Ballet

It's just been a little over a year since the girls started having ballet lessons, Nel reluctantly and Jo excitedly. A year has passed, and the tables have turned. While Nel looks forward to ballet lessons, Jo's always asking "When can I quit."  I don't want her to quit just yet, and coincidentally, the teacher's just measured them both with the promise of new skirts, and for that reason, Jo has decided she'd like to stick on a little longer.

As I sat there watching the children at work,  I pondered and wondered why my children weren't like their attentive, wonderful classmates who are so excellent at ballet. Instead, I have Nel, who is so super self conscious she doesn't like people looking at her. When given instructions, she looks away, and it takes her a lot of effort to muster enough courage to dance in front of her classmates.

Teacher: Does your child Nel really want to be in ballet, she's always looking elsewhere when I talk to her.
Me: She's actually a shy child, and I was hoping ballet will help her be more comfortable with herself and at self expression.
Teacher: Oh, now  I understand thanks. Next time we'll close the curtains then so audience won't be a distraction to her.

Then  I have Jo. Jo who doesn't care even when the teacher is staring at her in anger. Jo who's often lying down flat on her tummy, wiggling around while the others are hard at work. Jo who's right in front of the mirror, mouth wide opened, starring at a new found cavity.

Teacher: Does your child Jo really want to be in ballet? She's too mischievous.
Me: Sorry teacher, I'll talk to her.
(Lots of warning before ballet classes for Jo.)
Teacher: This is last chance for Jo, or I'm going to ask her to quit.
Teacher on the following month: Jo, your last chance or I'll downgrade you to the baby class.

Well...TODAY, the teacher came out and I thought, shoot, another complain. But what I heard was "Well, Nel has improved a lot. She's gaining confidence and beginning to dance well. Jo's also shown some improvement."

I smile and say thank you, heart happy for once. *happy sigh.* It's true, Nel's come a long way. She herself told me, she doesn't feel so nervous now performing in front of her friends. And where she usually requests to dance with a partner (never alone), she managed to dance ALL ALONE last class. Am so proud of her accomplishment. As for Jo, she's paying more attention. She still wiggles on the floor and does silly things, but at least not as often as before.  Let's hope this continues.
P.s we're also very fortunate to have an amazing ballet teacher who's great in every way. Which is why I want both  to stick on.

@poundthegarlic.blogspot.com 2013

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