NICK DUVAL

Nick: Alright guys, I know I haven’t had much of a chance to update everyone since coming back from vacation- totally my fault, sorry about that. But I wanted to go ahead and pop in, give out a few updates, and get our heads back in the game as far as rehearsals and competitions are concerned.

Nick: I’ll start things off by saying we will be attending an in-state competition this Saturday, so I need you all to make sure you’re ready to work. These numbers are getting more difficult, and more technical. I expect each of you to bring your A-Games. For this week’s competition, we will be performing a group number to Kelly Clarkson’s Piece by Piece. This will feature Reign Crawford ( @reigncrawford) and Elliott Gilbert ( @switchuponastarchild) as the lead dancers for the piece. 

Nick: This week, Campbell Clarington ( @campbellrclarington) and Mason McCarthy ( @mcmasonatdalton) will be taking on a duet choreographed to an instrumental version of Someone you Loved by Lewis Capaldi.    

Nick: I’m going to shake things up a little this week as well, and assign a trio to our wonderful male competitors. This will be performed to One More Time by Britney Spears, and will be performed by Mason McCarthy ( @mcmasonatdalton), Stevie Evans ( @daltonstevie), and Elliott Gilbert ( @switchuponastarchild). This trio will take a little more effort and practice than you’re used to, gentlemen, and you may want to consult with your female counterparts on this one, as you will be performing this piece wearing high heels. 

Nick: Finally, Stevie Evans ( @daltonstevie) will perform a solo this week to the song Oxygen. Stevie, this dance is one that is going to incorporate several movements and stunts I haven’t asked of you up to this point. It’s going to be imperative that we do this safely, while also maintaining the integrity of the piece itself. So, I’m going to have you doing one-on-one sessions with Mason ( @mcmasonatdalton) this week as well, so that you can work with him on some of these acro stunts. 

Nick: There have been some changes made to the practice schedules as well, since we do not currently have the play to contend with. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays will be group rehearsals, Tuesdays and Thursdays will be rehearsals for solos, duets, and trios. Those performing in a solo, duet, or trio may also be held back on Monday, Wednesday, or Fridays for further practice. 

Nick: Finally, one last piece of information to get out to you lovely people. As I am certain you are all aware, Jackie Pillsbury ( @jackiepillsbury) has joined our family here at Dalton. Many of you may be familiar with her dance background. Jackie has agreed to come on as my assistant, for the time being, to help out with anything I or the team may need. If anyone is in need of extra rehearsals or practice time, you may now reach out to myself or Jackie to get that scheduled. She will, however, be consistently running group rehearsals on Wednesdays, as well as solo, duet, and trio rehearsals on Tuesdays. 

Oooh, I like that second one. Party. It’s quieter than a ghost around here, anyway. We could totes use some life and excitement. You and your fantastic ideas, Sir. Always blowing me away.

Good, I’m glad you do. We’ll go then. It is, yeah. I’ve noticed. Oh well, more fun time for us. We definitely could. We deserve it. You’re sweet, my boy. Oh so sweet. I’ll be blowing something on you, that’s for sure. 

So these movies have been totes worth the time sitting still, I have to say. Now that tonight’s showing is over, anyone else want to get a walk in? I need to move before my legs fall off.

We can go for a walk, my love, or we can go out. Reign is performing tonight- would you like to go with me to see her? We’ll dance, have a little fun, have a lot more fun when we get home...What do you say?

I’m headin’ off to work, cuties, so if ya have off-grounds permissions you should totally come see me at the club. I’d love to get to know ya and you’ll love watchin’ me dance, for suresies. If you don’t have that ability, don’t worry, don’t fret– I’ve got ya covered. You didn’t think I wouldn’t perform here at the Fall Festival too, did ya? Because I will be.

Maybe Mason and myself will come out and see what you’ve got going on. We’re in need of a date night, and you know I’m never one to turn down seeing talent. What time are you on?

