We were on the fence about continuing. She was finally re-enrolled in October, a month late. Deemed at first by the new program director to be not yet ready for Level 1, she was moved back to Pre-Ballet 2, then back again to Level 1 a week later.
Her little sister, also discovered to not yet be ready for Level 1, remained in the Pre-Ballet class until we decided to let her focus on her real passion, theater. I would much rather see that contagious smile on my Sunshine's face.
{You see, I wanted to be one of those families with two or three girls in ballet. You know, like the dream I once had of having a string quartet in the family - the dreams that fall by the wayside when you realize you would rather not squeeze the life out of your kids by making them do something that doesn't really light their bulb.}
But I digress.
The first month in Level 1, my Dancer felt like the girl who couldn't do anything right. By Christmas she showed improvement. By late spring her teacher said that her improvement "blew her away" and hinted about some "big changes" coming her way.
And there will be big changes.
Level 2 means she will begin pointe work.
This is such a milestone for any dancing girl. Sort of like beginning vibrato and concerto repertoire in violin, but a bigger deal.
Not having any experience in dance myself, I have no idea what we are getting into, really, other than sore feet and $100 pointe shoes that may last one year.
I just know that now, instead of dreading the fact that she is growing up and reluctant to part with the care-free lifestyle of childhood, my daughter is discovering the perks of progress, maturity, dedication, and growth. She has been diligent. She did not give up on this little girl dream of being a real ballerina on tippy toes. She is turning into a young lady, full of beauty, strength, grace and control, and reaping the rewards of a firm foundation that takes years to lay.
She may not play with dolls and fairies so much anymore, but she is blessed with a five year old sister to play them with whenever she wants to feel five again. This same little sister willl start ballet in the fall, hoping to be just like her big sister, wishing she were already twelve and on pointe.
