Mia and Stasha watched a famous documentary 'First Position' and started thinking about competing in YAGP. I did not think that is something that was big in the US especially not in SLC, but decided to learn more about it.
I was doing my own research, asking other moms, my friend who's kids competed and got pretty far. I was confused as to what was the point in competing when ballet is an art form that is so very subjective. Giving out scores for a variation made zero sense to me. Then I thought, well, rhythmic gymnastics is art, and an Olympic sport and they have artistic and difficulty scores, also figure skating, gymnastics, so I thought maybe it does make sense.
That is when started looking into it and thought, I do not see Mia on that stage. I do not think she is strong enough! So I found teachers who were willing to work with her one on one, none of them seem to be very interested or invested. We then found a small studio where rhythmic gymnastics were taught. The main coach turned out to be a ballerina!! What a coincidence. She was happy to work with Mia and Stasha on their strength and flexibility, as well as work with the one on one for some ballet technique details. I, of course attended, watched and took notes with every single session. This was the first time I saw what a difference a good coach can make.
Their coach had a great way of explaining things to Mia and Stasha about their bodies. I could see them understanding their instrument more and more to create a beautiful melody. She would talk about opposites, and how every time you turn or stretch one way there has to be something pulling it the opposite way. For instance, when doing an arabesque you have to think about your heel and your shoulder being connected with a string, so when you lift your leg in the air you have to pull your shoulder back as it is connected.
Mia and Stasha wrote in their diary after every session and were determined to get better.
The coach was very impressed with both of them and that gave me enough confidence to approach the ballet academy about having Mia compete in YAGP next year. I was not sure what that meant financially or time commitment, but I was ready to explore it.
I reached out to their principal at the time and set up a one on one lesson. After that, I was told that Mia would be at the right age but Stasha is too young to compete next year. And if Mia was to compete she would need to get much stronger which takes time, so working really hard that summer could get her to that point.
Summer 2017
Mia was determined to compete next year and nothing was going to stand in her way. She was doing Ballet West academy's Summer Intensive program for her age, she was doing rhythmic gymnastics and she got into Joffrey summer program. We decided to take her to Denver as it was the closest and something we could financially commit to.
She trained really hard for two weeks, and all of her teachers were really impressed and thought she should be on pointe as her legs and body were strong enough. We were very happy and thought there is not a chance Mia would not be selected to compete. Everything was coming together...
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