Dear Darling Daughter – Kudos for a Job Well Done in Ballet Class

Last week was an interesting week for both of us.

What parent doesn’t  want more for their child than they had as a kid, it’s only natural and I am no different.

But in my efforts to provide some of these experiences that I did not have, I sometimes worry  that maybe I am  pushing you to do something you really don’t want to do –  like taking ballet.  Many girls,  we took ballet with three years ago have moved on and are taking other types of dance or gymnastics because they did not enjoy taking the class.

This year, I decided to enroll you in the core ballet  class which is much more serious that your previous “frou frou, how cute” we are taking ballet class for the fun of it. The Core Ballet class is definitely stricter than any other extra-curricular class that  you have taken in the past. The teacher makes you sit out if you are goofing off or not listening and she will dock you if you are late to class.

The class is 1 hour and 15 minutes of bar work, practicing all the positions, how to stand, move your head, etc. It’s a lot for 7 year old to focus for that long a period of time.  I don’t think I could focus without yawning or being squiggly.

So it came as a surprise to me when I received the email from the Dance Director telling me that if you and 2 other girls in the class weren’t more focused and did not give your best that you would have to switch classes.

I know you are very social and can be a little goofy because it’s your personality (and will serve you well when you are older)  but given that I have been watching you in class and did not see what the teacher was seeing, I shot back an email saying that you were engaged and I was just not seeing  what they were seeing. Thank me later for standing up for you.

The director did follow up with the teacher and acknowledged that you were more focused than the other girls but you still needed to work on your listening skills.

After telling a friend the story, they asked me if taking ballet was more about me than you. I thought about this and the answer  is yes and no. I want you take ballet for various reasons, 1) the class allows you to see your pre-school BFF whom you never see, 2) provides you with an outlet for your creative expression and 3)  taking part in ballet provides you with long-term life skills like teambuilding, being focused and goal oriented.

Of course, I did wonder if you were you taking the class because you knew it would make me happy.

But when I told you what the teacher and Dance Director said, you were very upset and disagreed that you were not focused. I asked you the all important question, “do you want to take ballet?” And your response was a confident and resounding, “yes.”

So, the next class you were just amazing, focused, looking straight ahead, watching the teacher intently, listening, and never looking  at the other girls. Bounding out of class, you could not wait to tell me  that the teacher said you were really focused and an example for the other girls. You were truly positively beaming.

I am proud of your commitment to the class and for me I am happy you are doing this for you not me.

Love Mommy