A has been going to ballet every Friday for three years, growing out of a pair of ballet shoes five times and two uniforms. She has learnt to skip and hold her skirt out prettily, smile when doing first position and and point her toes beautifully. But today she has decided no more and I think I know why. I think she has realised that she is not very good at ballet. Of course I think she is wonderful and delight in her elephant jumps and uncoordinated movements, it makes me giggle when she is skipping to the right and the whole class is gracefully skipping to the left, it used to make her laugh too. Today, she didn't laugh and I guess she has grown up a little, the wilful abandoness of a toddler has gone and she has started to understand the meaning of competitiveness, of not being good at something and possibly of embarrassment. And if these things make ballet unenjoyable then goodbye ballet it is.
I feel sad about this. Not about ballet, I have to admit to being a complete heathen where ballet is concerned, but that she is starting to understand that life is no picnic or some other such cliche.
Ah, this is a tough one for children to learn. Mine have been through them all....ballet, modern dance, piano, guitar....and the list goes on! Eventually they realise that they were probably never cut out for such things. What's next for A?!
ReplyDeletePS Are you on twitter? It's easier to follow blogs that way, I find.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne, I am finally on twitter @sussex_mama
DeleteSarah
Hi Suzanne, who knows? maybe gymnastics for fun. I don't see any point in going through the grades and badges unless the children want to. I am on twitter but not as Sussex Mama. I must do that. You could always subscribe by email if you like?! Do you have a blog?
ReplyDeleteAh - but good that she could make the decision herself. Life is so hard when you're 6 and realising all these things. My 6yr old had a bit of a moment in the swimming pool yesterday - although she's not about to get out of swimming (too important - don't care if she's any good, she just needs to be able to keep herself afloat!).
ReplyDeletep.s. was going to 'tag' you in a 'meme' when I get round to writing my post. Are you up for it? Let me know if not...
DeleteAbsolutely, swimming an entirely different thing!
ReplyDeleteYes, I would be up for a meme, will find out what it is and Im sure it will be fun. So new to all this, quite astounded that people are enjoying my little ole life, was only meant as a diary replacement but getting much more enjoyment this way. Thanks Recipe Junkie!
I know what you mean - it's addictive isn't it! I should have said, it's very easy, the meme. I was tagged by Single Married Mum, so you can look at what she did - http://patchworkparent.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/eleven.html
Deletebasically, I've got to write a post answering her 11 questions, make up my own 11 questions and then tag 11 people, who then have to do the same etc. I'll let you know when I have done my post.