"How long did you do dance?" my mom asked before loading into her car. "Because I was trying to remember if it was long enough ... "
"Why?" I stepped in. "Because it didn't stick?"
We laughed, that easy two-step exchange between people who love and know each other well.
Hard to believe, but I did take dance lessons way back in 2nd and 3rd grades. See, here's the proof:
Photo 1: Jenni at age 8 (or so).
I may not have developed lasting poise, but I do remember my teacher drilling the importance of smiling. I also recall her telling us that when we became grown-ups we'd LOVE naps. Oh, how we doubted her then. She was right!
It will be fun, years from now, to see what sticks most with Emma and Elise about their dance experiences. Hopefully something a little more profound.
Here's a look at their recital. (All pictures were taken at their staging rehearsals. No flash was allowed, and I had to have a really slow shutter speed to work with the low light. It was a fun challenge.)
Emma's dance, Aries:
Photo 2: Emma is part of the right trio, in the back.
Photo 3: Even though this is a back view, I absolutely love this shot!
Photo 4: Look at those well-worn shoes.
Photo 6: Emma's teacher is silhouetted against the dancers as she demonstrates a move. Emma adored her.
Elise's dance, Alouette:
Photo 12: Elise is waving her scarf.
Photo 13: Elise's teacher. Elise is second from left.
Photo 19: Samuel outside the theatre. I'm hopeful that he adopted this eye-block ONLY outside in the brilliant sunshine, not during the performance. Pretty sure. He really did well, even though his attendance was a last-minute decision prompted by his tearful refusal to stay with the babysitter I'd arranged two weeks ago. (Jeff, Kyle and James were out of town.)
Photo 20: Our wonderful support: My mom drove from Midway, and Jeff's mom and sister Katie came from Logan. Thank you, thank you!
Photos 21 and 22: Elise does some flip-flop jumps on the patio between matinee and evening performances.
