Our Little Ballerina

Ava loves to dance.  She dances (and sings) all the time around the house.  At night when Rich sings her a song, Ava makes him dance with her too.  When she walks she often walks on her tip toes.  And one of her favorite things to do is play her kids dance game with the Xbox Kinect.  So, last month I asked Ava if she wanted to go to dance class.  She said, "YES!"  Ava was super excited about the idea of dance class, so I signed her up for pre-ballet this month.

When the day came for Ava's first dance class she could hardly wait.  The class is in the evening, but she wanted to put her dance clothes on first thing in the morning.  She kept asking me all day if it was time to go to class.  When it was time to go she got her ballet clothes on and danced all around the house.  It was so cute and I have to admit I was just as excited to watch her at class.

Ava had a great time at class.  We got there a little early, but Ava had no problem making a new friend while we waited.  Ava met another girl who was just starting lessons too.  The two girls hit it off and were holding hands and running around while we waited.  When a third girl showed up they all became instant friends and held hands until the teacher started class.  It was so cute.

As I watched Ava during dance class I wasn't sure what she was thinking.  The first 15-20 minutes the teacher had them do different stretches and taught them first, second, etc. positions.  Ava looked lost, but was trying to follow.  The teacher did a good job helping the newer girls and taught in a fun and silly way.  The second part of the class the girls worked on skipping, marching, and other gross motor skills.  Ava seemed to like this part more even though she had a hard doing some of the movements.  It made me laugh to watch her just run in circles during the skipping part.  Overall, Ava did try and I think it will help her develop her gross motor skills.

After class was over Ava had a smile on her face, but was confused.  She said she had fun, but then she said, "I want to go to DANCE class."  Even though, she enjoyed the class I don't think it is her idea of dancing.  I think Ava is used to more free movement and, for the lack of a better term, getting down.  I tried to explain to her that ballet is a type of dance, but I don't know if it convinced her.  Ava did say she wanted to try it again and wants to do it in February.  We will try it for another month and see how it goes.  I don't think she will want to be a real ballerina, but I think she will have fun.

This was my view.  The teacher pulls a big curtain across with a small gap in the middle.  This is so the kids won't be distracted by the parents.  It was a good idea, but hard for me to see.  I could also stand by the outside corners and watch through another small gap.

Stretching

Ava liked this stretch.  The teacher rocked her a little hard and made me nervous because she almost bumped her face.