Thursday, August 30, 2007

The Ballerina Gymnast

Today Nicole had her first class at The Little Gym. Because Nicole so so so so wanted to take gymnastics we opted to leave the Christian organization where she took ballet last year. They just opened a new Little Gym place nearby and they offer a combination gym and dance class for her age. I was sure this would be perfect. She was supposed to attend on Tuesday evening, but because of her throwing up instance we had to reschedule.


She had an absolutely wonderful time! I know she enjoyed ballet last year. I enjoyed it because I felt like this was the "real deal" - real ballet instruction, that is. And I loved that it is Christian. She learned a lot and I liked how they enforced an attitude of respect, discipline and good behavior (Nicole always did all three). But today I caught a glimpse of a joy and lightheartedness in her face as she flitted across the dance floor and bounced through the gym. It was a delight! She exclaimed as we all walked to the van, "I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE that class!" I never heard that before. I think there is definitely a need for the other more serious ballet instruction and someday she may be ready for that, but today made me realize that she needs the instruction, but she also needs the fun element as well.


Money well spent!


Now we just need to spend a few more dollars on some much larger ballet and tap shoes. How did her feet grow that much in one year??????

5 comments:

He who wears the most black wins. said...

SO sweet!!!!

Ella wants to begin ballet. Is 3 1/2 too young? Is there going to be backlash on that whole "body consciousness" part? Am I overreacting? I am so afraid about it and yet, I see girls, like Nicole, just thriving in it. What do you think?

mom-in-training said...

How fun!!! I am so glad Nicole had such a good time. I really like the Little Gym. It is such a relaxed atmosphere for them to just have fun in. I have a feeling I too will someday struggle with my desire for Amy to take serious ballet instruction and she'll be more interested in a place like Little Gym. But thankfully, they ARE young and they should be having fun. It will still teach them the basics that will prepare them for more serious instruction should they want to go that route (and hopefully they will :) ).

Crafty Mom said...

YAY Nicole! Katie is still at a fairly professional ballet school, but I would prefer she get better instruction in classical ballet.

For now she gets to have fun with good instructors and she gets to perform in the nutcracker this year plus her end of year recital.

And the gymnastics thing is just pure fun for little girls.

Melissa said...

How fun! And how wonderful for Nicole! I'm so glad she's having such a good time...that's how it's supposed to be! Caitlyn had her first ballet/tap class yesterday and she loved it! :)

Jill said...

I better check into the Little Gym. Sounds like Melissa had a good experience with it as well. It may have to be a winter thing, though. We try to just do one activity a season, and Aslynn is doing soccer this fall.
I've been trying to catch up on all of your entries. Love all the photos and first day of school news. I especially love the six month photos of Michael. What a cheerful little guy!! Adorable.