Dance

Once a year, the major youth dance organisation in Calderdale, Dance 4 All, put on a show at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax (two shows, in fact - matinee and evening performance), usually in May. Last year, it was a bit earlier, on 7 May, and Maddy danced a couple of numbers in both shows. She got very tired as she was quite thin by then - but most importantly, for her and for the show, she kept dancing. It was the last significant thing she did before the awareness of her cancer emerged. Everyone was getting very concerned as it was obvious she was quite ill...but we still didn't know why.
One year later - the show's on at the end of May this time - and it feels very different. Maddy looks quite different - essentially she looks a lot stronger and healthier, but she has looked forward to the performance with just the same enthusiaism and enjoyment as she does every year.
Here she is with brother Bertie and friend Helen in the rehearsal studio on the day of the show: (click the pics for an enlarged view)
The show itself was fabulous (as always) with Hebden Bridge Seniors being allocated the prestigous last slot on the billing before the final curtain call. More than that, there are just two awards made for contribution and committment to the dance company and for achievement. Maddy was awarded the Megan Briggs Trophy (contribution etc), partly because she has been dancing with the company for 11 years now, but also, no doubt, because of the last year and bouncing back so strongly to dance again this year.