Visiting Day in Dance Class

Yesterday was family visiting day for Inwe's dance class. Inwe got Larien ready for it by helping her dress like a ballerina. I was so worried about this because I knew the teacher would not want Larien joining them as the class can be pretty hard to conduct. The reason for this is that there are girls who just turned three in this class, and they are not the best listeners. Finwe came as well strapped onto me (still smelling a bit like a girl).

The parents sat on benches in the dance studio as the girls waited outside for their entrance--this was with arms in fifth position (over their heads) doing pas de borre (small steps done on the balls or toes of the feet). The teacher did roll call and started the beginning stretches. For kids this age it is basically pretending to make pizza while sitting on the floor with legs spread wide. It's very fun to watch as the girls really get into rolling out the dough, sprinkling on toppings, cooking it, cooling it off, cutting a few slices, and then eating it. Do I have pictures? No. You try taking pictures while directing a two year old who very much wants to join her sister in the middle of the room while a very large six week old infant is strapped to your front. Use your imagination. I'll help. Inwe is dressed in a lavendar leotard with a filmy skirt attached over pink tights. Her hair is in a ponytail.
This picture shows you the shape of the leotard, but not the color.

Next the girls were asked to find a spot and sit criss-cross-applesauce on it. There are actual spots on the floor so the lines are straight and staggered. When the music began they began dancing, jumping their legs in and out and doing turns. They performed saches across the room in a group, then one at a time as the teacher called names. Inwe did everything she was supposed to and did the steps pretty well for a four year old.

My favorite part of the class was the "freeze dancing" part. The girls danced around and froze in position when the music stopped. Inwe had a flair for this and really stopped in mid dance move when the music stopped. Larien did this with just her arms.

After about 30 mintues of the 45 mintue class, Larien had it with being patient and began rolling her way towards the middle of the room. I took her out and watched a few more minutes from the window. (Larien's patience was superb, by the way. In no way am I complaining. She was quite awe inspiring to the other parents with her behavior.)