LOVE IN A LEOTARD

Growing up, I danced. I started around age 3 and quit when I thought I was too old to make it look cool anymore (around age 12). I wish I would have stuck with it as I really enjoyed it and have the fondest of memories of dance recitals and tap shoes.

Imagine my delight at Sis getting started with dance! I have to be careful not to push her into it and sit back and let her find the joys of it on her own, but inside, I am brimming with pride and hopefulness that she'll want to follow dancing through her young life.

She's been a Daddy's girl for the past three-and-a-half years and loves all things athletic, so I'm impressed by her being able to pick up on the techniques and moves of ballet and tap after only a single class. She might become a girly-girl afterall. Although she might have the solid legs of a soccer player, she fits into class without a hitch in her skirted leotard and leg warmers. Can you stand it?

Watching her dance literally got me a bit misty and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face as I watched her plie' and releve' through her lesson. She seems as though she might adapt more to tap, as I did, because who can resist the clickity-tick of a tap shoe?

Regardless of what she chooses, dance or sports, watching kid's grow into their hobbies, learning posture, sportsmanship, peer skills and positive self-esteem through activities is breathtaking. I'll tap my toes to that.