I am really glad that my experience can help make things easier for you, sir. I am just happy to have something to do with dance here. It really is my passion in life, in any way I can make it happen. I know that dance rehearsals and preparations for competitions can take a lot of time but I’m ready and willing to dedicate all the time that is needed for it.  Water would be wonderful, but there is no rush. I’ve seen that! I am so happy for them and it looks like they are loving what they are doing, that makes it even better. I think that is all amazing, sir. I think having motivation and big goals like that really would be a great way to elevate the team. A big goal like that with dance can just do wonders for people. Are there any other out of state competitions or even any other rehearsals or classes of well known dancers that they could attend as well? 

Well, I can certainly say we’re happy to have you aboard. Like I said, having someone as familiar with this world as you and myself will be great. Thank you for being willing to be so dedicated. That’s really something I’m looking for. It’s no problem, I’ll grab you a bottle. Yes, the team is really fantastic. Of course, I’m doing my best to play to their strengths. I’ve done pretty well so far if I do say so myself. But, that’s something I’d like to go over with you as well. At some point, I’d like to work with you on arranging times for you to help instruct. You’ll need to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses to do that as effectively as possible. I’ll go more in-detail about that in a moment. Yes, you’re right, there are so many benefits, I want to do all I can to make sure each of my dancers reaps all they can. There are. I’ve already got us signed up for numerous competitions, both in and out of state. I’m also looking at a couple of different boot camp weekends. I’ll get you a copy of the schedule tomorrow, so that you’re able to plan accordingly. 

As it stands, we practice every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. That is, unless there is an out-of-state competition, in which case I’ve switched the Friday practice to Thursday. Tuesdays and Thursdays are practices specifically for our trio, duo, and solo numbers. They also practice after group rehearsals Mondays and Wednesdays. Due to the play, we’d been using a bit of a different rehearsal schedule, but that’s what I’ve worked out now that we don’t have that going on. Of course, I’m always flexible with any other activities the dancers may have commitments with. In terms of their strengths and weaknesses...You may want to take notes on this. Genevieve Sterling is the Team Captain. She has years of formal training in ballet, tap, jazz, the whole nine. Her technique and fluidity are on-point. But, she can occasionally have issues letting go, and getting lost in the dance. She can get robotic, if she looses focus or, alternately, over-focuses. Stevie Evans is also formally trained. He does well with technique as well, and places heavy focus on expression. His biggest strength is hip-hop, I’d say, but he’s great anywhere he’s placed. My biggest note for him is really translating that true talent across the board for other dance styles. He does well, but I want to see him push further. He and Genevieve are duet partners. 

Campbell Clarington has some formal training, a lot of raw talent, and a hint of wildchild as she does have a stripping background. She is able to do a lot of our acro dancing as well. However, I’d like to see her focus more on technique. Her dance partner is Mason, who has the acro, the flexibility, the grace, and is able to pull off a lot of the more complicated steps I scheme up. But, I’d like to see him work more on the hard-hitting genres such as hip-hop. Reign Whittington is a gem, she has the moves, the body, the appeal. She does not have formal dance training, but she has been stripping for some time, so she has a great grasp on movements and is able to pick up on routines quickly. Technique is what we need to hit with her. Her partner is Elliott Gilbert, who also has no formal training but still a lot of talent and potential. He knows how to appeal to an audience, and how to captivate one too. His performance ability is off the chart. Really, with him, I’d like to focus more on that technique as well. Building upon what is already there. Does that all sound like something you’d be able to and comfortable working with?

Nice to meet you, Nick. I might just ask if you’d be willing to do one on one voice lessons with me. It’s been so long since I’ve actually sang, I miss it. Competitive Dance? Well, now you’re just hitting all my old sweet spots that I have neglected since starting college. Depends on if you’re into fashion, honestly. I’ve looked over some of it for sure. I saw Drama and Sewing clubs as a couple that jumped out for clubs. And a couple classes that I should probably take. 

