She {still} loves to dance

I took Molly to the Nutcracker last month. She had been wanting to go since last Christmas so I decided she was old enough to go this year. I didn't know how she would do, considering the performance has no talking, only music and dance. But she really enjoyed it and asked about a million questions during it. Good thing it was a family-friendly show! After the show she became obsessed with anything to do with The Nutcracker...we found a Barbie Nutcracker movie at the library and I dug out my old Nutcracker CD. She likes to dress all in pink, pretend to be Clara, and dance around the house.

Another huge milestone was her very first dance recital. I honestly didn't know how she would do, since she really doesn't like performing in front of people (let's just say the Primary Program did not go well). She seemed excited though and had been prepped plenty by her dance teachers and her mom and dad! The dress rehearsal went well and she was so proud of herself that night. Here she is with the rest of her class...The following night was the night of the show. Molly had lots of support in the audience...Justin, Stockton, and me, plus Grandma and Grandpa Goodrich, Grandma and Grandpa Moyes, Chloe and Abby. I got her all ready and then took her to the dressing room where she would hang out before and between her two numbers. I didn't really want to just leave her there but she assured me she would be fine so I left to watch the other dancers. Pretty soon it was her turn. I don't know if she felt nervous at all, but I was extremely anxious. I just wanted her to get out there and have fun and not freeze up. I knew she would be so disappointed if she didn't do her best. Well she made us proud...she got up on that stage and danced her heart out. It was very fun to watch.

She seriously smiled the whole time (and did something weird with her tongue).

The best part of the night? At the end of her second dance, they turned the lights off and all the little girls were being ushered off the stage. Everyone was cheering and shouting out names (we were no exception) and Molly stayed up there on stage, holding on to her skirt and just smiling, soaking it all in. She was the last one to leave and only after her teacher came back to get her.

I was relieved and so happy to see her having so much fun. She insisted on staying until the end when all the dancers got to go back on stage for the finale. I guess we have a little performer on our hands!For me it was a bittersweet night. Sweet, because I was so happy for her and proud of her accomplishments. She also felt very proud of herself-it was a huge boost of confidence for her. Bitter, because she really didn't need her mommy at all. She made new friends in the dressing room and hardly noticed when I came to get her. She is growing up and while I want her to have new experiences, branch out on her own, and gain self-confidence, I'm not sure how I feel about it happening so soon!