Tiny Dancer

Last weekend, Reiley started her first dance class. She's always enjoyed dancing, and has become more comfortable with separation, so we thought we'd give it a go. We're sending her to COCA, which is a multidisciplinary community arts school that has a reputation for being not a supper-snotty "train my child to star in the Nutcracker at age 6", which was the attitude I was looking for. I think I had way too much fun going to the dance store and having Reiley try on little leotards and tights and teeny-tiny ballet shoes. (Well, as much fun as an excitable almost 4 year old and on-the-go 18 month old will let you have in a store the size of a family room).

The class dress code called for a bun, which is a hilarious task with Reiley's hair. Like mine, it's incredibly thin, and currently cut in a chin-length bob. Here we are, trying to accomplish the task.
Armed with bobby pins and lots of hairspray, we succeeded in creating a makeshift bun. Reiley, posing as a "shy dancer" for you all. The Angelina Ballerina book series has become one of her favorites, so during this photo shoot, she wanted to pretend that she was Angelina, and I was the dance teacher taking pictures of everyone. I was honestly a little nervous, because this is the the first "no-parent-with-you" class that she's asked to do. Every other class-type separation we've attempted in the past has required a lot of preparation, and she just hasn't been ready for it. It was amazing to see what six months will do! We got there and she said "bye, Mom," and didn't look back! The dance studio has a two-way mirror where all of the parents can watch (which was nice, but also seemed kind of creepy). The class is her every dream, complete with tutu time, princess-crown wearing, dancing with ribbons, and this week, a reading of Angelina Ballerina. It's been fun to see her serious and concentrated look during warm-up, and the careless abandon with which she pretends to be a butterfly emerging from her cocoon. Here's a video. Don't be confused with the near-twin girl who is also dancing nearby. Reiley's the one on the far left, who comes toward the middle during the clip.