Ballet

It was bound to happen.  Grace has been fascinated with ballet cartoons and ballet books for quite some time now, possibly a year or more.  She has asked to go to dance class for several months but the class times weren't "convenient" for her parent's schedules, until now.  Last week was her first class of ballet (instead of swimming... again) at the YMCA.  The teachers know this is the first class many of the children have ever had where the parents do not accompany the kids during the class, and aren't even in the room during instruction.  At the beginning of class the teacher keeps the door to the dance room open, partly for the kids to peer out to make sure their parents are still there, partly for the parents to peer in and slowly let go of their own separation anxiety.  Grace let go of my hand as if it was natural to leave a parent for something else so wonderful - and she never looked back.  She was ready.  I bet it feels like that when they go off to college. 

We have been to two classes now and each time Grace wore a different borrowed leotard.  (Thank you neighbors.)  She is the only one in class without pink or black.  I love this fact probably as much as Grace loves the class.  Another thing that makes Grace stand out at ballet is she is the only little girl who has her Dad drop her off and pick her up.  Sarah would like to go, but her schedule hasn't allowed it yet.  Below are a few of the photos I've texted her while Sam and I raise a ruckus out in the halls waiting for class to end. (The mom's definitely do not raise ruckuses while they wait)