We're back! Nationals was very exciting. The venue was gorgeous - the VA Beach conference center has 4 ballrooms - the Starquest comp used 2, each with a stage, dressing section, and seating all built just for the competition. There was food, photo areas, a Starquest store, plenty of room to rehearse, and a person selling glitter makeup. It was right up the road from the VA Beach boardwalk.

J's 2 solos each got Gold and her 3 group numbers got High-Gold. They tend to put the older kids on at 7:30am so not many of them are at their full-potential. I know J was still half asleep before her dance. Her vocal solo was at noon on the same day, so at least she was more awake, LOL. Her singing was beautiful. All our teachers were crying - and most of the parents, too. I actually held it together for once. She was so proud of herself. Competing with a vocal solo was something she knew she could do and worked hard for. She was so nervous, but after she was done, she couldn't wait to do it again! So the studio owner wants her to keep the song for next year's season. J is thrilled.

Here's one of the photos I bought - taken during her dance solo (they had a photoshop thingy there, too!):



We were at the convention center almost every day for different numbers and awards. The rest of the time was spent at the pool, the beach, the boardwalk, the strip, or at a restaurant. I can't even begin to tell you how much fun the kids had this week. Being with 20 friends for a whole week was heaven for them. Here are some more shots: