[Nut]

In her new pristine uniform Erin looked beautiful as I dropped her off for her first lesson. Not permitted to watch, I left her with complete strangers who belonged to a world unknown to us. I was terrified, but when the lesson ended Erin bounced from the studio declaring that ballet was her new found love. We should have known then that Rob's prediction wasn't going to come true, but we didn't.

Read the full story HERE.

Feel free to leave comments for Deanne.

I just want to add a correction. The photo was taken by DECCIA Photography. Hopefully the error will be fixed tomorrow. My apologies to DECCIA Photography for the mistake.

[*Spikey*]

Hi Nut,

I'm also a ballet mum. DD 4yo isn't at the serious level, but she adores it. And her teacher. And the piano player. and the Australian Ballet DVDs. I got to peek through the window at DD's first lesson by herself. She had so much fun, her energy and smile was unbelievable.

We've just started growing out the fringe. I guess by the time she's 6yo, and doing the more serious levels, her hair will be appropriate. I wonder if it will be supplanted by other interests later on. Even if it is, I am sure she will have the fondest of memories of her ballet classes, which is all I can really ask!

[darnie]

Hi *Spikey*,

Your DD sounds just like Erin. It is so wonderful to see them so excited and passionate about something, isn't it? I love to watch Erin on open day, with a look of concentration on her face as she tries her best.

I wonder, too, whether Erin will find something else to do further down the track but like you, I will be happy if she has fond memories. At least we'll know then that we gave her the opportunity and she enjoyed it for a while.

Good luck to you and your DD on the ballet journey!

Cheers,
Deanne.

Edited to fix typos.

This post has been edited by darnie: 12/05/2010, 08:52 PM

[lcirving]

Hi darnie,

Fantastic article, really brought me back to my own ballet days.

I did notice that your name wasn't in the Byline, was this an oversight?

Your girls are just beatiful, Erin just looks like a ballerina

[darnie]

Thanks Icirving! I never did ballet myself, so I really don't know what it was like. Thank you re my girls

[roses7]

Thanks for a great story. I freaked when my 3 year old DD fell in love with ballet - I'd only planned for her to do it for a term while we waited for her to be old enough to play sport! I kept waiting for her to fall out of love, but we are into our 3rd term now and there's no sign of it.

I was worried it would be too strict, but in fact she seems to thrive on the structure of it. And my shy little daughter has grown so much in confidence. Ballet was the first activity she ever went to without me and I'm certain it helped to prepare her for preschool this year, which she also loves.

I've decided as long as she's following her dreams and not fulfilling mine, we will all be ok. And how gorgeous do they look in those uniforms!!!?

Btw we obviously share a taste in names - my daughter is Rose Alice

[darnie]

Thank you, roses7. It sounds as though you and I are living similar lives! They do look beautiful in their uniforms. And on stage. And I agree - as long as Erin is happy, we will just embrace it.

Oh, your daughter has a lovely name! I've loved the name Alice for years, but it took two DDs for me to convince DH to use it!

[october19]

Thanks for the insight... i've been a ballet mum for all of two weeks now so at least i have a better idea what i'm in for!!

[mumofparis]

Thankyou for your story.
I found myself nodding my head in agreement.
It bought back memories of my early days.
I have been a ballet mum for over 20 years now (plus other dance styles)
and i am still as excited, and awe, to watch my children on the big stage!

Jo

[Nut]

In regard to the name, it was supposed to be Deannes name. That will be changed shortly.

But for the record, if writers choose not to have their name attached, my name goes there instead. It should not have been the case this time, but that is why you'll often see my name heading the article.