I look over at Abby who is clearly NOT in fifth position. I want to rush over to her and fix her feet before her ballet instructor can point out to Abby her mistake but I don't, hoping that she'll figure it out on her own.
It's "watch day" for parents at Abby's ballet lesson. Abby, who has been taking ballet lessons for a couple of years now, is the epitome of focus and concentration. Unfortunately that doesn't stop her from making mistakes, some that she quickly fixes and others that don't register.
Every other girl in the class is making as many mistakes as Abby. But I'm only focused on my daughter, watching her dance around the studio with a smile on face as she learns. My face lights up when she gets it as they practice for their recital this summer. As she makes a mistake my brows furrow in my own concentration as I will the steps to come easier to her.
Why I am so focused on this, on her mistakes, I don't know. The practical side of my brain says that Abby is six years old, still a baby in her own right (though she would disagree) and that she's having fun so who cares anyway? The fate of the world does not rest on the performance of a handful of kindergarteners at a ballet recital. But I want her to excel in everything she does. All parents want that for their children. Whether or not that ultimately happens won't matter. I love her unconditionally, even if her tendu sometimes looks more like fondue.
11 comments:
I am finding the letting them make their own mistakes harder than I would have thought too. We won't talk about my sideline coaching at soccer this fall. I guess if my boys took ballet I would be clueless though and they could make all the mistakes they needed. LOL.
uao! i wanna be mum soon!!! can you tell to my boyfriend?!...i am envious about you!( it's a sane and positive envy!!) hugs and kiss from saara www.moonstage.spaces.live.com
p.s. i had try to building up my "blogspot! but it is hard for me.. eheh and i'm not a blondie girl..!!
This is why I don't watch my son play tennis- not only do I not handle the pressure of competition well, I know enough to see his form is off & want to tell him to "Follow Through!!"
Ack! You lucky dog- I'd love to see Michael Buble- his first album is where I first heard Chris Botti. Someday, I guess *sigh*
A lovely view into the mind of a mother as she watches her child. Thank you.
You are a very intelligent and nice mother and I think you know it... I like the picture. Lovely...
Zeynep Ankara xx
It's tough being quiet. I make it a point to let the coach do the coaching. I'll practice with the kids, but only if they want to. The only thing I'll harp on them about is sportsmanship.
Ahhhh.... Dance!
What a wonderful thing to experience. Both for one's child, and for the proud parent to encourage in the child's formative years.
With some recollections now lighting up in my head right now, I may have to remember to do a blog one day on dance in my life.
Happy February to ya, Elizabeth!
~Nooner~
Parents want their children to be successful beyond reason. It just means you care. Fortunately it seems you enjoy your daughter is out there having having fun learning. :o)
I briefly did ballet when younger, this a top secret never to be divulged to anyone.
Signed
Anonymous.
Well now (looking around)so this is the new diggs eh? Not too shabby, not too shabby at all.
So freakin cute. I know exactly what you mean though. It's hard to just sit there and not comment or get up and fix everything.
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