READY AND WAITING FOR CLASS DANCE

When I spoke to the dance teacher she told me that she'd invoiced me after several weeks when she felt that Alice was settled and ready to make a commitment. It didn't surprise me when Alice was given the invoice at the end of her second lesson. This week's lesson was another great success, Alice adores it. With the invoice comes the 'opportunity' to purchase the dance school uniform - blue leotard and skirt, pink cross over cardi, tights and leather ballet shoes (with elastic to sew in, joy!)

We tried various bits on while choosing them, but not the whole outfit until this evening, just like 'Class Dance' Alice loves it and was happy to pose and pirouette for me, now she's anxious for it to be time for Class dance again.

Yet again I can't ignore how quickly she's growing up, wow!

MY DANCING QUEEN

At Alice's school (just like at mine) they use stickers to reinforce good behaviours. Stickers are a great incentive . . . but badges are better! I got to school this afternoon and the senior (I presume) teacher was very keen for Alice to show me her achievement - a BADGE, for listening and working really hard in Dance class! She was pleased with herself (but not hugely), I heaped on the praise and she earned a lollipop (huge treat) too - hence the smile.

(It should also be noted that the photo draught on the blog has probably ended - I bought a new, grown up camera today! I took nearly 300 photos in the first 90 minutes home, Alice is happier as it has a more effective no flash mode!)

CLASS DANCE

At Alice's first Parents' Consultation last term I found out that she really enjoyed dance lessons at nursery - a complete surprise, I didn't know they had a special dance session, let alone that Alice loved it and tries really hard to follow instructions (I wish that were the case elsewhere!)

I already knew of a dance teacher locally, Alice could have started once she was 3 but I decided to delay her starting until she showed some interest! I talked her through what would happen several times and she was really looking forward to 'Class Dance'. When she woke up on the morning she asked me if I'd made her a special lunch, I couldn't understand the question - until I realised that she had thought that the class was a full day like nursery!

As she's trying it out for now she doesn't yet have a uniform, she wore leggings and a jersey top with nothing on her feet. She went in without hesitation and came out with feet like ice blocks and a huge grin - she loved it and can't wait to go again this week.