a dream come true.

Twenty-four years ago my parents dropped me off at my first dance class.  Throughout elementary school I had a love/hate relationship with it, wanting to quit on a regular basis, and even claiming to be allergic to tights because I hated wearing them so much.  Ha.  But in sixth grade I had to choose between competitive soccer and competitive dance.  For some reason I chose dance, and ever since my passion for the art and sport has grown.  The dance studio became so much more than a place I learned, it was a home, the faculty and my peers a second family.  Dance was very much a huge part of my life.

On Monday I took Ryann to her very first dance class at the same studio.  It was a little surreal driving there, walking her into the studio and getting her all settled in for the camp.  But what surprised me most was how hard I had to try to hold back tears as I stood outside the room, watching her try to follow along, all while giggling.  It seems silly, to get so emotional over a dance class.  However I am holding on to bits and pieces of hope that she will grow to love dance as much as I did.  It truly is so much more than just a dance class.

It was a four day 'creative camp' (we skipped the last day because of gymnastics), with a favorites theme.  The first day was favorite color, the second day animal, and the third day favorite star.  We, uh, didn't plan ahead, which left my mom whipping up a dino shirt Monday night, and us scrambling to put together a ballerina outfit Wednesday morning because we couldn't come up with anything else.  But it doesn't matter.  Ry was stupid cute every day.  Because her pony tail + spandex just equals cute.

Here are a few shots of her doing the little dances she learned.  For the record the lighting was SO weird.  I don't understand why it was constantly changing.  Flashes from other cameras?  Just the lights?  I have no idea.  It was bizarre.

the tongue helps her jump...

And if that wasn't enough cute for you, some videos.  She um, sort of knows whats going on :o).

Baby girl, you can do whatever makes you happy.  But you sure make a cute little dancer :o).