Wednesday, May 25, 2011

black and white Wednesday - recital weekend

Our Saturday started early with the ballet classes from Grace's dance school
 participating in a dress rehearsal for Swan Lake.
waiting rehearsal
(Swans waiting their turn to perform).

Right before that Grace had her hair and nails done
so she was ready to go!

recital 1


We arrived at our local high school where the performance was held in their PAC.
I was one of the chaperons for a room of 7 and 8 year olds.
My husband, Will and my parents were out in the audience to see Grace perform.


(Grace and 2 of her friends playing a 20 questions game before it was time to go on stage.)
recital 4 final

The dance school presented "Under the Sea,"
that's why the backdrop looks that way.
Here the girls are on stage for tap.

Tap Diptych

Next back to our room, with a change of shoes to wait to go on for jazz.
The girls got along extremely well and found plenty to do.
They really had fun and had such a great attitude.
recital 5 final
Then it was time for the swans to get dressed and ready for their dance.
Also for girls to converse or listen to music...
Backstage Diptych

There were ballerinas playing their DS games.
Or with "Squinkies."

Ballet waiting Diptych 2

You could feel the excitement in the room build,
and then it was time for the swans to line up and wait their turn...


recital 7


to go on stage.

Ballet Storyboard

Grace's class was the first of many that danced
in this performance of Swan Lake.
It had dancers in age from 7 up to high school seniors and adults.
Several of the school's teachers performed and did solos.
It was truly breathtaking to see so many beautiful swans on stage at one time in the finale!
Unfortunately I didn't get a shot of all of them together.


Ballet Finale Diptych copy

It was almost exactly a year ago that Grace
asked if she could try dance again.
She tried it at age 4 and didn't want to leave me to go into class(she would cry),
and I didn't push it. (not my style)

This year she's taken Ballet and a Tap/Jazz combo class and thoroughly enjoyed both.
What dance has done for her self confidence
has been nothing short of miraculous.
Grace has gone from a shy little girl to someone who has no difficulty
whatsoever performing in front of an audience.
We both have made many new friends through this experience and
Grace is taking Ballet this Summer.
What is most important is that she loves it and is having fun.
Now Will is asking to take a Hip/Hop class in the Fall. ;)

On a personal note, this has been just precious for me
to share these moments with Grace, getting ready for the recital
  and volunteering backstage.
I'll always treasure the memories of these 2 days
 and I'm happy I was able to capture the pictures
 for her to look back on someday.
I plan to make her a special album.
We couldn't be more proud of our little girl!


the long road


I post processed all of my images using Florabella actions from the Luxe II collection.
For the color versions, Florabella's "Angel."
And "Blush" for the Bl/Whites.

Please take a look at more beautiful black and white photography at Lisa's
blog, The Long Road to China.

22 kind words:

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

all I can say is wow! These pictures are amazing. the costumes are beautiful. And so is Miss Grace.

Lucky Mommy being back stage.

You have out done yourself with these shots.

And, can't wait to see Will doing hip hop. so cute.

lea
xo

Jboo said...

Oh my -- how very lovely! Looks like so much fun and wonderful to be there. Your photos are gorgeous! Grace is simply beautiful and love that it helped her self-confidence-makes a mother's heart smile, doesn't it!

Somehow I think Will and Hip Hop will be perfect together! :)

Janet

Courtney said...

Beautiful post. What a magical weekend. SO glad you let her do it on her own time instead of pushing her to do it.

Unknown said...

Every shot is lovely!

But what is most precious is how much you adore your children - through photos and words LOVE overflows for all to see.

BEAUTIFUL GAIL! Glad the experience has been so special for you both!
Much love,
Jill

Linda said...

Really terrific photos!!!

Kayce said...

The black and whites are timeless Gail...so beautiful! I love seeing these posts from you because I know someday I'll get to do the same thing with my Jenny and I just can't wait!

Robin said...

I love these pictures! So many of them made me smile ... just seeing how proud she was getting her hair to putting on her lip stick :)

I can't wait to see Will do hip-hop! That would be something I could see Tyler doing as well.

Beautiful memories!!

xoxo - Robin

ashley said...

bravo to your beautiful ballerina!!
xoxo
Ashley

Wanda said...

Wow Gail....such a beautiful post. You really captured the magic of the backstage buzz and the gorgeous costumes on stage. Grace just stand out in each image - what a perfect ballerina. So regal looking.

I'm impressed you got so many good images. You must have had to jump over a few heads to get so many. Good job Mom!

These will make a wonderful memory book.

xoxo

Sharon said...

These are breathtakingly beautiful. Magical. I almost have no words!

Missy said...

Soooo beautiful! Grace is just that, graceful! Her name couldn't fit her more perfectly. I love their costumes (especially the ballet outfit). I am so glad you enjoyed the experience so much. Welcome to my world :) I'll be excited for the day Paige can get herself ready. After 11 costume changes, it becomes less magical. haha However, when Paige was little like Grace, I ate up every single minute. Savor them all...I know you will :)

Love Letters To China said...

Your photos of the recital are magnificent! You really captured the delight in all of the girls eyes. It really is a joy to be able to see firsthand, up close and personal, the excitement of a dance recital.

xoxo

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I love all those in between moments you captured backstage....and onstage too.....beautiful in every way!

I am sure Grace will always treasure her special album. I know you are so proud of her. She has come a long way with her self confidence:)

I can only imagine what next year will bring for both Grace and Will. Something tells me that Will be specifically placeed front and center on that stage with the rest of his hip hop class! I know the boy has already got the moves~

xoxo,

Lisa

Anonymous said...

Oh my, these are wonderful photos. l especially love the B&W shots!
Rachel.

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Every shot was oh so beautiful!!! Makes me excited to let the girls try it in the fall. Each photo got more and more gorgeous! Grace is such a beauty!!! A sweet memory forever!
Blessings!
XO

Gina Kleinworth said...

I LOVE the overwhelming sense of inspiration & joy I get when I visit here. My heart just swells with happiness & the smile on my face just gets so big. Thanks for the happiness & for giving me the push to keep picking up the camera!

Laura L. said...

Beautiful pictures of your precious girl. I am glad that you shared a bit of her story and how much this year of dance has done for her. I think we are going to try it. Been thinking about it for a long time.

Jodee said...

I love, love, love these recital pictures. It looks like both of you had such a fun day!

Casey said...

You're killing me with all these GORGEOUS ballet posts. I SOOOO want Em to want to dance. This was my thing... maybe I can show her these pics and talk her into it! Just lovely.

ellieshine said...

Gail,

Simply. gorgeous. Grace and your photos! I know those are tough lighting conditions but you cannot even tell in these photos!

What a special, wonderful time in your lives! I miss dance around here - I think I might pull a Momma override and sign Tia up at our Dance Studio :)

xo ellie
ps thanks for your sweet comments about my attempt at editing :)

Unknown said...

Stunningly beautiful photographs. Whenever I drop in on this blog, I know I'm going to see some fantastic photos. This visit did not disappoint!

China Dreams said...

Although orange is my favorite color, I really love the black & white photos.

Back stage is such an exciting place! Glad you were able to share it together.

Ruby

 
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