Another Ballerina in Training

A few weeks ago we commented about Marielle’s new ballet class, and I’m glad to inform that it’s been going well (no more teacher’s notes). She’s been learning a lot, and it has been fun watching her through the studio windows as she improves on each of the fundamental dance steps they learn. Equally exciting is that her little sister is following in her dance steps by attending the same pre-dance class that Ellie did.

Little, petite Ellie always looked like such a cute skinny-mini in her leotard, but Harper is absolutely adorable with her paunchy little belly. After some initial shyness, Harper’s really gotten excited about her class. When we started the fall session a few weeks ago, it was a little difficult getting her to participate. Much like her big sister, she was a little apprehensive about going it alone in class. However, her unease manifested itself differently. Too put it bluntly, Marielle got hysterical about being in the dance studio without us. Harper, on the other hand, would go in to the class but would be completely belligerent with the instructor. She would flatly refuse to do anything. No stretches, no twirls, no skipping across the room. She would just stand. Most of the time, standing in everyone else’s way. This went on for probably the entire first half of the first four classes, and, in fact, on one week, when Viv took her, the momma’s girl did get hysterical (a la Marielle). This was made even more awesome by the fact that one of the other parents was videotaping their child that weekend, and they will forever be able to share Harper’s screaming soundtrack with family and friends as they watch the home movie on holidays and get-togethers to come. By the second half of each class, she’d come around just in time to play with scarves or stand at the practice bar. After this initial transition, the rest of session went really well.

We signed her up for the winter session, and we are now looking forward to a winter recital in December.