Dance Dance Derek
Derek Started Dance class today. He is taking a dance class with some other kids his age at Curio Dance. This is the same dance school that Kate attends and loves to go to each week. Actually, Kate was one of the first kids to sign up with Curio Dance. They have been trying to get Derek to sign up ever since.
Derek did awesome! He did everything Dario, his instructor, asked him to do! It is hard to believe that a little more than a month ago he could barely hold the weight of his head off his pillow for more than 30 seconds. He has come so far. He danced for 60 minutes straight. Derek had so much fun, he can't wait for next Tuesday! His class took a quick water break and Derek came out and told one of the owners that this was better than his physical therapy. Here are a couple of videos. This one was his last dance of the night so he was a little tired https://youtu.be/q2rZaf3mwFc and this one was a quick jump https://youtu.be/K5RmOjwCRYg
Curio Dance studio is basically brand new. Derek was their 100th student. Check them out at http://www.curiodance.com/
We originally decided to sign Kate up with Curio Dance because they are a performance based dance company not a competition dance school. What that means is Curio Dance looks for special events around the area to do performances at instead of big competitions at convention centers. That was exactly what we were looking for! So we feel very blessed to be associated with them.
Curio Dance may not sound familiar but anyone who has watched the show America's Got Talent may recognized the name iLuminate. The owners of Curio Dance, danced in the group iLuminate and took 3rd place on America's Got Talent. In case anyone is not familiar with them here's a video of their final performance. Team iLuminate - Grand Finale Performance
They have also performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, MGM Grand in Las Vegas and Radio City Music Hall in NYC. So they are really passionate about what they do and they are really excited to have Derek part of their school.
Comments (9)
Go Derek!! That's awesome! Maybe you can teach me a move or two next time I see you!!! :)
This is wonderful to read! You're a rockstar, Derek!!
Can't wait to see the video! Perfect idea.
That looks like fun while also being very helpful. So glad he enjoys it. You and Ryan are really great parents. All that activity is good for the kids and we know it takes a lot of time for the parents to devote to their kids. God bless your family. Grandpa and Grandma Mortenson
Derek you are unbelievable ! Your courage, attitude, perseverance only give testimony to the fact God is taking care of you in this journey. Mom & Dad are doing an amazing job of caring for you and listening & trusting in God. Praise be to the Lord!!! Love & Prayers Leroy & Sandy
Hi Angela, I don't know if you saw my private message I sent. I'm sure you're quite busy. I just wanted to make sure you got it. I have a son who is 11 with anaplastic astrocytoma as well who is also doing the Pittsburgh trial. We just finished our 4th treatment. I was able to get help with figuring out the travel arrangements and everything through another person in the trial and wanted to make sure you had someone you could talk to if you wanted any help with figuring things out. I live in northern Wisconsin but also travel to Minneapolis to Children's as well. We just passed 2 years since my son's first seizure. His site is either Caring Bridge search Judah Christenson or a public Facebook page called Judah for Life. You can email me at [email protected] if you want to chat more privately. God bless and I am praying for you guys as you go through this crazy, difficult time!
By the way, I found out about you from a friend of mine who knows a Carrie who I think is one of your friends?? Does that sound right?
No lie, I got a little weepy. Look at how far he's come! Great job, Derek!!
Dance, what? This is awesome Derek! I wish I could dance, but I'm not so good so I just watch. I would love to see you dance sometime Derek! Keep up the awesome work, you are a Trooper!