Today was Isabel’s first ballet lesson. It was supposed to just be the registration, and the lessons seriously begin in October. First, it was raining and we couldn’t find the place and we were worried about that, I don’t think she would have forgiven us if we’d showed up late and blown it.
Photo by Google images, but that's pretty much what it looks like
Once we found it, she slid right in. Before my wife could get over to the registration table, she was in the circle with the other kids. In a technical sense, it’s like watching an exercise class for people who are unfamiliar with the concept of exercising. They did a little exercise, running around and flapping their arms like butterflies. Some stretching stuff. Then came the moment I was really proud of.
The teacher (and, yes, to answer your question, my fantasy vision of what my daughter’s ballet teacher should look like was pretty much spot on) asked the kids who’d like to dance for them solo. Isabel jumped up with no persuasion at all. She wasn’t brilliant, it was just a few twirls, but she was definitely performing.
Then, none of the other 5 kids could be cajoled into dancing. Eventually one danced, with another teacher. Then two kids came on from the sidelines. The older one was quite good, had proably studied ballet before. I guess she was about 9. The younger one was only three and seemed to have ballet confused with running laps, because that’s what she started doing. It was cute, but I think the school asked her mother to wait 6 months.
So, I hope Isabel continues to like ballet as much as she liked this 1st lesson. I would be thrilled if she became a ballet dancer. But, even more important than that, I know that she won’t be afraid to be the first person on the dance floor. That’s a great advantage in life.
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