Tiny Dancers

Though you would never know it by looking at me now, I once was a dancer.

From the age of 2 1/2 to about 12 I took Ballet classes once a week at the local Y-JCC.  I had the same teacher for all those years and her ability to teach little girls to express themselves through music and movement was extraordinary. I loved her, and she used to say that I danced "with my mind." I would visualize my movements and become very wrapped up in the music. The "free dance" part of the class was my favorite.  She gave out light and floaty chiffon scarves and we used these as extensions of ourselves, twirling and flitting around the room.

I even danced in the summers after 4th - 6th grade.  I was lucky enough to attend Usdan  a creative and performing arts camp on Long Island.  There I took Modern Dance, Jazz and Tap, Folk Dance, and more Ballet.  I also explored my interest in singing and musical theater in the Junior Chorus.  I loved it at Usdan, being surrounded by talented kids and artsy teachers. 

For me, tomorrow is going to be a monumental day in the Trip'n household.  You

see, I have two little girls in my house who seem to have inherited their mom's ability to get lost in the music and express themselves through movement. Ever since they "met" June on Little Einsteins we have been witness to Arabesques, Pliés, Grand jetés, and B's famous Reverence (or curtsy) which she offers after accomplishing any feat from putting away her Wormy to saying a word correctly. 

I have been harboring a (not-so) secret desire that my daughters get the chance to try some formal dance classes so they can learn more about rhythm and movement. As a working mom this seemed impossible.  I could barely get it together to get transportation to and from school covered! I certainly wasn't going to add after-school activities into the mix.  

Then we got a notice that the girls' school's parent organization was putting together Friday afternoon classes at our local JCC. A bus would take the girls from school to the JCC and pick up is an hour and a half later. Included in the choices was Ballet and Tap. Now this was possible! I was home on Friday!! I think my girls may have been the first ones registered for the class. Now, the Friday thing is moot, because I am not working, but, what-ev-er!

 My girls are taking dance lessons!! I am so excited!

They have their little bags packed with pink leotards and Ballet slippers, little black dance skirts, and those shiny little Tap shoes with the ribbon ties. (I never had those).  They have been talking about it for weeks and can't wait to start.  I hope they love it.

Ballerina, you must have seen her

 dancing in the sand

And now she's in me, always with me, 

tiny dancer in my hand