dance dress rehearsal - things learned

Long but Good Story:

Our big girl LOVES her ballet class each week!  There is always excitement when she get to put on her tights and go dancing, she hasn't complained once during these seven months of ballet (I may have complained once or twice about a Friday class over the dinner hour). Some very neat things have happened lately.  She has began to recognize the importance of being part of a team.  When someone is missing from class there is a hole in their routines and she commented to me on that point after class the other day.  It opened a great discussion about dependability and responsibility.   Another pretty big opportunity for growth has been in overcoming her performance anxiety.  Last year in Kindergarten no big deal, slight hesitation but smiles on stage, no tears ever.  Her teacher and the assistants are FABULOUS!!!! This year at her Christmas recital there were big tears and I literally had to pass over my crying daughter who was clinging to me to the ballet teacher, it was heart breaking but she went got on stage with her class and came out smiling after. We praised her and talked about how she can do hard things. She also prepared a duet with her violin teacher and planned to play "What Child is This" in sacrament, but big time performance anxiety and her teacher ended up doing a solo.   Amelia has been assigned to do scripture at church once since Christmas and chose to play an Article of Faith song on the iPad, she just stood at the pulpit and pressed play.  Then last week during ballet class they have what is called parent watch where the studio is lined with parents and there was a ton of tears but she eventually stood with her ballet classmates and cried through the movements of the routine.  It was heart breaking to watch, her teacher handled it soooooo good and there were some darling little girls putting their arms around her and holding her hand. She did it though, she did it!  Fast forward to this week....dress rehearsal for the big girl with her much anticipated Rainbow Dash costume.  I told her the morning of to avoid any potential build up of anxiety and I kid you not the girl skipped down the sidewalk to car pool in the morning.  After school as she got her costume/hair/makeup done I could tell she was excited but a tad apprehensive.  Once we arrived at the theater and went backstage she gave me a huge 'bear hug' and a kiss and joined her fellow dancers...mini miracle.  I said a little prayer of gratitude as Stella and I walked to find our seats.  This Sunday the women has been assigned to talk in Primary and we talked about it tonight, she seemed ok with it.  During bedtime prayer she prayed for courage to give her talk, oh my heart. I am so proud of our Amelia Ann. So many little things about growing up!

Also to be noted, Stella Bella just has to get in her ballet gear too! Love these little women.

~ Mrs. P