A Glimpse of Her Growing Up.

It's an otherwise closed-door instructional model at the Arts Center where Isabella has taken Ballet for the last handful of years, excepting the once-a-semester in-class performance for parents. This semester, Isabella was introduced to a new instructor; one that I quite admired upon first meeting, and respected immensely upon hearing glowing recommendations from the head of the dance program. I was struck immediately by her professional demeanor, and let's be honest, her fabulous British accent completely drew me in.

However, after getting a glimpse of class this week, watching her interactions with Isabella and the other students, and seeing firsthand the results of her rigor with them, I am beside myself with awe of her, and the progress she chartered in one semester. The performance held no silly songs, no spinning, leaping, or twirling. It was an intense presentation of form, ballet positions, and increased understanding of movement to music and body awareness. And though each of the girls occasioned smiles during their performance, all of the girlish giggling and silliness was absent. It was smooth, orderly, and shockingly professional for the 6-yr old demographic.

Watching Belle's sweet little frame float across the smooth floor, stretch out upon the barre, and lift itself up upon her tiny toes, I couldn't help but see her far older than we she first entered those doors. Her concentrated looks, and entire body focus illustrated the determination of the few months of this semester.

I was reminded of the profound potential within children to rise given both the challenge and a healthy learning environment, partnered with someone that can simply convince and encourage them that it is possible with practice.

Nate's Dalcroze Eurhythmics class performance was the very same evening, so we divided and conquered. As soon as I lift the footage from Dave's phone, I will share his performance as well.