Somedays You Just Want To Dance

I love those parenting moments when you realize something big. Those Ah-ha! moments.

This weekend Olivia had a dance recital. She has been in dance before...but this was like nothing I had ever seen. I was amazed at the costume changes, dances and the poise that the young girls demonstrated on stage. I was amazed, and not ashamed to admit that I cried. Watching my baby made me more proud than I have ever been.

Over the past year I watched Olivia grow in ways I never thought possible. She learned so many amazing things...at the same time teaching ME things.

Since she is my first child, I often feel like I am learning right along with her. Teaching her lessons as I am working on myself, too. It's often a fine line. I sure wish parenting came with a manual.

 

This past year at dance has really helped mold Olivia into a very different child. Though it may not be so obvious at first glance...I am so excited to see what her future holds. As I watched her today, I realized a few things. Things she has learned...will continue to work on...things that I could have never taught her by myself.

Life lessons learned through the eyes of tiny ballerinas...

 

Being part of a group taught Olivia about teamwork. Do you think that doing a group project is difficult? It sure can be! But try matching the angles of your legs with 25 other people on stage all while changing formations, positions and being totally exhausted. Dancing with other people forces you to give and take...adapt. I learned years ago that sticking together as a team even when things get tough can be some of the hardest, yet best lessons in life. Being a dancer truly teaches you to be a team player... to think about others in a situation rather than just yourself.

Dance has taught her responsibility. I expected Olivia to attend dance. I expected Olivia to practice. She was responsible over something that she was so VERY passionate about. It felt good to know she not only wanted to make herself proud, but her teachers and ME!! Dance taught her a lot about discipline, dedication, and perseverance.

When you live in a house mostly filled with boys, the need for female friends is very important! Dance served as a form of expression I when she had no other outlet. Playing Just Dance on the Wii wasn't cutting it anymore. Dance is a silent language that often speaks more than words ever could.

Dance also enabled her to spend time with some of the best friends she could ever ask for! One of the greatest gifts she received was the people that it brought to her life.

 

I know that as a woman, I have struggled with positive self image. As I watched Olivia on stage I saw her shine. I saw her filled with a sense of pride. While this will probably be an ongoing lesson, I know the feeling when you think that someone is better than you, skinnier than you, prettier than you, and more experienced than you. In the end, you have to learn to accept who you are and learn that where you are at is okay...because you’re doing the best you can do. This can be applied to many situations in life as well like with school, family, and even work. You’re not always going to be the best, but as long as you love yourself and accept yourself for who you truly are, you will live a happy and prosperous life. Yes. This is for sure an ongoing lesson. Even at 33 I struggle some days.

I am amazed. By the teachers, the costumes, the dances...but most importantly the beautiful dancers that captivated me each time I watched them. As I sat in the audience, eyes wide and ready for the next dance, I thought about those life lessons. I sure wish I would have been a dancer...but for now, my kids will just have to put up with me busting a move to "Baby Got Back". Don't worry...they love it when I embarrass them. Just ask.

 

I encourage all of you to turn on your favorite song...dance...and enjoy life like these sweet children did this weekend. Enjoy each step along the way...it's magical.

XOXOXO