“From an Incredible LSU Tiger Girls Dance Clinic Experience to Watching Stunning Storms Roll In on the Way Home: Larkin’s Unforgettable Weekend Adventure”
Last weekend was one for the books, filled with experiences that will live in our memories for a long time. Larkin had the chance to attend the LSU Tiger Girls dance clinic, and we truly had no idea how amazing this event would turn out to be. When we signed her up, we thought it would be a fun way to learn a few new moves, meet other dancers, and maybe get a small taste of what a college dance team experience might feel like. What we didn’t expect was just how professional, exciting, and inspiring the entire clinic would be. It was the perfect blend of studio-style training and high-energy dance team techniques, making it an experience that felt both fresh and challenging in all the best ways.
As soon as we arrived at LSU’s campus, there was a certain energy in the air. You could feel the pride and dedication of the Tiger Girls dance team just by watching them warm up and prepare for the day. These dancers are not only incredibly talented but also disciplined, polished, and passionate about what they do. For someone like Larkin, who loves dance and spends countless hours practicing, this was like stepping into a whole new world of possibility. She was surrounded by dancers who shared her same level of enthusiasm and drive, and that alone made the experience feel special. It was clear from the very beginning that this was going to be no ordinary dance clinic.
The clinic itself was structured in a way that perfectly balanced technique with performance. Larkin got the chance to work on precision, sharpness, and stamina—the kinds of things that set apart a high-level dance team from your average group. The Tiger Girls didn’t just teach routines; they also focused on what it takes mentally and physically to perform at that level, which was eye-opening for everyone in the room. There were moments where Larkin was challenged to push beyond what she thought she could do, but there were also times where she was encouraged and lifted up by the team, creating an environment that felt both intense and supportive. This combination made the entire day not just a dance clinic, but an empowering experience.
One of the highlights for Larkin was learning an actual piece of choreography from the Tiger Girls’ own repertoire. To say she was excited would be an understatement. She jumped right in, picking up the moves with determination, and by the end of the session, she was performing the routine with a confidence that only comes from being fully immersed in the moment. It wasn’t just about getting the steps right—it was about capturing the energy, the presence, and the performance quality that the Tiger Girls are known for. Watching her do that was incredibly rewarding for us as parents, because we could see just how much she was growing as both a dancer and a performer.
What struck us most about this clinic was how well it combined different elements of dance. It had the technical rigor that you would find in a traditional studio setting, but it also had that dynamic, high-energy vibe that is unique to college dance teams. For Larkin, who has experience with both, it felt like the best of both worlds. It gave her the chance to see how the skills she has developed in her studio training could be applied in a completely different arena, and that realization was exciting for her. It opened her eyes to new possibilities for her future in dance—maybe even being part of a college dance team one day.
By the end of the clinic, Larkin was glowing with happiness. She had spent the entire day surrounded by positivity, hard work, and inspiration. It’s not often that you see a group of young dancers come together with so much energy and focus, but that’s exactly what this clinic created. The Tiger Girls weren’t just teaching dance moves; they were instilling confidence, teamwork, and passion. It’s easy to see why this team is so highly regarded, and it’s even easier to understand why Larkin had the absolute best time of her life.
As we packed up to leave LSU and started making our way home, we thought the weekend’s excitement had come to an end. But as fate would have it, we were treated to another awe-inspiring experience—this time from nature itself. As we hit the road, we noticed dark clouds beginning to form in the distance. It wasn’t long before we were driving straight into a series of rolling, powerful storms that stretched across the sky. At first, we were a little nervous, because the winds were strong and the rain came in sudden bursts. But as we drove further, we couldn’t help but marvel at how beautiful it all was. The sky turned shades of deep gray, purple, and gold, and flashes of lightning illuminated the horizon in bursts of raw energy.
There was something almost cinematic about that drive home. The storm was wild and unpredictable, yet there was also a sense of calm in knowing we were safe and together, watching this natural show unfold. We found ourselves talking about the clinic and how incredible it had been, while every few minutes we’d pause to comment on the sky. Larkin, tired from dancing all day, kept saying how the lightning looked like it was dancing too, and in that moment, it felt like the perfect way to end a perfect day.
Reflecting on the weekend as a whole, it was one of those rare times where everything just comes together in a meaningful way. Larkin not only got to push herself and learn from some of the best dancers around, but she also came away with a renewed sense of excitement about her own dance journey. We can already tell that this experience has left a mark on her—she’s been talking non-stop about the routines she learned, the tips she picked up, and the energy she felt being around the Tiger Girls. It has inspired her to work even harder, and now we are already looking for our next fun stop, whether it’s another clinic, competition, or workshop that will keep fueling her passion.
What makes experiences like this so valuable is that they go beyond just learning new steps or techniques. They remind young dancers like Larkin why they fell in love with dance in the first place. It’s about connection—connection with the music, with other dancers, and with yourself. Watching Larkin come alive during this clinic reminded us that dance is more than a hobby for her; it’s a part of who she is. It’s where she feels most confident, most creative, and most at home. That kind of passion can’t be taught—it has to be nurtured through experiences like the one she had at LSU.
As parents, we couldn’t be prouder of how she embraced every moment of this weekend. She walked into that clinic with an open mind and came out not just a better dancer, but a more determined one. She learned that dancing at a collegiate level takes discipline, energy, and confidence, but she also saw that it’s possible if you put in the work. The Tiger Girls showed her that success in dance comes from being fearless, passionate, and willing to give your all every single time. Those are lessons that will stay with her for years to come.
Even now, a few days later, we’re still talking about everything we saw and experienced. Larkin has been practicing some of the choreography she learned, and every time she does, you can see the spark in her eyes. It’s moments like these that remind us why we make the effort to find opportunities like this for her. It’s not just about dancing—it’s about growth, confidence, and joy. And if the stormy skies we drove through were any indication, the universe seemed to be celebrating with us, sending a dramatic yet beautiful reminder that life’s best moments are often the ones we don’t fully expect.
Looking back, this weekend was about more than just a dance clinic or a car ride home. It was about adventure, passion, and the little surprises that make life so special. From the amazing LSU Tiger Girls dance clinic that left Larkin feeling on top of the world to the breathtaking storm that greeted us on our drive, every detail felt like part of a bigger story. We can’t wait to see where her dance journey takes her next, but one thing is certain—this weekend will always be a cherished chapter in that story.
