This winter, we entered the world of Kids' Saturday Morning Classes with a ballet class for Frances. We liked having one day a week completely unscheduled (church and Sunday school clutter up Sunday), but we thought Frances might really enjoy ballet and I'd heard good things about this dance program. I use the words "dance program" loosely. The first class in particular more closely resembled herding cats. One little girl spent most of the "class" standing in front of the mirrors yelling, "I have legs!" I laughed 'til I cried, but wasn't favorably impressed.
Gradually, the kinks were ironed out; a vague sense of order was established. I think for Frances, it is mostly an excuse to dress in pink. But I like to think it's a good way for her to enjoy using her long, skinny self. There's lots of prancing around.
There's a little barre work. Picture a barre class at the New York City Ballet. This is not that. Every time the barre is brought out, the girls are reminded not to put their faces on the barre. Frances's little friend Kealakai is to her right. Keala is a big plus for the class.
Frances is demonstrating a classic ballet move called la nouille humide, or the wet noodle.
I think the props are the most fun. Lots of scarves and streamers and hula hoops.
Maybe the best part for Frances? At the end of every class they get a really high class stamp on their hands. Big excitement.
Ah, well. Frances enjoys it. And Keala's mother, who knows more about dancing than I do, says Frances has really developed some poise over the course of the class. So we'll keep it up, though Frances did tell me this morning that she wants a Freisian and I'm not sure if the ballerina and equestrian musculature are compatible. She said good ol' dad could build a "wooden" (I think she meant "barn"). Mark, get out your hammer!
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