Ballerina in Waiting

Sometimes it takes everything I have to not overschedule my kids.  My brain swells with all the possibilities for enrichment--chess, foreign language, swim, fencing....  I really try to limit my kids to one activity per season.  We've done Gymboree, Nurturing Pathways, Little Kickers, Seattle Gymnastics Academy, and tee ball with the Boys and Girls Club.  We've enjoyed them all.  This fall Linus is busying playing soccer and running cross country for his school CYO team. Yes I know that's two, but soccer games and cross country meets never happen the same weekend.

Eileen wants to dance.  She liked gymnastics, but she has slowly turned her attention to ballet.  I'm not sure how since she's never really seen ballet.  She attended a fairy princess dance camp this summer and loved every minute of it.  I had it all planned out.  Eileen was going to take dance while Linus took piano lessons, all at the same location.  And then we moved.  Piano is on hold for the moment. 

Eileen did not let me forget about ballet.  Luckily, Shoreline Parks and Rec had a preschool ballet class.  It's great because not only was it inexpensive (I can't believe all the tacked on fees with dance studios--recital outfits, tickets to the recital, pictures...) but the class is while Linus is in school.  Eileen just had her first class. I was impressed by the teacher.  She was very professional.

Eileen beamed throughout the whole class.  Parents won't be allowed in the room again until the last class.  Sometimes I am surprised by how much joy I get watching my children learn, grow, and try new things. 

Also, how cute are little girls dressed for ballet?  I'm hoping her new interest means I finally have an excuse to go see the PNB Nutcracker.