"Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself."
~Havelock Ellis
I am moved by so many art forms. Music ignites and accents my feelings. Photography elicits sentimental memories and emotions, and brings out my creative side. But dance - dance brings tears to my eyes and takes my breath away.
Growing up, dancing was my obsession. Most of my free time was filled with pliés, rond de jambes and sautés. I danced every day, with dreams of becoming a prima ballerina.
I grew older and my interests changed, but for 12 years, dance was my life.
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| My girl at 5 |
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| Me at 5 |
Now my girl is 5, and her love for dance mimics my own.
Last night, she played a dolphin in her dance school's production of The Little Mermaid. Her eyes were wide and her grin went from ear-to-ear as she pranced across the stage. Once she finished her piece, I rushed to get her dressed, and snuck her into the audience with me to watch the rest of the show.
She watched in awe as the dancers performed Irish, hip hop, jazz, and lyrical pieces with precision and enthusiasm. It was late, but my girl didn't waver, her eyes glued to the stage. "I want to dance like those girls one day mama." she said, in a trance.
"With lots of practice and hard work sweetheart, you can do anything" I replied.
She might not love dance forever, her interested will most likely change as she matures and discovers new things. But today she is a dancer, and I'm a proud mama.
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I can relate to how you feel about dance and watching your little girl perform. I have 2 dancers in our house with a third one desperately wanting to start too.
ReplyDeleteI learned something new about you today. I didn't know you were a dancer. How fun. I wish I could have danced growing up too. I've always had an appreciation for it.
I love that she's following in your footsteps. And what an adorable dolphin she makes!
ReplyDeleteTheo is a music lover not so much a dancer but I love it all! Hoping to instill that in my little boy.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and son recently started diving on our pools summer dive team. That is what I grew up doing - I swam and dove (and was primarily a diver). I sometimes feel that part of the reason I gave up diving before college is because I was burnt out and it wasn't fun anymore. I hope that I can make the sport of diving (and swimming) fun for my kids and not burn them out on it. I want them to LOVE the activities they do - not have it be something they HAVE to do or that they end up overdoing.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it fun when our kids pick-up on the activities we once loved? What a cute little dancer you have!
Hi, it's my first time linking up (and commenting, though not reading)! The comparison pictures of the two of you at five years old are adorable!! I danced until my mid twenties, when I finally decided enough was enough (also, was constantly hobbling around from pain in my joints, muscles, back...) so I understand the dance bug and hope one of my kids gets it too! But as others have said, as long as it's fun, cause this stuff has to be fun and not a chore!
ReplyDeleteJust love this. And your picture comparison. So cute. Middle is joining the dance team at her school next school year and she is beyond excited. They will get to show off their skills at the schools middle school football games.
ReplyDeleteSounds adorable. I really hope Sarah wants to dance this year.
ReplyDeleteOh so adorable - and you too!!
ReplyDeleteMy kids all love to dance around the kitchen with me when I put music on. I just love it -- brings back memories and keeps that Celtic tradition alive.
My 5 year old announced just tonight that she would have rather taken dance class than soccer. whoops! guess next fall. secretly excited about buying that first dance outfit :)
So sweet. Before I read the post I thought both pictures were your daughter. WOW! I know you have to love that.
ReplyDeleteGreat post...she made the most adorable dolphin. My oldest is obsessed with dance too. It's so amazing to watch her try to mimic the dancers we watch on TV. Her favourite show right now is Phantom of the Opera. And I would gladly take that over a Barbie movie any day.
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