Now, it's important for me to be honest and tell you that my own excitement level surrounding the dance recital was off the charts. I couldn't wait for costumes to come in, for picture day, and for us to get a sneak peak of the show at dress rehearsal. On Friday we did a trial run of "stage makeup" and I realized that I was in need of recital supplies - blue eyeshadow, bobby pins, and some bright red lipstick (red 720 if you grew up in Andalusia). I started dancing when I was 3...and for the next 15 years of my life dance classes were a part of my weekly routine. It was something I enjoyed immensely and I know that through dance I gained lifetime skills such as confidence, stage presence, poise, and self-discipline.
We had a tough start to dance classes in the fall with some separation anxieties and emotional moments when Turner had to attend her first dance classes without me present. She was still two when she started in the fall, and most of the girls in her class were already three, some of them four - so she was the youngest by a good bit. I honestly had to do some soul searching and ask myself if this was something I wanted her to do, or something I thought she wanted to do. Thankfully her dance teacher encouraged me to stick it out for a few weeks and gradually Turner really began to look forward to her weekly tap and ballet class at Nix Dance Studio. But, even as late as Sunday afternoon, just before the recital, I still had some worries about how she'd do for her first time on a stage with lights and an audience. When we entered the auditorium Turner said, "Oooh look at that stage! I want to go up there!" Definitely a good sign, but I still wasn't sure and could think of a million things that could go wrong.
See what you think...
Yes, she did have a little issue midway through with one of her gloves...do you think she might have some obsessive tendencies like her parents? It might have just been the slightest bit uncomfortable and it just HAD to be adjusted at that moment. I am just glad she didn't start pulling them off!
Y'all, I know there were lots of proud family members in that audience, but can I just tell you I was about to bust out of my skin with excitement and pride to see my little girl up there doing that??!! But the even greater treat for me was her reaction after the show and when we got home last night. After each number I went to meet her backstage and Turner was always jumping up and down saying, "That was so fun Mommy! That was SO exciting!" Last night as I was snuggling with her in our nightly routine I asked her if she wanted to take dance class again next year and she said, "Yes! Mommy, at my recital, I LOVED IT!"
I just couldn't be prouder of this sweet girl!
It was also fun to see her with her dance friends backstage. When we went back the first time she grabbed two of them around the neck and said, "Mommy these are my friends - take our picture!" And of course, not knowing what to expect with timing, backstage needs, etc. all the moms back there at that moment had left our cameras in the audience with family! I did snap this picture before her tap number with a few of her dance buddies.
Check out the hair whipping going on here - she's shaking her head "NO!" and that pony tail is just flying around!
And of course, she loves her flowers from her Daddy. Who, by the way, if you haven't figured out yet is the most awesome Daddy in the whole wide world. I had a field trip last Thursday and didn't get back in town until about 6pm. Dress rehearsal started at 5:30 and it was our opportunity to get instructions on how to fix Turner's hair for the recital, where to go, when to be backstage, etc. And I couldn't be there. So my sweet husband, (who mind you had never been to a dance recital in his LIFE until Sunday), got Turner in and out of two dance costumes for dress rehearsal, took meticulous notes for me regarding the specifics of recital day, and shot video of both of the dance numbers during the rehearsal in case I didn't make it back in time. Turner and I both know, we are LUCKY GIRLS. Thank you Mark, you are the best.
Not my lollipop in the picture above. Just in case you were wondering. And yes, if you look really closely you can see the bobby pin clipped to the front of my dress. Not trying to make a fashion statement, just in case you were wondering.
We ran into Francie and her family after the recital and got a quick shot of the girls together. Francie's mom and I danced at the same dance studio for the majority of our childhood - I think we both felt the same way about Sunday and were flooded with special memories from our dance recital days.
Turner was so excited about the recital that she didn't take a nap on Sunday (and she naps every day for about 2 hours), and immediately after the recital we headed home for a quick change and back to the church picnic for a few hours. So you can imagine the exhaustion that set in on Sunday evening for all of us! But, it was an AWESOME day of memories and fun for our family! We are so proud of you Turner!
2 comments:
She is so cute! I'm glad you posted her dances. She did a great job.
She is so adorable. I am so proud of her, there were quite a few times where she was not looking towards the teacher and she just knew the moves...GO TURNER!
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