The "Condensed" Story Behind the Choice

I guess telling you WHY I'm going, or what brought up the idea of moving, is important. It all started about 5 months ago...

I received an email from the director of the Easter Pageant telling me about a job opportunity dancing in a Polynesian show that her friends are in charge of, and if I knew anyone else who'd be interested as well. I didn't think too much of it, but decided I'd take the info and see what would come of it. I knew that when the semester was finished, I'd have nothing to do until I start nursing school. I had nothing to lose, really. Just more options.

Soon after, I was contacted by the lady who "runs" the whole show. Sending me some information on the position and all that comes along with it. Before I accepted the info, I didn't realize it would be IN Missouri, causing me to have to move. However, I was extremely excited. I knew I didn't want to sit around doing nothing. I wanted change, and I wanted to get away. Because the show wouldn't be for another 7 months or so, they were in no rush to put together their cast of dancers just yet. They needed time to meet each one, and make their decision. The months wore on, with lots of email contact. Not only did the months wear on, but my excitement started to wear off. Moving is a HUGE decision. Especially moving to another state I've never been before with nobody that I know. Needless to say, I was stressed. Anxious. Nervous. Unsure.

December is when I thought I would know if I truly "got the job" or not. Through emails it sounded like I did, and she mentioned repeatedly how she was very excited to meet me and hoped I was still wanting to come out, however there was never an official "We want you, will you come?" kind of response. December came and went with no answer, and January was on its way out the door when BAM! You've got mail. She was in town, and wanted to meet with me. At this point, I had sort of given up, and got used to the fact that I was just going to stay here and enjoy my time with family and friends. I had things to keep me busy, and I still had a job. I was happy. Still, part of me wanted to take this new opportunity and run with it, no questions asked.

So, we met. My mom came (moral support, every professional has their own "manager" right?) and we met with them. I was told to bring a solo to show, even though I mentioned I was not well prepared and rusty. I didn't even have to do the dance audition! In the first five minutes of meeting me, I had the job. The "mother" of the whole production said that I came with a very high recommendation, and they really wanted me to be part of their show. WOW!!! What a compliment. I was very taken back at this turn of events, and realized I had one very big decision to make, and ASAP.

ABOUT THE JOB: I will be performing at least 200 shows between March and December. About 5-6 shows per week. It is similare to PCC's night show, for any of you who've been there. Dancing representing each island of Polynesia. I'm excited because I've been trained in hula and tahitian, but now I get to learn the other dances too. There are great perks too, I can get into ANY other show in town for FREE. Including the movie theatres. Branson is dubbed the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World". The population of Branson is around 6,000 and they servemore than 7 million tourists per year! It surrounded by lakes, and in the Ozark mountains. Very green and beautiful. Small town feel, with the upbeat pace. I like that! Oh, and my favorite part....Bass Pro shops started in Missouri!!!! :D The summers are extremely humid, and the winters are verrry cold. That'll be a new experience.

Lots of praying, pondering, weighing, and stressful moments later....I decided to go. You see, the show is run by the Dutton Family. They are LDS, and part of their mission is to represent the church in a good light. One of the dances is performed to a Hawaiian version of "How Great Thou Art"-- pretty neat. That is a big factor for me, the whole "show business" can be pretty sketchy. After meeting with them and hearing their goals and what they want for this upcoming year, I can't help but feel excited and wanting to be part of it. I can't say that one day I got this HUGE answer to say "GO!!" (Although that was what everyone else said when I told them haha). It was a lot of little things. That if I wasn't paying attention to them, I probably wouldn't have had the same impressions.

Some people think I'm throwing away my education to go perform. Yeah, performing and dancing is my "thing", but it is not my "priority". I love it. I enjoy it. It makes me happy. My most important thing is to finish school, and grow. At this point, I have no control over the fact that I cannot start nursing school RIGHT NOW. The average wait is 1.5-2 years. I've been waiting since last May. So, the earliest I can even start is January of 2010. Taking that into consideration, I need something to occupy my time, to challenge me, and to help me grow. Voila!! Dancing in Missouri. Honestly, I'd much rather be thrown into nursing school right now than go. But that's life. I'm young, definitely got that advantage.

Its not going to be easy. I know the beginning will take some getting used to, and I may hate it at first. But everything is only what we make of it, and I want to make this an experience I will never forget. I have lots to do with such a limited time to prepare to leave, but it will get done. The best part is that I will be back!! :)

So, that is that. It may not look condensed, but trust me, it is. We'll all have to party it up before I go. Letters, emails, texts, packages with sweets....all will be welcome :)