Grace's Dance Recital 2018

Grace had her dance recital on May 1 at Rudder Auditorium for Expressions Dance Studio. Just a few days before, she had her first ever moment during class where something embarrassed her and now she was talking about being nervous to dance. Honestly, I've been so impressed she goes up on that big stage to dance for the past two years because I would be terrified. But, she always enjoys it. But, I also knew if she decided she couldn't do it, she wouldn't and I would be so sad to not see her and sad for her not to perform. She was scheduled to dance after intermission this year, so it would be a long night and we decided to get a sitter for Everly and Atticus decided to stay with her. It was fun to have a Grace only night. We arrived, got seated, and just kept acting like all was normal. She was happy for the dancing to start and she liked watching them all. At intermission, I took her back and all was well...and then I had to leave her backstage with her teacher. The scared face came on and I had to do what is always hard and just walk away. Another teacher loved on her and I slipped out and prayed that she wouldn't cry on stage.

So, her first dance came on and she came out and did her dance, but would refuse to smile. And while she knew these dances front and back, she would look at her teacher on the side constantly instead of looking at the crowd. She didn't cry, but I thought she looked so unhappy. The second dance, she came out and refused to smile and again, I worried, but was so glad when they were done! Then, she stayed with her class a little bit longer so they could come out at the end to bow with all of the dancers in the studio. Then, I picked her up. WELL! She was so happy and told me "See Mom? I told you I was a professional dancer!" and didn't act like she ever frowned during her performances or had any problems with it. She was as happy as she could be! Goodness! I am glad she felt that way, but it was confusing to watch!

She was precious though and I love seeing her dance! Here's some photos from the night.

 She is always interested in watching the other dancers.

 Oh my pretty little girl! We were waiting to go backstage at our exact time to drop her off.

 Here she was backstage right before I told her I was going back out....I didn't take a picture of the sad face!

 They performed their ballet routine to Toy Story's "You've Got a Friend in Me".

 They performed their tap routine to The Little Mermaid's "Under the Sea".

This was during the last bow!

 My Timehop popped up a couple of days later and I thought it was so crazy how much she has grown up!

 And just because - here is her class picture!

I originally planned to take her Kindergarten year off from dance because I knew it would be an afternoon class and I really want her to just get used to school. But, she has talked so much about "Mini Pom" - which is the next class her teacher recommended, that I decided to sign her up. So, we will see how it goes this fall!