Chinese Dance Extravaganza

On Saturday mornings, Mei-Li and her friend Lili go to Chinese dance classes in Victoria. They both enjoy it as their teacher Ocean puts them through their paces. At the end of this, their first year in classes, they got to be in the Big, Big Show at Farquhar Auditorium at UVic!

What a day! First they had a quick rehearsal at the studio. After that they all dispersed for lunch. Then came the dress rehearsal at the auditorium and then the show. Mei-Li held up well, but Mama was sure stressed and exhausted after all that! There is no picture of Mama putting ML's hair in braids because it just wasn't pretty; the braids turned out, but the Mama barely made it.

All dressed.

After the girls were dressed, they joined their teacher, Ocean, on stage for rehearsal. Mei-Li starts off on the far right at the back. Click this link to see the rehearsal.

Time for makeup: eyebrows first.

Checking out the blush job.

Eyeliner was the worst!

Ready to go!

Downtime: reading a French book to Lili.

Waiting.

More waiting.

Checking out the monitor.

Just about show time!

Picture with Ocean after the show.

Mama sat with Howard and Judy, Ursula, Sandy, Sheila, and Amma and Bampa. Everyone was so excited when Mei-Li won a "most improved" certificate during the awards presentation. Mei-Li had to be convinced to meet her public after the show; she was done, but everyone was proud and anxious to tell her so.

Next up: the girls will be performing throughout the summer, including the Canada Day celebration at the Legislature in Victoria. Mama better practice the braids!