Tag Archives: ballet

Preparing for ‘Mommy’s First Ballet Recital’

Today I watched Lala’s final rehearsal for her first ballet recital. She’s only been taking classes since February, so her skills aren’t earth shattering, but it’s still very cute to watch her dance.  We received a sheet with all the details for the performance this Saturday. I followed up with the teacher after class for a ‘mini-tutorial’ on how this will go, since I have never gone to a dance recital, whether as a child, parent, or spectator…

Lala is excited. She has a new leotard and tutu. When we were talking about the recital earlier and I asked her about performing on stage, she said ‘Yes, like I did at the other place,’ recalling her first public performance a few weeks ago. I think she is going to do great. Me, on the other hand…  😉

Growing up I didn’t participate in many ‘typical’ extracurricular activities.  I played piano in a couple of recitals, but that was about it. We skipped the performance for the kids’ Parent and Tot gymnastics class last year. It was going to cost close to $100 for them to participate…

I am uncertain about this recital, but have laid out the cash for the recital fee and the appropriate outfit. I am struggling a little though…  $60 for a 4-year old to flit around on a stage for a few minutes seems a little off to me. But, maybe it’s just me…
Some adverse consequences are obvious element of this viagra on line australia capsule. It is the small things, good and bad, that make the viagra sale impact on women customers. One should online buy viagra take out time for everyone around including himself. However, they may sometimes lead to some unwanted side effects especially to people who are suffering from high blood pressure or prostrate problem, as these medicines can increase the risk of blurry canadian cialis online vision or temporary vision impairment.
I knew the costume info we received a few weeks ago included the instructions that hair is to be curled…  I rarely curl my hair, do not own curlers, and don’t know that Lala’s fine, straight hair will even hold a curl. (Mine won’t… though I do recall a few interesting perm experiences when I was younger…)  I asked a couple of the other moms what that meant before class today.  They indicated the girls’ hair should be left down, curled, and pinned back on one side, prepared for a headpiece.  When I expressed my concerns that this wouldn’t work, they recommended a curling iron or ‘pink curlers.’  My grandmother had some of those.  I have a vague recollection that my mom did too.  I wonder if she still does…  I really doubt it.  She doesn’t live close enough for me to get them from her for this though, even if there were still some around her house.  For some reason, I am really surprised people still use them!  A quick Amazon search reveals there are many options available…  uh-oh…  😉

Today, the info also included instructions that all dancers should wear make-up. I own a couple of lipsticks…  that’s it…  My mom has rarely worn make-up and I was never taught about it, so I have probably worn make-up twice in my life (thank you wanna-be teen make-overs).  For my wedding, I wore only lipstick and nail polish…  I have absolutely no clue about make-up…  I chuckled about this with another of the waiting moms and she explained that the lights wash out the girls’ faces, told me what she uses for her daughter (Thank you so much for the tips!  Like I said, I’m clueless…), and advised ‘Time to go shopping.’  I’m certainly not upset about any of this and understand the reasons for it all. I’m just not sure that buying make-up for this event makes sense to me. I think I am just in a different place…

I am delighted that we have been able to provide ballet classes for Lala and tickled she is having fun.  Her teacher is wonderful and provides a great ‘princess’ experience every week.  Watching her dance brings tears to my eyes.  I sit in the crowded little waiting room with the other parents (yes, mostly moms…  but there are some dads!), and watch my daughter as best I can.  I feel joyful.  And I wonder…  Why do we sit here, craning our necks to see through the narrow doorway?  Paying for our kids to get some exercise, but sitting motionless…  (Though when I bring Tbear along I often spend the time trying to keep him off the ‘dance floor’…)  We have an obesity problem in this country…  why don’t parents and kids participate together?  Wouldn’t that be cool?  I try to make small talk with the other moms.  Some are friendly, but many seem a little stand-offish…  I kind of feel like I did in junior high when I wasn’t one of the ‘cool kids.’  It’s strange to me that watching dance class brings back that feeling.  Do other people think these things?

I am also a little confused by the costs for the end of year performance.  We have to buy special outfits for the class.  And then buy other outfits that will only be worn once for the recital.  It’s the ‘worn once’ part that gets me.  It’s bad enough with a wedding dress, but for a recital…  I understand it, but I don’t….   I guess it is just another of the many conundrums of adulthood.  I think it’s obvious that I am out of my element.  I am looking forward to the recital on Saturday.  We’ll have to figure out how to smuggle a little bouquet of flowers to the venue for our little dancer.  Now I’m off to buy some make-up…  and maybe some curlers…  🙂