When you watch a production involving over 3,000 performers in one day, what you see is a dazzling spectacle, finely tuned to perfection. But behind those few minutes of brilliance lies an incredible journey, a process that begins long before the curtains rise.
Believe it or not, the students at LPAC, whether they’re from Hamilton, Robbinsville, Bordentown or any surrounding cities, begin preparing for their moment the minute they step into dance class. From the very first lesson, potential steps for future routines are introduced, practiced, and refined week after week. As they learn, something magical is happening: confidence is being built, not just in their abilities but in their relationship with their instructors. Our teachers work diligently to understand each dancer’s unique personality, figuring out which styles and approaches will help them shine.
But that’s only part of the story. Behind the scenes, costumes are being designed, ordered, made, and sometimes exchanged. Contracts for venues and rentals are being drafted and revised. Vendors for special effects are booked, magic is planned, and the pieces are set into motion to make the dance performance unforgettable.
So what’s the dancer’s part right now? It’s simple: show up. Embrace the journey. Yes, the journey might be hard at times. It might feel repetitive. And sometimes, it won’t feel like the “fun” part of dance. But every small effort is a building block towards that moment on stage. Success is fleeting, wrapped up in a three-minute routine, but the magic? The magic is happening every step of the way.
It’s in the first time a baby ballet dance class makes it through without a “potty party” at the dance studio. It’s in that breakthrough moment when the mini crew counts themselves into a routine flawlessly. It’s in that instant when an older dancer feels a spark inside and says, “I am great at this, and I am worthy.”
The real magic happens in attendance. Nothing can happen if we aren’t present. Showing up isn’t just about being there physically, it’s about how we show up mentally and emotionally.
This week, I was reminded of something in a growth podcast I was listening to- they said, “Ten minutes can be a world or a moment to your children. You choose. How you show up can mean everything or nothing. Ten minutes—what will you do with that gift?”
So, I tell our dancers: the magic of recital happens in you. I can choose the perfect songs, the perfect costumes, and I can work with the teachers to create choreography that dazzles. But the real magic? It lies in how *you* show up. And for our littlest dancers, the magic also lies in how *we*, as their parents, prepare them for class that day and the journey ahead.
Yes, it’s work. But then I think—those ten minutes we spend prepping our child can either be just a moment or they can make their world.
As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary at LPAC, this season will undoubtedly be special. But it will never be as special as it has been to serve your children and your families, from Hamilton to Robbinsville to Bordentown and all the wonderful places that our Champions are impacting the lives of those they interact with. For me, *that* is the real Magic.
XOXO,
Miss Jennifer