My little ballerina

We're delving into two new territories here, folks. First and foremost, Miss Ellie started dance classes this past weekend. This is HUGE. I'm sure I've mentioned before that I really, really wanted to take dance classes as a kid, but my parents wouldn't let me. I was devastated. Not only was I missing out on the fun, not only was it yet another thing my friends did that I couldn't, but dance recitals seemed to fall on the same day as my birthday party every single year. I always vowed that if and when I had a child, and they wanted to take dance, I'd do everything I could to make it happen.

Who would have known it would be this easy?

I got a recommendation from a friend at work, so I sent an inquiry email. I got a reply this past Thursday evening letting me know she could start before the new school year/season (in September). They said to give a call Friday evening, and suddenly we're starting the very next day! Lucky for me Ellie has been super interested in dancing, so she already had a leotard and tu tu for class. I made a quick trip to the store Friday night for tights and slippers, and Presto! A star is born.

Even luckier for me that my work friend's daughter is the class helper for Ellie's age division, so I got the inside scoop about how Saturday morning went. That's right; I wasn't allowed to watch the class. I spent a much-needed hour of quiet bliss at the Starbucks a couple of minutes down the road from the dance studio while Ellie delved into her first taste of ballet and tap.

When I came to pick her up, she was quietly waiting on the bench for me. I was informed that she was not shy at all, listened to direction very well, and all-around fit right in. Ellie was happily holding a much-desired lollipop in her hand, which is a treat for each of the kids after the lesson is over (and kudos to the teachers for asking me if it was OK before we even started).

Ellie was a little bummed because she didn't have her "tappy shoes" for the first class but instantly perked up when I told her we were going to the store right now to go get them. My secret informant (coworker's daughter) told me outside of class that Ellie did reallly well. She listened, understood, and did ALL of the movements taught that day. Kick ass, little girl!

I tried to coax a few dance moves out of her on Saturday, but stubborn little miss wasn't having any of it. Then Sunday night, before bath, I decided on a different tactic. I stood up and asked Ellie, "Is this first position?" purposely having my feet slightly off. She quickly corrected me, showing me and saying, "No, Mommy, first position is this." Then she showed me some jumps she learned, and then she started spazzing out. BUT she was definitely listening.

She has class every Saturday morning, which will be nice. She's excited, and I'm excited. I hope she continues to enjoy it.

And now for the second newest thing... I give you... current pictures of Miss Ellie in all her dance attire glory! For all my FB friends, this is nothing new, but for the few of you I only know from blogging, this is big. I'm always nervous about posting pictures of Ellie anywhere public, but the reality is that anyone, ANYONE, can snap a picture of my daughter and post it wherever the hell they like. It's been a slow realization for me.

So here she is!