Dance and the whole world dances with you…

Last year was Abby’s first year in dance. She was terrified of dancing in front of people… terrified. She would wail and shake at the mere thought of dancing in a recital. So, when recital time approached this year, Hubs and I were prepared for the meltdown of all meltdowns. We had gone over our auditorium evacuation plan when things went south. When I heard during her last class that said recital was going to be 4.5 hours long and all dancers were expected to stay backstage and quiet for the entirety of those 4 and a half hours… I just knew this would not go well. Four and a half HOURS? Um, that’s more than I usually sleep a night. Gheesh. I called one of my besties, Stacie, who is among other wonderful things, an amazing and talented dancer. She was blown away at the notion that 150 kids should be expected to remain quiet and entertained for that long. ( I had to call an expert and ask.. this time of year, my emotions rule and I didn’t know if being somewhat irritated at this request was rational or not.)

Thursday night, I set off to the store and stocked up on snacks, juice boxes, games and craft kits.. anything to keep Abby happy and help her class have fun. All the while, knowing that Abby may not make it through the ordeal.

Our class ordered one costume and were instructed to make another.  The recital rules were as follows:

1) Hair pulled back, all bows on right side only. No nail polish. Wear make-up.

2) NO panties. (Ever have to talk a 5-year-old into going commando? Needless to say, Abby wore panties… I know to pick my battles)

3) ALL dancers are to remain in the backstage hallway unless they are dancing!! (That’s one hallway, 150 kids, 150 stage moms… aka purgatory)

4) ALL dancers must stay until the finale!

Hubs and I were prepared for the worst. Abby seemed somewhat optimistic. I simply wasn’t buying it. Until….. she reminded me that if she danced, and stayed for the finale… she got a trophy. Hmmmm. Would the desire to hold her very own plastic golden dancer squelch her fears?

Let’s see………

Can you tell this is my sad attempt at costume making?

Nice form!

Abby and her besties from class…

Now, can you imagine keeping just these feet quiet backstage?Tap Tap Tap!

This picture reminds me of that horrible TLC show where Mom’s put their youngin’s in beauty pageants… the corn chips complete the look, I think. I got complaints that I didn’t apply her make up heavy enough… but seriously? Abby already likes to dance around poles at the playground.

Daddy, her Prince Charming, brought her flowers… he is her hero.

All in all, the two days of dance (one dress rehearsal then the recital) were a success… and one I almost look forward to next year.

Love y’all!

CeCe