Reality has set in. My daughter is growing up too quickly. She enrolled in her first dance class this week and survived her first lesson. My husband and I decided to sign her up for dance classes after some discussions about her interests. At such an early age she has shown interest in music and art and so we decided to give her an opportunity to try out dance during the time of the year where we have a little more freedom. We also signed her up with a friend so we knew she would have some level of comfort during the class.
So how did it go?
Well, first of all she loved the process of getting dolled up to look like a ballerina. We were able to borrow some leotards and shoes from friends so that we weren’t investing too much yet into something we weren’t sure she would actually be ready for or enjoy. She’s not quite three yet so it’s hard to say how her feelings toward dance may change in the future.
When we first arrived to the dance studio she acted a bit shy. She didn’t want to walk away from me or approach the other girls dressed up in their ballet uniforms. It took her friend grabbing her hand and leading her through the studio to get her to leave my side. We arrived a bit early and another class was still going on so the two buddies walked hand-in-hand and watched some of the older girls twirling and tapping away on the dance floor. As the time neared for their class to begin the girls both had a very nervous look across each of their faces. But, they had each other and it was adorable.
The teacher met them at the door and showed them where to put their shoes. Arianna hestatingly followed the instructor, but didn’t dare to say a word. When the music started it took her a little while to get started. She spent the first half of the class watching all the other girls follow the instructions of the teacher, but didn’t follow along herself. It was when the instructor had the girls “shake their booties” that our little Arianna decided she could do this. She shook away like it was nobody’s business and then spent the rest of the class doing her very best to execute all of the movements demonstrated by the teacher.
Afterwards, she did not want to leave the class. She had enjoyed herself so much and even if it took her a little bit to warm up she had danced her little heart out. Her favorite part of the class was when the girls joined up and made a train and went around the dance floor saying, “chugga chugga.” She giggled the entire time.
It was adorable and I am so proud of the way she behaved. As a mother it was bittersweet. I love that I was able to provide an opportunity for her to get out of her comfort zone and learn something that has obviously captured her interest. I dread the fact, however, that she is growing up and becoming an independent. I felt a foreshadowing of the feeling that mother’s must have when they send their children off to kindergarten for the first time.
I look forward to this journey with our sweet, intelligent, kind, and funny daughter.
The Ameri Brit Mom 