Autobiography

When I was two years old, my mom put me in dance classes at Lehman’s School of Dance. Two year olds took ballet. Even though kids attention spans were short, I wasn’t off task once. I haven’t stopped dancing since.

By the time I was 14, I had numerous years of experience in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. But it was then that I was introduced to hip-hop. I began hip-hop at Urban Beat Dance (UBD). I made their highest-level company, Elite. I had to choose between this and Lehman’s; I chose to dance with UBD. This was so new to my eyes, that I couldn’t get enough of it. We performed in countless shows and competed several times. I was in this company for 3 years before I had a chance to step it up a notch.

Before I left Elite, I was offered a teaching job there. I was 15 years old, and got paid $25 an hour. I taught ballet, jazz, and kids hip-hop. Being able to teach and share my passion with those interested in dance was the greatest feeling ever. I still teach there today. Even though I am not in Elite, I still can’t seem to stay away from UBD.

By the time I was 16 years old, I was ready to take hip-hop to the next level. It was in January of my junior year, and I tried out for the professional hip-hop company CODA, where everyone is either 21 or older. I auditioned for the experience, but I ended up making it! In CODA I performed in big shows, and competed in a Hip-Hop International Competition, known as Worlds. There are about 15 people in the company, and 8 of which are girls. For Worlds, which was the summer before my senior year, CODA decided to take all girls to Vegas. There’s a maximum of 8 dancers that can perform. But they chose 6 girls and I was one of them! We performed and got 6^th in USA Finals! I love CODA. They’re like my family.

At the end of summer when I turned 17, I began break dancing. It’s such an exhilarating challenge, that I can’t stay away from it either. I’ve met so many cool breakers. They aren’t just people I break with, they are people who are close to my heart.

WHOLE Collage paper...

On the Stage

The lights dim. I run onto the stage, with my heart thumping. I stretch my side and lean into my position. Taking a deep breath, I wish everyone good luck. The lights flash on, as well as my smile. I feel the beat of the music under my skin. It takes over my body.

“Get to work V.” My coach Ken had yelled to me.

I sat there sprawled out on the trampoline.

I wanted to yell back I am working, but I obviously wasn’t. I was thinking of what I should do. So I got up and began to bounce. I do love working out at the gym; it keeps me very fit. And I love to be able to flip. I did a full layout twist perfectly straight. But it takes up too much time to do both I thought to myself. I continued bouncing and did another full twist.

“You’re fine. Do it on the floor.” Ken said from across the gym. My heart pounded. Doing it on the floor is very different. But I obeyed anyway and jumped off the tramp when he wasn’t looking; he doesn’t like it when we jump off the tramp. I walked through the chalk fog by the uneven bars on the way to the floor. I began to warm up for my full. When it was time to do it, I baulked. I hate being nervous.

The beat is being sucked into my veins. My heart is pounding; I am living in the moment. I look around the crowd in the audience. They are smiling and moving to the music. I am dancing with CODA. These people I am dancing with are so special to me. It makes me really happy. We are a family and we work so well together; we are feeding off of each other’s energy. I absolutely love performing with them. I love performing in general.

Especially in Vegas.

“Everyone, watch Vicki. She has the movement down.” My old dance teacher Casey had said. I was at practice for the Elite hip-hop company at Urban Beat Dance. I was one of the strongest dancers in the company. I loved coming to practice every Sunday because I loved to learn and I enjoyed every ones company. Casey turned the music on and I did the short combination for everyone else. My breathing was hard; I was giving it my all. Once I finished I looked at everyone and they clapped. A small smile appeared on my face. I looked over at my friend Trish, and she looked right away right. My smile was whipped off my face as the music began to play again.

I am in Vegas with CODA because I am competing with them in a Hip-Hop International Competition. CODA has been going for the past 4 years, and you have to be invited to compete here. There are over 200 crews from all over the world, USA, and America’s Best Dance Crew. It was an honor to be asked to perform with them, as I had only been with them for about three months, and I am the youngest. They are all 21 and over. I have a lot of weight on my shoulders going into the competition, but they think I am strong enough mentally, and physically to do this. So I am going to give it my all.

“V!”

I know, I know Ken. There is no reason for me to get nervous.

“Why are you nervous? There is no reason to be. GO.”

I took a deep breath. I am strong enough to do this…physically. I’m not sure mentally though. I closed my eyes and thought of my mom. She always gives me strength to help me get through things. As my eyes opened I, got on my tiptoes and ran as fast as I could across the blue dusty floor. As I smacked my hands down on the springy floor, I pushed through my shoulders. Round off; check. Thump. My feet hit the ground too. Then I arched back and smacked my hands again. Flip flop; check. Now for the full. Just jump I said. My feet hit the ground as I pushed off with all my might.

In Vegas, CODA and I are truly giving it our all. We practice everyday at the hotel for five to six hours. My body is tired and sore. I feel like an old grandma. But I cannot let that stop me. Before we performed for the first time, we had a group huddle. It was just the girls performing, but three of the guys came to support us.

“We got this guys! I love you all so much, and I am so proud of us.” Casey, my old dance teacher, who was founder of CODA said to us 5 girls. We all held each other with our shaky arms, and said our good lucks. It was finally time to show the audience and the judges what CODA is made of.

“Just smile and have fun!” whispered Casey from the side. Elite performed little shows for schools and fundraisers a lot. Thump, thump, thump. We all ran on stage. Crack. My knees cracked as I bent down. My head was resting on my knees, but my eyes peeked through my hair anyway. I saw front and center, my mom. Video camera in hand, smile on her face, she was ready for me to perform.

