Open Day @ Ballet

Growing up with an older brother and street full of boys left no time for girlie stuff like dresses, ballet  or netball. In fact I tended to shy away from anything remotely girlie. So I was surprised when at the tender age of three, that Ella only wanted to wear dresses or skirts that were pink and twirly. And also at Susie's 40th when Katy, as a nearly three year old, first demonstrated her natural rhythm on the dance floor. This has all lead to where we are today (or actually a few weeks ago) - ballet open day!

Now I'm still learning all the rules and etiquette of ballet but I can't think of any other sport or activity where you are not allowed to watch your child. I mean I'm not really complaining as I do get to chat with friends. As a result for this lack of observation of said child's involvement and progress, the ballet school for one lesson each term encourages parents, grandparents, siblings or whoever....to come along.

Katy's lesson is first with 6 other girls including Mira. Led by Miss Kristina, the girls are encouraged to be creative and expressive through exploration of body movement and interpretation of music. They completed moves like tap the fairy and role play such as going ice skating. It was lovely to see how engaged Katy was in the class.

I missed the first 15 mins of Ella's class (as Katy's class overlaps), but was instantly taken by the significant contrast between the two. Where Katy's lesson is relaxed and creative, Ella's is formal and disciplined! Instructed by Miss Lorraine, the students are arranged in evenly spaced rows, with set positions/sequences being practices, repeated and mastered. Miss Lorraine, the Director of the school is a wonderful teacher who has very high expectations of the students delivered in a firm but positive manner and embellished with a sense of humour. In watching Ella's lesson I realise how great these lessons will be to develop her patience, self awareness, concentration, self control and discipline.

Both girls are loving ballet so much that we have signed up for another term! Now just waiting for Velvet Grounds to finally open!!