Allie took a combo ballet/tap dance class from Sept. to June. In October she started crying that she didn't want to go after a year of begging to take dance! I didn't let her quit since I had already paid for the recital costumes! I told her she was in it for the year!! I think that she misunderstood what she was going to be doing. Instead of going and doing her own dance for an hour, she had to learn steps and dances from the teacher. It wasn't until after the new year that she finally stopped asking to quit and actaully somewhat enjoyed herself. It helped that her friend Kenzie Jantz (her preschool teacher's daughter) was in her class. As the year went by I saw her grow into a cute little dancer (still not a graceful one though). Allie put her own spin to the ballet moves. Instead of slowly turning around in a circle, Allie would spin as fast as she could!! Since I never took dance growing up, I was not informed of what a dance recital involved. It began at picture time when all the moms showed up with curling irons, hair rollers, cans of hairspray, makeup, and bobby pins. I showed up with 2 costumes, Allie, and my car keys. Allie was still adorable in her pictures although I didn't buy any because the poses looked so unnatural for her. Ok, on to the recital. I'll be kind here because it is over and everything turned out ok (although it lasted 3 1/2 hours!!!!). Anyway, let's just say I spoke with Joy (of Joy's School Of Dance) and told her how age inappropriate this was and how fustrating it was to the kids to not allow a teacher down front to help the 3-4 year olds remember their dance. The recital was performed at a local high school auditorium that the kids had never been to before. The lights were down (dark) and the kids were suppose to walk out on stage to the music and perform the dance that they had practiced at the dance studio with a teacher always guiding them. The recital is really for the older dancers who really do deserve to show off their skills. I would have been just as happy to sit on the floor of the dance studio and watch her. Allie did a super job on stage despite it all and I was so proud of her!! She was absolutely adorable!! Poor Blake had to sit through the whole thing but he cheered Allie on when it was her turn.
showing off some moves before we go
cute monkey costume
This is the costume she wore for tap. They danced to the song "I Wanna Be Like You" from the Jungle Book.
Had to take a picture of the bun that took 45 min. to get up! Allie's hair is fine and slick!
Allie and Kenzie
headed to the stage
Super job Allie!
After a costume change it's back to the stage. For ballet they danced to the song "A Whole New World" from Aladdin.
waiting to go on stage
behind the stage
after the show daddy gave her some flowers
allie and daddy
Allie was so glad Blake was there. Not sure if Blake was!!
collage of the ballet costume
(click to make bigger)
After it was over, I asked Allie if she wanted to do it again next year. I received a very firm, "NO!" I'm fine with that.
showing off some moves before we go
cute monkey costume
collage of the ballet costume
Had to take a picture of the bun that took 45 min. to get up! Allie's hair is fine and slick!
Allie and Kenzie
headed to the stage
Super job Allie!
After a costume change it's back to the stage. For ballet they danced to the song "A Whole New World" from Aladdin.
waiting to go on stage
behind the stage
after the show daddy gave her some flowers
allie and daddy
Allie was so glad Blake was there. Not sure if Blake was!!
3 comments:
Allie really was a great dancer and little class did a wonderful job. I would have demanded my money back if she was in some of the other classes because the kids basically stood on stage in cute outfit and nothing more. With Allie and Kenzie's group (and you could tell they were the leaders) it was evident there was a routine even though they weren't always sychronized. In defense of Joy's School of Dance, we were glad that the dance moves and outfits (at all ages) were appropriate. We've seen some other studios around town that look like they're training girls to be NBA cheerleaders. Allie was GREAT!! (And those of you who know me, know that The Jungle Book holds a special place in my heart).
So funny Sherrie!! Though Will has no desire to be a part of a dance program I have heard all my friends with little girls talk about them and the story sounds the same. Long day, expensive costumes, stage moms etc. Allie looked very cute and thanks for sharing. I guess as a mother of a boy I put in my time at the Buford Ball field for the past three years!
So funny Sherrie!! Though Will has no desire to be a part of a dance program I have heard all my friends with little girls talk about them and the story sounds the same. Long day, expensive costumes, stage moms etc. Allie looked very cute and thanks for sharing. I guess as a mother of a boy I put in my time at the Buford Ball field for the past three years!
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