Tiny Dancer

Madeline is our little ballerina. It seemed like she started leaping around the house to classical music a few minutes after she learned to walk. So last week, she began ballet lessons at the Ann Carroll School of Dance. I have never seen her more in her element! Her joy and pride actually kept me awake that night...I simply couldn't believe we hadn't signed her up sooner. Well, actually, we did try when she was much younger and she wasn't quite ready to be separated from me -- she cried the whole time. What a turn of events! This afternoon, she boldly ran in, excited to see her teacher, Miss Jen, then casually said, "Okay mommy. You can please go now." And when I had to sneak back in for something, she looked at me with an exasperated expression as if to say, "Really?" I took it as a sign of her growing confidence and independence, so instead of feeling sad, I actually felt triumphant (especially since it gives me hope that Charlie's current separation anxiety won't last forever either).

Last week, Miss Jen couldn't believe Madeline had never danced before and told me she was a powerhouse. She looked adorable in her pink leotard and tights, ballet slippers and chiffon ballet skirt, doing arabesques, plies and arranging her feet into first position with her wiry little arms above her head. Each week, they alternate between tumbling and tap for the last 15 minutes of class -- I just about died watching her do the bunny hop in her little patent leather tap shoes. Charlie kept saying "bang bang bang" since he's been listening to her practice at home.

The best moment of all was when all the little girls were finished with class and standing in line for their turn at the drinking fountain. Charlie broke away from the waiting parents and sprinted down the hall to Madeline literally shouting, "Yeah, Mimi! Yeah Mimi!" at least six times. He was only doing exactly what I wanted to!