had their summer UDA camp at Auburn University last week. There are 16 of them on the team, all 7th and 8th graders (she's headed into 8th this year). We are so proud of her for making the dance team and they have been practicing so hard this summer. The team only has 2 veterans so the girls were understandably nervous on the first night of team competition, using their home routine. The girls earned a spirit stick and a red ribbon that first night. The next couple of days they learned routines there taught by the UDA staff. Then their were individual competitions based on how well they learned those routines. The whole team did great with tons of blue ribbons. Emily earned a blue for herself on all of the routines. Her team also earned the spirit stick each day and the final spirit stick award. Another thing they did each night was drill downs. Fast response, sharp movements and following directions - Em earned a blue ribbon for that as well. And last, but certainly not least the team earned the Most Improved Trophy at the final awards ceremony.

Those of you who know us and/or have been following the blog know that Emily was recently diagnosed with Graves Disease (hyperthyroid issue) and that is was causing heart rate and blood pressure issues and we weren't totally sure she would even be able to compete at camp... Well the medicine is working great and she is feeling fine!! Praise God!

Here are a few pics from the week. Her and some friends and her coach and me and a couple of routine shots and when she won one of her blue ribbons.