On her 9th birthday, Tarah became a National Champion with her acro-dance number “Journey Across America” (The “Starr” Nationals) winning a huge trophy & sizable dance scholarship for her continued training. She was even asked to sign autographs after the event was over--her first time ever. In gymnastics, she passed levels 6 and 7 quickly, but then changed gyms to J.J.’s Olympic Express in December for a club that could offer more private tutelage.
At school, 5th grade now, she went one level higher for both math and reading. Replacing the violin, she studied flute during the summer and was made 1st chair flutist in the Advanced Band come fall. During the same time, and due to the completion of a much anticipated large addition to the house, Tarah finally had her own room and could showcase all her many collections: Ponies, Trophies, (later Beanie Babies, etc).
A whole new year was here and Tarah continued to dance. She begin to set trends in the dance world as she choreographed one of her own solo numbers “Gloria” by herself (at 9)--a fast, yet graceful lyrical piece done in a purple velvet dress, which, once she started competing, changed the pace and look of lyricals completely over the next few years. She won another National Championship at the “That's Dancin” competition with her Tap solo,“Yellow Ribbon Medley, (Championship #2) and continued to practice gymnastics, now 21 hours per week with her new coaches at her new gym. On April 11th, she’d passed level 8, (attaining level 9 status, still only 9 years old). She was doing amazing tricks now: double backs on Floor and off Bars, complex standing layout-walkout flips on Beam, as well as innovative dance moves like illusions & double one-legged inward & outward turns).
Sixth grade, Tarah started going to the junior high school for math and took two extra-curricular drama courses as well. The night before the pivotal “That’s Dancin” Regional Finals Contest, Tarah had a dream that she won 4 first places for her solos, and that the high-point award (which was big as a van and sitting next to the camcorder), had her name on it—unheard of for a competition because how would the officials know ahead of time who was going to win? But indeed, she did win 4 first places for her dance solos, she did win the highpoint, (298/300 points), and all the trophies did have her name on them, (the only time that ever happened—it was due to a new mechanical invention that could press names on awards right at the competition in mere seconds during the Judges’ break). Her performance was seen by a Los Angeles talent scout, which lead to (via video tapes) her getting her first California agent (cue traveling to California for auditions by van). Coincidence, maybe, but Tarah often had prophetic dreams about future events. At this competition, she also qualified to the National Championships in Reno, Nevada and won the National Championship there (Title #3). |
To browse a new page
  |
