Erin loves dancing. I promised her last year that we’d start a dance class in the village along from us. Many months of her reminding her playgroup teachers (every day) that she still hadn’t been to dancing was seriously threatening my reputation as a decent mother, so I decided to give her a shot at highland dancing instead, the class is in our own village so no excuses about not having the car, it’s only a five minute walk.
I dug out the leotard with her name on it and her pink ballet shoes, both purchases by nanny who has high hopes of her following in her dancing foot steps. Strange feelings started to come over me, I began to feel a little nervous, would I know any of the other parents, would I show myself up as the newbie, not knowing whether to stay or go, paying etiquette and finally horror of horrors, surely they wouldn’t expect me to join in, visions of a fat flashdance flickered through my mind. I regained my composure, I needed to be strong for Erin, with fake confidence I helped her dress and packed our bag, complete with water bottle, a water bottle would make me look like an old pro, wouldn’t it?
The class was half highland dancing and half tap dancing, Erin wore pink while the rest were all in black, she was the smallest, I won’t lie, I was worried for her. She sat with the group and then the ‘warm up’ began. It was pretty vigorous compared to anything she’s done before, I mean she joins in with ‘boogie beebies‘ but that’s different isn’t it. A few minutes in and I could see she was flagging a bit, and then, breathlessly she shouted across the room “Mum, I’m really tired”. I told her to take her time, she was doing really well, I think I may have given her a few ‘thumbs up’ too, cos that’s what ‘dance mums’ do, isn’t it?
I have to say though she did really well, all the girls knew the dances but she kept up as best she could and did really well to listen most of the time, she did go off on a little solo tangent a few times, and at what point she insisted that she didn’t need help as she knew what to do! The teacher was great too, very patient and made the class a lot of fun.
The class ended and Erin asked if she could do it again, so we’ll be back for another class on Saturday before they break for summer.
Aw how cute – and good for her for persevering. Maybe she’ll wow the dancers at ‘Move it Shake it’ with a few hot moves?!
My 4 year old started a dance class last year – it was freestyle. She lasted 4 weeks before she told me she hated it and in particular the congo. Who can blame her?
We’re going to try again but something a little less ‘Fame’ … maybe tap or ballet.
Well done, I’m sure Erin had a lot of fun! I think the secret is not force them to do anything they don’t like. My daughter did 4 years of ballet and tap dance with quite a few exams and trophies but then she surprised my by saying she was fed up and she’d preferred taking up football. So football it is now! And she’s happy. Ciao. A.
EM – I’m expecting some freestyle moves
Laura – I was actually fancying ballet more for her, after seeing her on Saturday I think it would be a bit too disciplined.
Antonella – As long as their happy that’s all that matters
Sounds adorable, LM – can we see the video, please? My Child Two is still loving ballet at 11. Highland tap sounds a fantastic combo!