Amanda was the first to arrive at our Studio (across from the Marjorie Luke Theatre) at 9:15, Linda and Ellie were next, Michelle and Olivia, Diana and Talia, Luisa and Michaela, and Elizabeth and Anais followed shortly thereafter.

While all the fathers stood in line (at the Theatre), we spent the next 2 1/2 hours laughing, joking and filming – Ellie worked hard applying make up while Michelle helped with hair styling and Linda and all the mothers got the girls into their dresses making sure every last detail, including their flowers and accessories, were just right. Tyler Vestal and Michaela’s friend Jasmine also stopped by.

With 2 roving cameras we could make a movie out of the footage we shot today…

At 12:45 everyone hurried across the street to the Luke Theatre, some around the back through the stage door and some through the main entrance to be seated for the Auditions which preceded on time and without a break up to the final announcement of the winners – congratulations Talia Vestal, honored as 2009 Junior Spirit and Amanda Cuevas as 2009 Spirit Runner-up.

Michaela, Anais and Olivia danced wonderfully – true professionals all…

Terry, Michaela’s godfather, Anais’ grandmother Maria, Linda’s mother Marjorie and Mark and all the Vestal kids & friends dropped by afterwards to celebrate – we opened a bottle of good Champagne.