“Dancing with the feet is one thing, dancing with the heart is another.”
If you see Sedona dance, you will agree that she dances with her heart…a heart full of innocent fire, a heart that feels each note and expressed through her unconstrained energy, and a heart that delights in the transparent joy of performing. Her smile from ear to ear from the moment she steps on that stage until she exits back to the wing is enthralling.
This year, she took Ballroom Dancing and Jazz. Just like any 7- year olds, at times she would attempt to put up a fight to not go to her lessons but once she’s there, she’s swiftly engaged.
Who knows what part dance will play in her life in the future, all I know is presently she dances with the song of wide-eyed bliss while yesterday she danced with the edge of her dizzying child-like fantasy. Like the song says:
“…when you get a choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance, I hope you dance.”
May 15, 2010 was Sedona’s first dance recital with Center Stage. Rehearsals ran the entire day and between her and Savannah’s classes, they had less than two hours to head back to the theater for the actual performance. And in between numbers, a photo shoot was done in the lobby. It was frantic to say the least.
But Sedona didn’t mind a bit…she loved the costumes, make-up, lights and the organized chaos of show production. Her amusing smiles say it all…
I missed the actual performances in the show because I had to babysit Xander (Lea had a gig) but I was there at the rehearsals. I loved it and I was so proud of our dancers, they maybe a novice in techniques, but they are seasoned performers in attitude and approach. Bravo!
Rehearsal Snapshots:
Four boys in the class...we had to take turn dancing with them. Can't wait to have my very own Ballroom partner!
Jive requires real zing in our steps!
Can't wipe off the smiles in my face...I'm having too much fun!
How's that for a final pose? Taa-daa!
Showtime:
Partnering in action!
Jive in my fancy steps!
Big surprise at the end...that's me doing a round-off!
Savannah also took Ballroom and Jazz. Her teacher was not able to make it at the rehearsals which made her class miss the photoshoot! Savannah has the natural grace of a dancer. She just needs to get over a little bit of her stage fright. Her goal is to be in a Dance Company someday…I’m betting on that!
Blessed with two daughters of my own, I had plenty of opportunities for girly stuff…frilly dresses with layered petticoats and big bows, socks with ruffled laces worn with shiny Mary Janes, curly pig tails and sausage curls, Holly Hobbies and Strawberry shortcakes, soft teddy bears from fluffy clouds and magical rainbows, purple little people that call themselves smurfs and many other things and activities only girls share. But those days are long gone. From borrowed words:”Grandchildren are God’s way of compensating our old age.”
Now, I have five granddaughters to share girly moments with. It may be a different time with a new breed of independent little girls but it’s the same affair of the hearts.
Mama's Tea Party just because...
Welcome to Mama's Tea Party! Menu: heart shaped open face finger sandwich with smoked salmon & cream cheese; square cucumber & cream cheese sandwich; triangle egg salad sandwich; Cookies; Fruits; TEA: chamomile, citrus,raspberry
So, while Kailee and Keira are here visiting from Virginia, (staying at our house on Thursdays & Fridays) I thought it would be fun to have a special tea time with all my granddaughters. I used to do it often with Sierra, Savannah and Sedona and those were the most memorable cherished bonding moments.
It all begun by letting them choose the teapot from my collection. With their fickle minds and inexperienced negotiating skills, a compromised was ultimately reached. Then came the decision of picking from my accessories…I had to use some gentle persuasions for more compromise.
With infectious unrestrained giggles, innocent sweet conversations, unforgettable twinkle in everyone’s eyes, thoughtful expressions of gratitude, tiny sparks of teaching moments and insatiable appetites, our hearts connected in the most girly way that surpasses that of the provisional plight of an earthly stay but with the hopeful assurance that this is forever.
Sierra is MIA (she's at Youth Conference) middle front: Keira; L to R: Sedona, Kailee, Mama, Savannah
One for posterity...beautiful!
Mama showing the girls how to pour the tea...
Sedona doing a splendid job with her Citrus Tea...
"How did I do, Mama?" Excellent and elegant!
Sedona showing off what to do with the pinkie!
Kailee's turn - her choice of tea...citrus tea!
Kailee likes her tea with lemon and honey...
lovely cousins
"We're ready to start...those finger sandwiches are calling our names!"
"This is so much fun!"
Savannah is a real trouper...she still played dressed up with the girls and helped me prepare the teapots. Such a sweet and nurturing girl!
