NYCDA!

New York City Dance Alliance

I love NYCDA. Oh my god, I can't say enough about it. Not only did I walk away with more technique (thank you Andy for those turning tips!) and a better understanding of my movement as a dancer, but I (and I hope everyone else that was there) walked away with a wider understanding about life as a dancer. It's hard as hell and takes work, but you're willing to do it. I went to my studio director before scholarship auditions and told her "I've never pointed my feet for so long in my life. I love that."  The intensity and talent level at NYCDA is beyond real. Jakob Karr (check him out!) was their Male Senior Outstanding Dancer a couple years ago- to put it in perspective for you. I wasn't expecting to get any form of a scholarship, at all. There were so many talented dancers there, why would they pick me?

I never like getting my hopes up or feeling confident I "got it". If you ever have the I've got this in the bag attitude, you're bound to fail. When the weekend was over and the faculty and demonstrators were finished performing in the showcase, it was time to announce scholarship winners. I ended up getting the Regional Ballet Scholarship! "Thank you Jesus", I was thinking. I get to attend NYCDA for free next year. When the scholarships came to a close (my little brother got the "Future Star Scholarship", and I was so proud of him!), the director moved on to announce the dancers who get to move on to compete for Outstanding Dancer at Nationals in New York City. This is a major honor, I'm talking McDonald's Big Mac huge. They selected only 8, and "Tony d'Alelio" was the first name they called. I sat there with my best friend and our mouths dropped. Sarah said, "That's you!". I'm still shocked.

I"m praying that I'm able to go this summer. There are so many opportunities open for me if I go. It'll take some talking to my studio director and my parents. Fingers crossed kiddos!

from that dancer guy to you,

Tony