Dancing Queen

Emma rehearsed this past Friday for 4 hours for her recital which is May 18th.  She is in 4 different classes which includes ballet and jazz technique classes along with competition jazz and a tap class.  I am so happy she loves it but I am just exhausted running her from place to place and watching her dance.  It is great exercise and discipline for her.    

Growing up, my parents could not afford too many activities for me.  I tried a little gymnastics, cheerleading and even played the clarinet for a few years.  When my parents divorced, all of them were stopped.  I want my kids to experience many different activities to be more of a well-rounded child.  I am so lucky that my husband and I were able to save money for me to quit my job to be with my kids and to experience all these fun things.  

So...with that said, I hope NOT to become one of those "Dance Mom's" and let my child decide for herself and not pressure her to be perfect.  Yes, it is very hard work and if she wants to continue, she has to put in the time and effort.  Emma has the drive and so far, still loves all the classes, rehearsals, community events, and shows.  

Now I have Ethan who will probably want to participate in some kind of sport soon.  He is already talking about soccer, karate and basketball.  Currently he just takes swimming lessons at the community center and loves it.  

I am happy to wear the "dance mom" hat or the "soccer mom" hat anytime.  These things go by so fast and I do not want to blink and see my kids are graduating high school.  I am going to slow down and watch them grow as much as I can before they are taller than me.  

Here are some pictures of our little dancer...