Dancing queen

Today was a milestone in the Tatum house. The day your kid starts organized scheduled activities is a day you realize they are getting big. Hannah has always enjoyed having 'dance parties' or putting on her tutus and pretending to be a ballerina. Well now that she is three we asked if she wanted to try a dance class and she said 'Yes.' Enter very excited mommy! I can see now how easy it is for parents to live through their kids. I totally admit I was right there. I'm sure Tim will feel the same way the first time Jack takes the baseball field. I had a long talk with her about to expect because she gets anxiety about new things. I told her just to have fun and that if she didn't have fun we wouldn't go back (but I was really really hoping she would like it). This was a trial class since she is so little so they told me just to have her come in socks and play clothes, but seriously not going to happen. We went out a few days ago and got the stuff. Hannah had fun picking things out and trying on shoes. This morning she was ready to go. She wanted to get dressed hours before the class even started. I didn't want to stifle the excitement so I got her ready. Then I cried. Yep I cried. She looked so cute and all the memories of my childhood came flooding back. It makes me realize just how fast she is growing up. Dance was such a huge part of my life. I pretty much lived in the studio from right after school to late at night. My mom drove me to LA on weekends to get the best training and I even lived out of state during the summer to train with the best. I made some of closest friends through dance, learned poise, confidence and made lasting memories. Hannah doesn't have to dance, but I do hope she finds something in life that she is passionate about and enjoys. So anyway, we get her dressed. She even has the smallest pair of ABT Ballet shoes which probably means nothing to just about everyone reading this except my mom who knows 18 years ago I danced professionally for ABT and now full circle my little one is dancing in their shoes. She looked so cute (did I say that already? Sorry). Well, getting her dressed too early back fired. After waiting around about an hour, the tights were too itchy and the shoes were too tight. Seriously? There was a moment I thought we were backing out completely, but then in true Hannah form she rallied and we were off. There were four girls in the class. One is three years old and two are four years old. The three other girls have been at the studio for a year already. 30 minutes is ballet and then 15 minutes of tap. The moms get to watch from a little window. Luckily all the moms were really friendly and easy to talk to. Their daughters were really nice to Hannah too which is good for her. Her teacher Ms. Sean is super nice too. Hannah went right in and did awesome. She followed directions and stayed with the group. I could tell she was trying hard. I loved seeing her laughing and having fun. Sounds dumb but I was proud. Hannah said her favorite part was when they reached for their toes and the teacher let them shout "Stinky feet." I did mention that ballet teaches poise right? I could tell she liked it because she was right in there with the group running around and smiling. When she was done I asked her if she wanted to go back and she said yes. I'm glad she had fun and is growing up to be a beautiful mature little thing. I know she may change her mind at anytime, I expect that from a three year old, but for now we have a little dancer!







Okay, so I'll those times, I've heard Hannah is tall. What the heck...look how small she looks. The blond is three also. Hannah was so little compared to the others.