Lessons from the ballet <3

Saturday was Caroline’s dance recital. The studio where she receives her lessons has the most delightful recitals. Rather than a series of 2-3 minute dances from each class, they put on an actual ballet. The creative director writes the script and we have said many times we would enjoy it, even if our sweet girl wasn’t one of the dancers. 

But she is. 

And this year she was one of a multitude of spotted puppies in the dance company’s rendition of 101 Dancing Dalmatians. When she was on stage, the puppies danced around in such a dizzying array that trying to “spot” her was like playing the Hat Shuffle Game at a sporting event. 

We would have her in our sights and then another minute she was lost as they performed their movements and tried to escape Cruella’s henchmen. It was just the cutest and we all loved seeing her in her element. And after it was over there was no denying she is well loved whether we followed every chasse or not. 

The week of rehearsals Rachel texted the sad news that the only senior dancer, who not only was Cruella herself but also would be doing her senior dance, had a bad landing and injured her knee. 

This darling girl performed amazingly throughout the evening with a brace on her leg. She still managed many graceful piqué turns and jetés, but her moves were limited. Often she would stand poised in position at the side of the stage while the rest of the ensemble danced for certain numbers. 

We knew this would have been moments where they should have been the background. She should have been featured center stage, but instead she was relegated to the movements she could do or just holding fast as her fellow dancers performed.

And yet she smiled. 

The sweetest and most beautiful smile. 

If she was hurting emotionally or physically, there was not a hint. 

I am sure there were tears, bitter tears, this week. 

But she didn’t let it steal a moment of her last dance. 

What a fabulous example for the little girls who know this young woman and look up to her. 

What an excellent reminder for all of us in this dance of life. 

There are times when the thing we looked forward to, worked for and dreamed of ends up broken. As we embrace the reality of it and carry on, how beautiful it is when we can smile and raise our arms to draw attention to others who are able to do the very thing we hoped to be doing. 

Such grace is inspiring. 

Have a blessed Tuesday as you carry on <3