Today, Claire and I got to try out a new ballet school. This one is a “real” ballet school, where they take everything very seriously…yet they have fun. This is the perfect combination for my little girl who loved her Rec Center Ballet Classes, but got a little perturbed with the other girls who “don’t pay attention and do the right moves, Momma!” …not to mention the whole fiasco with messing with her hair!
This ballet school isn’t very far from our house, and has come highly recommended. We went last week to take a peek and loved what we saw. We were invited to try it out today before making our decision, but I had a sneaking suspicion it would go well.
And, it did!
Claire LOVED it. The teacher said she did really well, and I’m so proud of her! The most shocking turn of events was when Claire actually allowed me to put her hair in a bun before we left the house. I knew it wasn’t up to “standards,” but I also knew that they allow the preschool class to wear a ponytail if all else fails.
We got to the school a little early so that a professional could help me with the shoes and Claire’s hair. What? Have you ever tried to figure out ballet shoes? Oh, they seem so simple now. (Here’s a hint: There really ISN’T a right and left. They really ARE the same.) And, I could rock a mad bun in my own hair a million years ago, but doing a bun on someone who up until that very morning refused to allow such a pastry-named hairstyle grace her tresses? I needed the help of a third party.
In true form, Claire was a perfect angel for the wonderful lady who came to our rescue. She looked like such a big girl in her outfit, with her hair all done up in a bun.
The class went without incident, and Claire professed her love for it immediately. We went ahead and filled out all the paperwork and made things official.
Before we left, we had a chance to watch the older dancers practicing. One of the ballerinas smiled directly at Claire through the observation window, and Claire was completely mesmerized. The look on her face was priceless. Maybe one day, she’ll be on the other side of that glass smiling at the brand new ballerinas.
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That sounds so cute!
It’s a moment like this that can forever change the course of a life. For me it was the first time I realized that an actor was someone who was really good at playing make-believe…when I met one after a show, and realized how magical it was. Today (more than 30 years later) I’ve made theatre my life’s work (when I’m not being a wife and a mom…those always come first).