As a little girl, I loved dancing. I did it all – ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, and hip hop. My parents got me into classes at a very young age, and as I got older, I joined the dance school’s “company” team.
I loved performing at the recitals as I got older. Being on stage, even at age ten, was so exciting to me. I remember one recital, I had ten costumes. I am sure my parents look back at how much money they spent on these costumes, but these are fond memories for me.
The second my oldest turned 2.5, I looked into getting her into dance lessons. I could not wait. I think I secretly hoped she could start dancing when she started walking!
I vividly remember how nervous she was in her first class. It wasn’t easy getting her to go to class, but when she did, she loved it. Her first recital was unfortunately canceled due to COVID. They did try to do it virtually, but taping the girls and splicing it together in a virtual performance with 3-year-olds was difficult. Needless to say, that year was a wash.
She took ballet and a tap/jazz combo class the following year. Once again, she thrived in the classes, and watching her dance brought me back to my dancing days that I cherished so much. The day of the recital finally came, and I put on her makeup and did her hair in her ballet bun. I was so proud.
My daughter loved what I loved. I felt a bond with her that I hoped we would have. I watched in awe as she remembered every step on stage, smiled, and showed no nervousness.
Last year, my youngest daughter also started ballet classes. She loved it even more so than my oldest did! Whenever I mentioned you have dance today, she would shout, “Yeah!” Simultaneously, my oldest got deeper into dance and took a ballet/tap/jazz combo class and hip hop class last year. Even though I thought she was amazing on stage the year before, I saw such growth in her this past recital.
She was a dancer now. Again, I was in awe that my 6-year-old could remember four dances and not miss a beat. My 3-year-old’s recital this year was adorable. It was everything I thought it would be. She was a little nervous and all over the place, but she did it. I was so proud of her, too!
My oldest daughter is part of a competitive team at her dance school this year. She also takes three different classes during the week. Once again, I see this little nervous dancer drifting away each time I see her perform. She is a natural on stage.
We are starting the competition season. However, I cannot wait to watch her on stage. Her competitive team is all of her closest friends, and combined with that, I am close with all of the moms of the girls on the team. I cannot wait for many more years of watching both of my girls on stage!