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Sure! Just let me know what works for you once you’ve got a better idea of your schedule, and we’ll meet! If you’re interested in joining the dance team, we’ll be holding another round of auditions here in the next few months. You’re welcome to chat with my current team members- Genevieve Sterling is our Team Captain, then we’ve also got Elliott Gilbert, Stevie Evans, Campbell Clarington, Reign Whittington, and my Submissive, Mason McCarthy. Jackie Pillsbury is my assistant, but may be interested in joining the team at the next round of auditions as well. You’re always welcome to schedule one-on-one time with any of us, and I’m looking into adding Jackie into the teaching rotation as well, once we get things more coordinated after returning from vacation. Sorry to say, I myself am not big on fashion, but hey man if that’s your thing more power to you. Oh, yes! If you’re interested in those, Janelle St. James runs the Drama Club, and you can talk to either Marley Rose or Frannie Fabray regarding the sewing club. I know choosing classes can be a tough thing. I’ll say, chatter around the water cooler is that the Daltons are getting ready to add a few new classes to the roster as well, so be on the lookout for that too. I hope you’re settling in okay, Kurt. I know this can be quite the transition, but I can promise you aren’t alone here. 

Hey there, I suppose I should introduce myself and go from there.

My name is Kurt Hummel, I’m a dominant and a fashion designer and came here from living in New York. If you are a submissive I expect you to address me as sir, if you are a dominant I am fine answering to Kurt.

I will get a couple things out of the way right now. Yes, I am a resident. No, I will not give a detailed explanation as to why, that is my business. Though, I am sure your favorite gossip magazine will have some theories that they will pose as true in their next issue.

If you have any questions on anything else, I will be more than happy to oblige you.

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Great to see another new face around here. I’m Nick Duval, Dominant staff. I offer group and one-on-one vocal lessons, host weekly music therapy sessions, and I coach the Competition Dance Team here on campus. Cool to meet you, it seems you’re fairly well-known. If you need anything or have any questions, let me know. There’s lots to get involved in around here, never a dull moment really. Have you had a chance to look over the course and club offerings?

Jackie and Nick || F2F

Hello, sir! Of course thank you for being so kind and welcoming. I know I stepped in at such an odd time in regards to clubs. But I can’t tell you how glad I am at your offer and that we are able to talk things out.  I have a strong feeling hat it will be so great to be able to work with you!  Apart from my job and maybe trying out a few new club and learning new things my schedule really is flexible and open. 

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It’s no problem. I know what it felt like, being new once upon a time. It’s really no problem, like I said the truth is I could use the help. And, I know you know what you’re doing, so that does make things better and easier on all involved. Excellent, having an idea of your availability makes things easier as well. I’ve ordered the food, it should be here very shortly. In the meantime, we’ll go ahead and get down to business. Feel free to make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink?  I want to start off by talking about some of my goals for the team itself. I know you’ve been following our progress- the team is absolutely kicking ass and I couldn’t be more thrilled. But, I’m always looking for ways to elevate. I’ve managed to get the Daltons to agree to allowing out-of-state trips sparsely, however my ultimate goal is to make it to Nationals for our division, which will be held in Orlando, Florida in April. Of course we have a long road ahead of us, but that is of course the dream. 

Hey, Jackie! Thanks for making time for this meeting tonight. I figured things might be a little hectic, just having gotten back from vacation. But, I’m ready to hit the ground running, and just wanted to get some things planned and organized, to make sure we’re on the same page. I have to say, I appreciate you agreeing to be my assistant, this is going to help out so much. 

Jackie: I certainly am, beautiful sights, great company, it is hard to not have an amazing time. I didn't realize how much I missed the beach until I was there again.

Jackie: That works with me! Really? That is all so kind of you, sir. That sounds like a wonderful evening. Is there anything that I can bring along?

Nick: That's excellent. It seems this was much needed. Though, I can't say the hardass in me isn't kind of excited to get back to work.

Jackie: There is no problem at all, sir! It is great to hear from you and I hope you are having a wonderful vacation. From all your hard work it looks much deserved.

Jackie: A meeting would be perfect, when we get back would work well with me. Is there a certain time afterwards that would work best with you?

Nick: I'm grateful for that. I definitely am, there is no question this has been excellent. I hope you're having a great time as well.

Nick: Jackie, my apologies for bothering you at the tail end of vacation, however I wanted to make sure we touched base to schedule some things before real life took back over.