Last Saturday evening Grace had her first dance recital.
Her dance school presented
'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.'
All the proceeds went to a local charity.
It was an afternoon of firsts for Grace and me.
Her first performance.
And mine too...been to plenty of wrestling meets, and football and hockey games with my oldest.
I hadn't attended any kind of recital.
Ever.
And mine too...been to plenty of wrestling meets, and football and hockey games with my oldest.
I hadn't attended any kind of recital.
Ever.
She wasn't nervous in the least (and did awesome!)
We had specifics as far as hair style and makeup.
We had specifics as far as hair style and makeup.
So that was a first too,
to wear foundation, eye shadow, eye liner and lip color.
It had to show up on stage with the bright lights.
She enjoyed that part very much.
And I did too...
There was a fair amount of waiting between her dances.
Her group waited in the orchestra room.
Which was fine because she could play with her DS or talk with friends.
And I was able to take a few pictures.
There is something just so wonderful about seeing these children in costume,
excited and anticipating their time on stage.
excited and anticipating their time on stage.
Cameras were not supposed to be in the auditorium,
but this naughty mamma sneaked her's in.
I didn't use a flash and noticed some of the other parents did the same.
Did I cry?
Yes, I did when she danced.
And after we got home I talked to my husband about it and wondered why...
maybe because of all these firsts, which are bittersweet to me in a way.
When I look at these last two images,
I see my little girl growing up.
And also maybe because I can't help but remember
how far she's come in the last 7 years with our family.
how far she's come in the last 7 years with our family.
But mostly I think about how proud I am
and that I love her so much.
It was a lovely evening and one we'll never forget.
It was a lovely evening and one we'll never forget.
I used Florabella's black and white 'Vanilla' action for all the images except the final one.
For the color version,
I used another Florabella action called 'London,' from the Luxe collection.
I felt it lent well to the image because it brought out the rich contrast
of the cellos, her green tutu,
black leotard and hair.
The color version is my favorite.
The color version is my favorite.
30 kind words:
STUNNING! She's just stunning! I'm glad you both had fun with all the firsts. :) Sounds like a night to remember.
Welcome to the wonderful world of dance! I find it is a magical time between moms/sisters and daughters. Grace looked stunning, Gail. She has the most soulful little look on her face all of the time. I would love to know her in person....I can tell she and I would be great friends. Beautiful portraits and post!
Grace is SO beautiful and so is your photog!!! :)
blessings!
hoping my new camera comes tomorrow!!!
What a beautiful dancer you have. She really does look so grown up in those last two photos. They remind me of each year I help out at Natalie's dance recital. I have photos of when she was three and just started ballet. I often wonder where that little girl has gone. I don't want her to grow up so fast. I need more time... :-)
I think my favorite is the colored version too. She truly is beautiful.
Hugs,
Grace
I completely understand why you cried, I know I will do the same someday! There's only so much football and baseball a mom can take before she needs a tutu or two! :) The night looks like it was one for the heart memories and will be forever treasured! Thank you for sharing your moment with us! Grace...you are a beautiful ballerina! Beautiful!!
Gosh, I don't know which one's my fave, their all so beautiful!
( I would cry too!)
Wonderful post Gail. Grace is simply gorgeous and sooooooo grown-up. It's amazing what a beautiful young woman she is becoming. I'm so glad you experienced the thrill of her first dance recital. That's a memory you both will always have to treasure.
I remember Dahlia's first - and crying (me)- a lot. And I snuck my camera in too. How can we not!! Inthinkable, right?
These are wonderful shots and I agree - the last one with those fabulous double basses . The colors and composition is almost as lovely as the model.
Hugs!!
I cried too Gail. She is growing up so beautifully. I am so glad you get to be her Mama and experience all these special moments with her. I am so glad you snuck your camera in.
I just love a good rule breaker : )
Wow...these are just gorgeous!! ANd your daughter is stunning!!
Once again, i can't resist leaving a comment. i love love love your pictures, and your words too. Grace is definitely growing up FAST. May your Grace grow up with a childlike heart.
she is a beauty!
And, you love for her coming through you lens!
Lea
xo
BEAUTIFUL! I love them all, but that last one of her in color is just STUNNING!
I know you are so proud of her. Dance class was a big step for her this year:)
xoxo,
Lisa
Gail - WOW WOW WOW!!! Love love love the BW and Color at the end. GORGEOUS!
Blessings to you and your beautiful family this Christmas season!
Jill
http://fnaphotography.blogspot.com
STUNNING!!!
I love the cello photo...fabulous!
And I love dance recitals! Brings tears to my eyes.
SO SO SO gorgeous Gail! That last shot seems like a little glimpse at what she's going to look like as an adult. I highly recommend that Dan invests in a good shotgun. :)
Congrats on her first recital! (and yours, too)
Love the last one....I was so hopoing to see one in color! ;)
Oh my, I would have cried too! Grace is beautiful and her name is so fitting to be a dancer!
These are just gorgeous photos. I snuck a camera in Tia's recital too - it's not fair of them to ask a photocrazy mom not to!
I love the last one in b&w! Very beautiful!
Merry Christmas!
Grace is just gorgeous!!! she just takes my breath away!!
Mary
Beautiful!! Your lovely daughter and images! Plus your sweet words brought tears to my eyes! Your love for her shines through! Hope you have a great day!
Janet
That cello picture is stunning, especially in color. I kept looking at it over and over. It's definitely worth framing and hanging on the wall. Awesome!
Grace is so beautiful, Gail!! Such a great first for the both of you, and you captured it amazingly well. WOW!!! What gorgeous images of your beautiful girl. And the cello shot - OH MY!!! Totally lovely!
Wow!!!! Gail these are gorgeous!!! But the last one in color...OMW this has to be blown up and hung for all to see!!! Love it so much!!! The colors are so rich and vibrant!!!!! She is gorgeous!!!!
Looks like a lovely evening. Beautiful shots!
Erika B
Amazing pictures! You did a fabulous job, they are gorgeous!
Stunning work! Fabulous images! WOW!!! My favourite is the last one by the cellos! LOVE IT!!!
So beautiful!!!!! Especially that last one!
Stunning photos once again and congratulations on so many first. You must be so proud! Merry Christmas!
These are all so gorgeous although it isn't hard with such a beautiful model! I cried the first time too ;) And I agree...the last one with the cello's...the color is perfect and just adds so much to this perfect picture!
All of these photos are gorgeous as usual Gail, but that last one, both in black & white and in color is really, really perfect! I LOVE it! The combination of your eye and skills in photography and Grace's modeling just kills this shot! I also can so relate to that bittersweet feeling. I am ALWAYS crying for seemingly no reason at all. But it's usually for all the reasons you explained here. Those firsts are so very bittersweet! Thanks for sharing :)
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