Ballerina Rhys

Rhys started ballet and tap classes with Kinderdance in January.  She had been asking forever to "do ballerina class" so I was excited to get her started.  We had to go shopping for her pink leotard, tutu, tights, and dance shoes.  Here is she modeling the night before her first class.

I was a little nervous for her, because Rhys has a tendency to be very shy in new environments.  And, when Tim and I are not around, she usually has Rhett with her and that has always been a big help.  The dance classes were set up so that the parents sit in a waiting room, and only the girls and instructors are in the dance studio.  I was not sure how she was going to like that part of it.

And, as expected, the first day was a little rough.  She cried.  She actually screamed.  For a while. And then the teacher came and got me and had me come in and sit against the wall.  Rhys sat in my lap and would not move.  She watched intently, but did not want to participate.

The following week, when we got to dance class, she gave me a hug and ran in the room to the studio.  And she has been doing great ever since!

It was always hard to watch the girls during class because we could only peek in through a tiny little window on the door.  I was able to snap this pic of Rhys during class one day.

In May the girls had their first recital.  It was seriously adorable.  I highly recommend Kinderdance for the way they organize their classes and recitals.  It was low stress, and so much fun for the kids.

Here is our pre-recital prep.  Gotta get that ballerina bun just right!

Aunt Caydee has some serious pony tail skills.

Adding the tiara--Rhys' favorite part!

Rhett & Ana playing while the ballerina gets ready.

Again, knowing Rhys' personality, we did not put any pressure on her to participate in the recital, and to be honest, I wasn't sure she was even going to get on the stage.  We got there and she did just great!  We were so proud of her.

Rhys with her teacher, Miss Brittany.

I'm pretty sure Rhys had more people in the audience than any other dancer. Thanks to all of our wonderful family for coming to support Rhys.

Uncle Mike & Erin

Sean, Caydee & Ana

Rhett LOVED watching Rhys and was very excited to give her a bouquet of flowers after she finished.  He said she looked "beautiful!"

Sugar

Bdad & Gram

What a fun year we had in dance!  Rhys will continue with Kinderdance this fall.  We are proud of the way she grew, both in skill and in her confidence through dance class.  We sure do love our little ballerina Rhys!