Prima Ballerina

Today was "Parent Observation Day" in Lily's Ballet and Books class.

It was *not* a recital. It was simply a day for parents to come in and observe an actual class.

Jen, Lily's wonderful ballet teacher, normally asks the parents to try and keep a low profile during regular classes. She finds (and it's true) that the kids pay attention better when Mommy or Daddy aren't in their sight line.

Since today is the last class before Winter Break, Jen invited all the parents to attend class and see what their children are learning.

As you may have figured out by now, in our family we travel in packs. So "Parent Observation Day" became parents, grandparents, and aunts observation day! Daddy, Dad Dad, Nai Nai, Aunt Sheila, and Aunt BaBa were able to come today and join in on the fun!

Lily definitely had the largest cheering section. I absolutely LOVED that...and so did Lily! (By the way, I did check with Jen first to see if it was okay to bring additional people. Without hesitation she said, "Absolutely! That's what "Parent Observation Day" is for.")

Lily absolutely LOVES this class. She loves the teacher, Miss Jen, and the assistant, Miss Mary Beth.

It cracks me up to hear the kids call the assistant "Miss Mary Beth". I can almost guarantee you that Miss Mary Beth isn't old enough to drive a car. Boy, have I turned into an old codger...or what?

Mary Beth's age isn't important. What is important is that Lily is absolutely star-struck with her! Thank goodness the feelings are mutual!!

Here are a few video clips from today.

I know there's a bunch...but they're all pretty short. I promise even though Lily's proud daddy videotaped the entire class...I didn't post the entire class on the blog! Honest! Listen for Tony laughing as he's watching Lily dance. Gotta love it!

This first clip is from the beginning of class. After the children finish their stretching it's time for the bean bag dance:



This next clip shows a dance move that Lily does all the time at home.

Plie Sauter:



Oh, wait until you see this one. Entirely too cute.

Releve:



The age range in Lily's class is from 3 years old to 6 years old. Check out the little peanut in the black. Can you believe she's 3?!?

Sissonne:



Check out Lily trying to staighten up the circles while "waltzing" during The Princess Dance. She just can't help herself. Boy, if she isn't her mother's daughter!



I know this is kind of off topic, but I'm so happy that there are other Asian children in Lily's dance class. As much as we may try, right now our life just does not have a lot of racial/ethnic diversity.

More from the Princess Dance:



I can't begin to tell you how much we all enjoyed Parent Observation Day! After today's little preview, I can hardly wait for Lily's actual recital in April!