Ballerina

Greedy for a Facebook photo of my precious girl in a tutu (there have been a surge of preschool ballerina pics from friends lately, and I wanted to join them!), I found a studio that offered a block of lessons at a reasonable rate. Grace likes to dance, so I thought she would have fun too; it wasn't totally self-serving. :)

Although she was excited to go, she took some time to warm up to the idea once we arrived.  That's okay; I knew she would.  And it was an hour long class, so 20 minutes of watching still left plenty of time to dance.

Then the instructor placed a set of rings on the ground, and the girls practiced leaping over them.  It looked fun enough for Grace to try it, first with me holding her hand, and then solo.

 

Big high fives from the instructor.

Intense concentration

After that, Grace stayed with the other girls (two we didn't know, plus one friend who came with us) and watched the instructor very closely.
 

 

 

I love this picture.  She is so proud.

There was also some free-form dancing, and Grace had big smiles during that time.  (I figured I had already photo-bombed the hour and should stop, so I don't have a shot for that.)

The instructor taught a little routine at the end which included an optional solo for each girl.  They wore a little hat when it was their turn.  Grace wanted to wear the hat, but I'm not sure she knew it meant a spotlight.  The fingers went back into her mouth, she froze, and then ran to me.  Sweet girl.  Later we had a discussion about how it's okay to tell adults no (not Mama and Daddy, but other adults, especially when what they ask makes you uncomfortable).

Our friend Zoe joined us (littlest one, next to Gracie)

After it was over, she said, "Mama, I need a lollipop, because I did a good job." And then, "Mama, let's go out to a restaurant."  She really wanted to celebrate what was a genuine accomplishment. 

I am so proud of her. 

And of course, she got a lollipop.  :)  I like how easy-going the instructor, Rosa, is and that I can stay close and watch.  A pair of ballet shoes are on their way, and we will hunt for a leotard.  It was exhausting and good for us both.