First Day of Ballet

Grace had her first ballet class this morning.  She has been anticipating this day for weeks, and couldn’t believe that today was actually the day!  Here she is practicing some moves before we left.

Today was also the first day for me to start babysitting our friend again during the school year.  He actually enjoyed tagging along!

I’ll admit that I was a bit nervous about how Grace would do when we went into her class.  She has always been hesitant about changes and new situations.  Sometimes it takes her a while to warm up.  Soon after we walked in the room, she promptly fell HARD on her bottom while walking in her slippery new tap shoes.  Of course this resulted in some tears and clinging. 

However, after a minute or so she bravely walked to her assigned spot and sat down awaiting instruction.  All the moms (and one granddad!) exited the room.  I prayed the entire time that she would have fun and really enjoy the class.  Thankfully she did!  I was so proud of her!  She participated in all the activities and was smiling every time I peeked through the glass to catch a glimpse of her. 

I happened to be watching when they changed from tap shoes to ballet shoes.  The poor teacher was trying to help ten little girls locate their bags and get their shoes off and on.  Grace walked right over to her bag, took off her tap shoes, put on her ballet shoes, zipped her bag back up, and walked back to her assigned spot.  I couldn’t believe it.  I know it seems silly that I’m impressed by this, but self-guided, independent behavior goes contrary to her nature in a completely new environment.  My baby is growing up! 

After ballet class, I took them to McDonald’s for lunch.  Here they are with Ronald, the creepiest mascot ever.  But then again, I have a strange aversion to clowns.  It all goes back to an old episode of Little House on the Prairie.    But that’s a story for another post…

They had a blast on the playground and acted so sweetly towards each other.  I think they’ve missed playing together over the summer!

Before she went to bed tonight, we practiced some of the new moves she learned.   She can’t wait to go back next week!