Orla’s Ballet Shoes:
Today for most of the day, I was a chaperone at the big rehearsal for Orla’s Ballet school show, which takes place next month. It was hectic to say the least; little dancers, big dancers, lots of Mums, some Dads, games, excitement and lots of running about, while rehearsals took place on the stage. The show is a pretty big deal, as it is taking place at the Chichester Festival Theatre, and is only staged every two years. There are two performances; a matinee and an evening performance.
Needless to say Luke and I are facing it with a sense of excitement and dread. The disaster of the school Nativity is still fresh in our minds. I am not sure personally how wise it was to schedule two shows, one taking place in the evening, at which many of the dancers are so young, but we shall see.
Still, we are hopeful she will keep it together and there is a Fairy Doll in it for her if she pulls it off. I am happy to say, Orla loves Ballet. She has been going to Ballet school for about a year and a half now, and her enthusiasm shows no sign of waning.
It means a lot to me that she loves it so. I loved, no…adored Ballet as a little girl. I read countless books, drew endless pictures of ballerinas, knew all the moves and positions, knew all about the famous dancers of the day and in the past, all the famous Ballet companies, and occasionally I would go with my friend and watch her class. Sadly, my parents wouldn’t let me do Ballet, why I don’t know. Could have been the money issue (but I doubt it). Who knows. So, I made up my mind that if my little girl wanted to do Ballet, then so she would.
Awww cute. It’s sad isn’t it? As parents we mean well. I so wanted to learn to ride a horse when I was young, in fact I wanted to own a horse but we could never have afforded that, but lessons yes. But I wasn’t allowed….in case I fell off and hurt myself! I know they meant well, but you know I would have bounced! In the end I learned to ride at the grand old age of 40! I never quite got it because by then I was to darned terrified of falling off having been programmed if you like from a young age to fear the pastime.
No, I wasn’t allowed horse riding lessons either, though they were very expensive. But, Ballet was doable I believe. It’s one of the biggest regrets of my life. I so dreamed of being a ballerina. Shame. But, Orla loves it to bits, so we shall see.
I remember you being nervous Rona, especially when you were riding Mully. But, you were a good rider. What have you done with all your kit then? Did that go to Canada with you?