Dear Dance (A Mama Kat Writing Prompt)

This week, Kat's writing prompt number three asked: Do you love it or hate it? An open letter to your child's latest obsession. I have had my fill of snark lately, which is why I decided not to write an open letter to gaming, which seems bent on stealing every last one of my son's brain cells, or Toddlers and Tiaras, which my daughter loves to watch and I must admit I can hardly tear myself away from when I walk by.

Instead, I am taking a bit of liberty with the prompt and writing an open letter to dance, which has been a part of my daughter's life for a very long time.

Dear Dance,

After I excitedly announced to 3-year-old Tenley that I had signed her up for Junior Gym at preschool, she announced that she had to take ballet, which was a new option at the school. There was no arguing. She was going to take ballet.

Three-year-old Tenley with her first teacher, Miss Christa.

Dance, Tenley's love has roots as ancient as a dinosaur.

Tenley's First Dance Recital

Photo Credit: Active Images

Thanks to you, Tenley is as likely to be listening to "Carnival of the Animals" by Camille Saint-Saëns on her iPod as she is to "Shake That" by LMFAO.

You have given her role models.

Tenley with Amy Lowe, Owner of Performing Arts Center of Tallahassee

And friends galore.

Tenley and Friends

Day of Dance, February 2011

Photo Credit: Bill Lucas

And the thrill of doing what you love (and moving past animal costumes).

June 2011

Photo Credit: Bill Lucas

Admittedly, I still struggle with your expense and any requirement that involves altering costumes. But we will keep working it out.

In her dance program ad this year, I used the quote "Dancing faces you towards Heaven, whichever direction you turn," by Sweetpea Tyler.  Thank you, dance, for pointing Tenley towards Heaven. May she never lose sight of you.

Love,

A grateful mom.