Two parades in two days and they couldn't have been more different - Saturday in Jacksonville felt like fall by afternoon and today in Sherwood definitely felt like winter is just around the corner. We thank all the students and parents and instructors who supported us both days - we really appreciate you, each and all.
We had five performing dance groups - the awards are for ages eight and under -- and nine and above -- in each parade. We end up competing against ourselves as well as others, but we want to give everyone a chance to perform and we feel it is better broken down into our own age groups. We found out a long time ago that for us, it doesn't work to have three-year old dancers performing the same dance as eight-year-olds.
Our groups are:
"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" Ages three-four-Five Tap 'n Tumblers
"Sleighride" Ages five and six
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" Ages Seven and Above
"You Are A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" Ages Ten - Twelve
"All I Want for Christmas is You" Thirteen and Above Senior Dance Company
We are also so proud of our gymnasts - and we thank you all for your support. We know Saturday wasn't quite so bad and that tumbling uphill Sunday was tough, but the crowds are so appreciative of your efforts. Thanks, Mr. Bobby for your support of these kids, too.
A W A R D S
JACKSONVILLE PARADE
Eight and Under "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" Second
Nine and Above "You Are a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" Second
Nine and Above "All I Want for Christmas is You" First
SHERWOOD PARADE
Eight and Under "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" First
Nine and Above "You Are a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" Second
The great thing about Sherwood Parade is that each group gets to perform for the cameras. Probably didn't help with cold hands, feet and noses but will make Mommies and Daddies (and especially grandparents) happy when they get to see the television program (we'll obtain information on that as soon as we can and we'll pass it on to you so you can watch the parades.) The bad part about today's parade - less than half of our people participated - but those who did attend - did a great job of dancing and tumbling.
Our littlest dancers brave the cold to perform "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and what a good performance they gave, tears and all.
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"Sleighride" performers danced so well today. This half of the group, who braved the cold temperatures, showed us what it meant to be a good performer. Notice the motions plus the determination on these faces!
"Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" dancers showed up in big numbers and danced strong to win that First Place! We were so proud of them - they have really worked hard and performed well - especially for such a large group. This group is from the combined classes of jazz-tap-ballet combo classes, hiphop-cheer combo classes, ballet classes, and dance classes for gymnasts.
(All right - I never claimed to be a good photographer!) Grinch Dancers and Mr. Grinch - you all did such a good job - both days. What a fun number for the audiences! Congratulations - Second Place again today! And Mr. Grinch (T. J. Johnston - thank you again, also.)
Senior Company Dancers performed their beautiful and lively dance to "All I Want for Christmas is You." Your performances are certainly award winning! Great going, ladies - we are so very proud of you.
We don't know what it is about Huff 'n Puff but we have always thought that we have the best looking kids and teenagers to be found anywhere. Maybe it is the exercise that makes the girls look so healthy and pretty and the boys so handsome.
Thank you again for all your support. Sherwood parade coordinator, Tom Brooks, thanked us profusely for coming, as we make up a great part of their parade. We enjoy supporting Sherwood as well as Jacksonville, as Sherwood certainly supports Huff 'n Puff.
Repeat from Saturday's parade commentary:
(Note from the Editor (ha!) - I reread what I have written and I realize that "Proud" is in here a hundred times but we do feel so much pride for our students - and I think we live up to our name - the "Pride of Jacksonville.")