black and white Wednesday - and she dances

"Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another."

 ~anonymous

"Dance as though no one is watching you, love as though you have never hurt before,

sing as though no one can hear you, and live as though heaven is on earth."

~  unknown

A few months ago, 8 year old Grace asked me if she could take a dance class.

She had been swimming for over 3 years and we'd just decided to take a break.

I was a little surprised about her request with dance because we'd tried it before.

About 4 years ago she tried her first dance class,

 and enthusiastically went the first time.

It did not go well as she cried when I left the room and when I came right back,

 sat on my lap and watched the other girls.

We went a second time and again she couldn't leave my lap. She refused to go back.

And that was okay because trying new things and transitions were very hard for Grace at that time.
She was only 4.

In September, she chose 2 classes to try. A jazz/tap combo and ballet.

The day we enrolled her, on the way home in the car she nervously told me she wasn't sure if she could take the classes.

I left the subject alone.

Time went by, we bought the new dance wear and shoes. She didn't say much.

The first day of class she smiled and confidently walked into the studio, she didn't even look back.

I'll admit I had tears in my eyes.

I'm so proud of this little girl.

By the way she loves BOTH classes and will perform for the first time in front of an audience in December.
I think she's growing up.

The vintage frames and black and white Truffle action are by Florabella.