Many dancers excitingly wait for the summer hours to come and for many dancers this means the summer competition season. During this time dancers can completely focus on their routines without annoying schoolwork getting in the way. Of course we all care about schoolwork but we do appreciate the extra time to perfect routines! Now as we approach the Fall season and school is back in session, we are left with all the great memories of the awards won and the friends that were made.

These two sisters, Sydney and Jasmine Franklin, told me about their experience dazzling the audience at Boston Nationals. Living in the San Francisco Bay Area there is some serious competition when it comes to dance. Jasmine, age 12, has been dancing for 5 years and remembers the perseverance it took to step it up and qualify to go to nationals.

"I had to compete in Southern California and win at regionals to make it to Nationals," stated Jasmine.

Jasmine talked with me about her passion for dance and what she enjoys most. Her favorite styles of dance are Acro and Contemporary. She competed in a solo at Nationals that incorporated these styles. Her favorite is solo dances. Jasmine also likes all the teamwork it takes in group dances especially on lifts in contemporary dance.

Sydney, age 10, has been dancing for 7 years and remembers how it felt to compete for the first time. "I started competing in group dance, in Musical Theatre and Contemporary," stated Sydney.

This year was her first year competing in a solo in Southern California. She was nervous at first but at the end she was very happy.

"I was proud of myself," she stated.

Jasmine had the opportunity to compete for title and explained to me what that meant.

"I had to do an interview, scholarship, and compete for overall dancer to win title," Jasmine said.

Jasmine had to compete and win in a few categories in dance to qualify for title, the title of Ms. Dance. They pick the top ten dancers and choose overall title from that group. She won in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Acro which made her qualified for title. She received second runner up overall. She got her picture in the magazine for Nationals. Seeing her picture in the magazine made her very excited and her family knew that she worked so hard to get there.

Both sisters are dancers with Shelly Pack Dance Studio, in Half Moon Bay. This summer they got the opportunity to dance together and won! Their dance 'Elements' won 1st place at nationals and 2nd place at Grand Nationals. Before they enter the stage, the group huddles together to stay focused on what they are about to do as a team!

They get excited during the year getting ready putting their solo competition outfits together and try to break in their shoes just a little before performing in them. They had some great advice to other dancers looking to compete.

"Try your best, even if you mess up," Sydney said, "Remember it happens to everyone, and the audience may not know, keep smiling or stay in character, and you will be just fine!"

Jasmine suggested, "Never doubt yourself. Give it your all and you will always be proud of yourself!"

The sisters said that sometimes you could get stressed about competing, but your family is always there to remind you that you are there to have fun. You must remember that you are there to see new and exciting places and to make some new friends. They are looking forward to starting the Fall School Season remembering all the great times they had during their sizzling competition summer they will always remember.