Spring Recital

Big sis was fabulous in her dance recital tonight - a beautiful end to a whirlwind of a week!  This year we didn't have any moms sign up as stage moms.  And I thought "what the heck, surely I can pitch in to help out."  Really, I do this to myself . . .  I know that.  But I thought nothing could top big sis' first performance last spring so being backstage wouldn't be a big deal.  Last year I loved her sweet dress and the beauty of "Rainbow Connection."  The dance mate who cried through the entire performance also made me laugh and cry, especially when the audience erupted in cheers as she did finally make it through one planned move.

Anyway, tonight was all about being a neurotic mom trying to keep 12 young 4-5 year olds entertained until their performance.  Right up my alley.  I was really glad I shared that responsibility with another mom I knew fairly well after two years of dance.  We had plenty of food and activities and not one single tear or potty accident thank you very much.  I was soooo amazed at how great our group was - they were all so well behaved!

The magic was all backstage, though.  I got chill bumps during the first performance and there was so much energy from the girls and moms and teachers back there.  Definitely a controlled chaos, yet our little dozen "peaches" sat patiently and quietly with very little agitation.  When it was time to perform they all placed their hands squarely on their hips and skipped right on out to "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."  And when big sis skipped off stage at the end it felt good to be able to give her a big hug, congratulate her on a beautiful performance, and let her know how proud I was because she was so brave.  So even though both of our kiddos ended the evening in a melt down of massive proportions - I will remember the smile big sis had on her face as she made it backstage.  Because she was just as proud as I was!

(For the photogs out there - lighting an issue for the following pics.  But I LOVE the ethereal effect the lighting created in the pics.  Really captured how it felt backstage . . . truly magical!)

Rainbow Connection #2

Big sis had her first dance recital today. It was a huge event for the dance studio and a long day for us. She held up well until the finale, which she didn't perform. But who could blame her after such a big event . . .

Her dance group was precious!!! We felt bad for the little girl who started crying - Aunt K and I even shed a tear or two for her ourselves. The teachers and the little girl's mother (who was the backstage mom for our group) were trying desperately to get her to exit the stage during the performance to comfort her. Poor little one was just too scared or sad to know what to do.

I was worried how the little girl's sadness might affect big sis. But big sis danced her little heart out regardless of the drama beside her. All the little girls wanted the teary-eyed rainbow to dance with them. But when she didn't, they improvised and were able to do parts of their dance without her. The show must go on . . . Of all the performances, this one was the only one where the crowd was so involved - cheering for each move the teary-eyed rainbow could make. It was so sweet!

I have to admit that "Rainbow Connection" is one of my favorite songs - although Kermit's version is the one I prefer. But even without the sadness from one of the dancers, I would have cried anyway. It was a sentimental song for big sis' first performance!

In the video, big sis is the little rainbow to the right of the sad rainbow. Enjoy!

Rainbow Connection #1

Here are the pictures from big sis' first dance recital - thanks to the SWEET camera loaned to Disco by our pal catlady.  It is the Cadillac of cameras, especially with some of Disco's better lenses.  We have an awesome video to post but waiting for the download . . .soon.  So until then enjoy these sweet pictures of our little rainbow ballerina:

Yup, she's my daughter

If anyone was wondering . . . yes, big sis is my daughter.  Many times we tease that she really belongs to Aunt K because they are both night owls who are picky eaters.  But big sis has my emotional side for sure! 

This month is a big transition for all of us - the last spring program at school (we are saying goodbye to some school friends already), visiting our new school to meet the teachers she will have next fall at pre-k, and our last days of dance before summer break.  I think we may have been talking too much about any and all of these before dance today.  Because when I was ready to leave a sad little, teary-eyed ballerina wouldn't let go.  We cuddled for another minute and talked about what fun she would have at dance today and our plans for when she got home.  And I held it together until she went in the door.  But when I got to the car I got all teary-eyed myself. 

She is growing up so quickly!  Even though she probably has no clue what brought on her tears today, or if she does she isn't quite big enough to express her sadness in the right words, I know these transitions are hard for her.  And for me.  I guess we will be muddling through them together from here on out.

Below is a picture of big sis on her first day of dance - oddly enough this is the same outfit she wore to dance today, her last day of this year.  So big already - and more growing to come!