Modern

As a Christmas gift in Kindergarten, my daughter received ballet lessons, ballet shoes, and ballet attire from us. She was so excited to start lessons after Christmas break. And equally as excited when she heard that the big show that year was going to be the performance of Alice in Wonderland. Our little one was bouncing with excitement. This is a photo of her moments before leaving to her first class:
Fast forward four years later and my daughter bounced with excitement when she heard the news that she was invited to join the Modern Dance class starting in September. This has been a short term goal of hers since the moment she saw the big girls dance Modern at her first show. Complete with complicated twists and turns, a combination of ballet and jazz, ultimate flexibility, raw, hip, edgy ... this was the Modern Dance team that she has admired.

By invitation only, my girl did not know if she would be asked to join Modern last week when fall-registration was taking place. Although this was the first year she was eligible, it was not a guarantee. Subtle hints that one "made it" are given by the studio to the students who are determined, motivated, or talented. Hints as in ... an invitation at the moment of registration, but no talk or discussion prior. Our studio does a nice job of counting all students as worthy of performing and doing their best; selecting out the few for the higher track only when it is time and doing so very respectfully and quietly.
If my daughter continues to work hard and stays focused and interested, then she will one day be a big girl dancing Modern at the big show. Her determination has been recognized and she is ready to continue to shine. And the bonus ... her best dance friend was accepted too! There is only one Modern Dance class offered for her age group, so the duo will be together again.

Proud of my bouncing girl and her friend!