Like always.

I dance my butt off on stage with CODA.

We all did.

“PULL.”

My arms smacked my ears as I traveled upwards. I felt my back muscles twist to my left side. Stomach muscles clenching, keeping hallow. My arms swung open and thump. My feet hit the ground.

“See. Was that so bad?” Ken said walking away.

Oh yes it was. “No.” I replied.

“Then do it again.”

I slowly limped over to the corner of the floor. My peroneal tendon throbbed like your heart to the beat of the music. It was inflamed. Stupid tendonitis.

I had to go to the doctor again. After hearing the news, I had a whole in my heart.

Taking a year off sure filled it, but not with gymnastics. Instead it was filled with nervousness, frustration and anger. I could have been a level 10 gymnast…if only…

CODA made it to USA Finals. My heart will not stop bouncing up and down. My eyes are stapled open and I will not be able to sleep. I probably should…I have a long day of rehearsal ahead of me…

Gymnastics?

Dance?

I felt a little pinch behind my eyes.

I could never quit dancing! I have been bouncing around the studio since I was two.

Then that means I’d have to quit gymnastics…but I love it…

But my friends are jealous of me in Elite and there are too many shows…

And I am so far behind in gymnastics. I don’t think I can handle 20 hours a week anymore…

My heart was racing; I didn’t know what to do.

I told my mom I could do both, but that was not an option. Sophomore year is supposed to be harder than freshman year…

I couldn’t hold back the pinch any longer. The stream of tears rolled down my flushed cheeks.

I felt like a baby.

I have to choose between the two things I love most?

Definitely not fair.

I love dancing with CODA! USA Finals...a breeze… They are really proud of me for giving it my all, and handling it well, mentally and physically. My mouth is aching because I cannot stop smiling! CODA…30^th out of 80 crews…pretty darn good for only practicing this routine for about two months. My spine felt 10 inches taller as I walked around the hotel. Dancing with CODA in Vegas is the best decision I have ever made in my entire life!

Collage page one!

On the Stage

The lights dim. I run onto the stage, with my heart thumping. I stretch my side and lean into my position. Taking a deep breath, I wish everyone good luck. The lights flash on, as well as my smile. I feel the beat of the music under my skin. It takes over my body.

“Get to work V.” My coach Ken had yelled to me.

I sat there sprawled out on the trampoline.

I wanted to yell back I am working, but I obviously wasn’t. I was thinking of what I should do. So I got up and began to bounce. I do love working out at the gym; it keeps me very fit. And I love to be able to flip. I did a full layout twist perfectly straight. But it takes up too much time to do both I thought to myself. I continued bouncing and did another full twist.

“You’re fine. Do it on the floor.” Ken said from across the gym. My heart pounded. Doing it on the floor is very different. But I obeyed anyway and jumped off the tramp when he wasn’t looking; he doesn’t like it when we jump off the tramp. I walked through the chalk fog by the uneven bars. I got to the floor and began to warm up for my full. When it was time for my full, I baulked. I hate being nervous.

The beat is being sucked into my veins. My heart is pounding; I am living in the moment. I look around the crowd in the audience. They are smiling and moving to the music. I am dancing with CODA. These people I am dancing with are so special to me. It makes me really happy. We are a family and we work so well together, because we are feeding off of each other’s energy. I absolutely love performing with them. I love performing in general.

Especially in Vegas.

“Everyone, watch Vicki. She has the movement down.” My old dance teacher Casey had said. I was at practice for the Elite hip-hop company at Urban Beat Dance. I was one of the strongest dancers in the company. I loved coming to practice every Sunday because I loved to learn and I enjoyed every ones company. Casey turned the music on and I did the short combination for everyone else. My breathing was hard; I was giving it my all. Once I finished I looked at everyone and they clapped. A small smile appeared on my face. I looked over at my friend Trish, and she looked right away right. My smile was whipped off my face as the music began to play again.

I am in Vegas with CODA because I am competing with them in a Hip-Hop International Competition. CODA has been going for the past 4 years, and you have to be invited to compete here. There are over 200 crews from all over the world, USA, and America’s Best Dance Crew. It was an honor to be asked to perform with them, as I had only been with them for about three months, and I am the youngest. They are all 21 and over. I have a lot of weight in my shoulders going into the competition, but they think I am strong enough mentally, and physically to do this. So I am going to give it my all.

“V!”

I know, I know Ken. There is no reason for me to get nervous.

“Why are you nervous? There is no reason to be. GO.”

I took a deep breath. I am strong enough to do this…physically. I’m not sure mentally though. I closed my eyes and thought of my mom. She always gives me strength to help me get through things. As my eyes opened I, got on my tiptoes and ran as fast as I could across the blue dusty floor. As I smacked my hands down on the springy floor, I pushed through my shoulders. Round off; check. Thump. My feet hit the ground too. Then I arched back and smacked my hands again. Flip flop; check. Now for the full. Just jump I said. My feet hit the ground as I pushed off with all my might.

In Vegas, CODA and I are truly giving it our all. We practice everyday at the hotel for three hours. My body is tired and sore. I feel like an old grandma. But I cannot let that stop me. Before we performed for the first time, we had a group huddle. It was just the girls performing, but three of the guys came to support us.

“We got this guys! I love you all so much, and I am so proud of us.” Casey, my old dance teacher, who was founder of CODA said to the other 5 girls. We all held each other with our shaky arms, and said our good lucks. It was finally time to show the audience and the judges what CODA is made of.